Book Images

Many of our book listings have an image upon request button.  We are always willing to scan/photograph any book and send you the image. Just email us your request for image(s). As books are being added to the website, they are being scanned. If the image with a book is one we scanned (the actual book for sale), it will be identified as such. All collectibles and clothing items use the image of the actual item we have listed for sale.

Clean, used books

Why do we say clean, used books as a catch phrase? Because it is true! ALL of our books are cleaned prior to being listed for sale. We remove stickers (and the goo left behind), and remove library call tags and mylar on ex-library books. Any book issues (such as stains or stickers that cannot be removed) will be noted in our detailed book descriptions. It takes extra time, but our customers deserve clean, used books!

For many years, the grading system defined by AB Bookman (now sadly defunct) was the standard in the antiquarian book trade. IOBA's standards, listed below, do not fundamentally differ from those standards though they have been expanded upon, and defined a bit more specifically.

(Condition normally shown as __/__, i.e., F/F, denoting first book & then dustjacket condition)

AS NEW (AN) or VERY FINE (VF) or MINT (M): Without faults or defects, unread, in the same immaculate condition in which it was published (Note: very few "new" books qualify for this grade, as many times there will be rubs/scuffs to the dustjackets from shipping, or bumped lower spine ends/corners from shelving).

FINE (F): Approaches the above, but not crisp. May have been carefully read and dustjacket may have been slightly rubbed or spine ends slightly bumped from shelving/shipping, but no real defects or faults.

(NOTE: From here on, there may be "+" and "-" in a grade, which will mean that it is above the grade noted but not quite to the next higher grade for "+", and that it is below the grade noted but not quite to the next lower grade for "-".

NEAR FINE: Also used, although not contained in Bookman's Weekly definitions, meaning a book or dustjacket approaching FINE but with a couple of very minor defects or faults.

VERY GOOD: A used book showing some small signs of wear on either binding or dustjacket. Any defects/faults must be noted.

GOOD: The average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.

FAIR: A worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title page, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, dustjacket, etc. may also be worn. All defects/faults must be noted.

POOR or READING COPY: A book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. May be soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted, and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc.

EX-LIBRARY: Must always be designated as such no matter what the condition of the book.

BOOK CLUB: Must always be noted as such no matter what the condition of the book.

BINDING COPY: A book in which the pages or leaves are perfect but the binding is very bad, loose, off, or non-existent.

Always, if issued with one, the lack of a dustjacket or slipcase should be noted.

Copyright 2000 by Independent Online Booksellers Association

eBay Auctions

We don't always have items listed for sale at eBay.  Unusual books, book lots, ephemera, collectibles and clothing items are listed as we run across them and have time to list auctions.

Here is a link to our eBay auctions.  (Hit the back button on your browser to return to our site) You can read our current feedback and will see that we ship quickly,  and professionally package your purchases.

Other Sales Venues

We do sell at other online fixed price venues, but you will get discounts & shipping breaks if you buy directly from our website.  You will pay less when you make your purchase from our website, and still receive assured satisfaction on your purchase.

You can check our current Amazon Feedback for yourself and see how we are doing. (Hit the back button on your browser to return to our site)

Recycling

You can recycle usable bubble wrap. Bring it to us. We will re-use it. We also use/recycle corrugated cardboard, aka b-flute. Usually furniture stores have b-flute, mirrors, etc are delivered wrapped in it.

Special Sales & Discounts. In addition to this website, Sales, Promotions & Discounts are advertised at NRVNews, Craigslist, Merchant Circle, Facebook Fan Page, and sometimes written on our retail store windows in Glass Chalk. With all the links below, Hit the back button on your browser to return to our site

Our NRVNews classifieds link: 

NRVNews

Type in 11 Giles Bookstore in search box at Craigslist to see our ads

Blacksburg Craigslist

Click on the Merchant Circle link below to see our listing there

Merchant Circle

Follow us at Facebook and you will among the first to know about special sales, discounts, promotions and other store happenings. Click the link on the left side of this page to become a Fan of 11 Giles Bookstore. Or click the link below to go to Facebook and become our fan. (Did we mention that Facebook fans have a discount for any purchase amount? Check it out!)

Facebook