We add the “Condition” characteristic to bouquiniste editions, antique and used books. This characteristic helps to understand the book condition.
On Ozon, we divide book editions into categories:
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Antique editions: books published before 1941;
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Bouquiniste editions: books published from 1942 to 2010;
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Used books: books published from 2011 that were in use.
Antique editions #
“Excellent” condition #
The edition is preserved in excellent condition: the pages, cover, binding, and book block aren’t damaged and don’t have visible signs of use.
The edition contains a complete set of illustrations, engravings, or maps, if there’s any.
“Very good” condition #
The edition has minor imperfections: slightly faded binding, yellowed pages, slightly damaged book block, scuff marks on the binding or cover.
“Good” condition #
The edition may have noticeable imperfections: yellowed pages, faded binding, noticeable scuff marks on the cover, damaged book block and binding.
Book editions of the 16-18 centuries are categorized as good condition, even if they’re visibly damaged. These books are more valuable due to their older age.
We can assess the condition of the binding and the book block differently. For example, the book’s binding can be in a satisfactory condition, and its book block can be well preserved. In this case, the book condition is assessed as good. We mention the satisfactory condition of the binding in the description.
“Satisfactory” condition #
The edition has yellowed pages and cover, faded binding, damaged or torn pages, cracked or lost binding fragments. There may be lost pieces of pages that don’t contain text and illustrations, the attachment between the elements inside the book block may be damaged. Restoration work is required. We try to sell as few of these books as possible.
Editions in a below satisfactory condition aren’t sold on Ozon.
Characteristics of such books:
- irreversible changes of the book block and binding;
- significantly damaged pages, book block, and binding:
- book block is loosely attached to the binding spine and covers, or its parts aren’t holding up well;
- lost pieces of pages or full pages that contain text or illustrations;
- the edition is affected by mold or fungus.
Bouquiniste editions #
The description of bouquiniste editions on the website may slightly vary from those actually delivered, if:
- the difference in the publication year is up to three years;
- the color of the book cover or font is different, but the book content, its design, and output are completely the same.
“Excellent” condition #
The edition has no damage or signs of use, and is in a condition of a new book.
“Good” condition #
The edition has:
- noticeable scuff marks;
- sligtly damaged book block and binding;
- small age stains;
- yellowed pages;
- inscriptions.
Editions in a below good condition aren’t sold on Ozon.
Such books may have:
- underscored text;
- bumped corners;
- various defects of the covers;
- traces of moisture on the covers;
- creased covers.
Used books #
“Excellent” condition #
The edition has no damage, signs of use, and is in a condition of a new book.
“Good” condition #
The edition has noticeable scuff marks, slightly damaged book block and binding, small age stains. It may have yellowed pages. Publications may contain inscriptions.
Editions in a below good condition aren’t sold on Ozon.