The set of terms below were proposed in 1949 by AB Bookman's Weekly. They were adopted by the book selling community and are still in use today.

• As new means that the book is in the state that it should have been in when it left the publisher. This is the equivalent of mint condition in numismatics.
• Fine (F or FN) is "as new" but allowing for the normal effects of time on an unused book that has been protected. A fine book shows no damage.
• Very good (VG) describes a book that is worn but not torn. For many collectors this is the minimum acceptable condition for all but the rarest items. Any defects must be noted.
• Good (G) describes the condition of an average used worn book that is complete. Any defects must be noted.
• Fair shows wear and tear but all the text pages and illustrations or maps are present. It may lack endpapers, half-title, and even the title page. All defects must be noted.
• Poor describes a book that has the complete text but is so damaged that it is only of interest to a buyer who seeks a reading copy. If the damage renders the text illegible then the book is not even poor.
• Ex-library copies must always be designated as such no matter what the condition of the book.
• Book club copies must always be designated as such no matter what the condition of the book.
• Binding copy describes a book in which the pages or leaves are perfect, but the binding is very bad, loose, off, or non-existent.