glossary of terms and abbreviations used
4to
|
large size books i.e. 11"x9" |
Good
|
(G)like school reports', "could do better": for
books = below average |
8vo
|
standard size, around 8"x6" or up to 10" |
hbk
|
hardback, hardcover, usually cloth boards, rexine, or
laminated |
ads
|
advertisement pages |
illus
|
illustrations: line drawings, diagrams, not plates
(photos) |
BCA
|
Book Club Associates i.e. any book club edition |
magnum
|
price-inclusive postal surcharge for exceptionally
big/heavy tome or set |
BookID
|
most important
catalogue number, when ordering |
Mint
|
(M) top of the pole = as new |
condition
|
remarks on obvious factors affecting value |
Near Fine
|
(NF) showing insignificant signs of age/use (unlike me!) |
cover
|
front/back, usually hardback or softback |
pp
|
text pages |
d/w
|
dustwrapper/jacket: presence
or absence of |
Reading copy
|
(RCO) lowest denomination: like PORN - to be read, but
not seen |
ex-lib
|
ex library stock, may have labels, stamps, bookplates |
reprint
|
publishers' profits/mistakes: after the 1st edition's run
out |
Fair
|
(f) almost lowest dealer-rating: contents acceptable but
scruffy |
sbk
|
bendable covers, softcover, as in paperback |
feps
|
fly-leaf, endpapers |
status
|
value rating from pristine to poor: NB
all books are second-hand |
Fine
|
(F) penultimate accolade: almost as new |
sz
|
dimensions in inches, vertical first |
foxing
|
sign of ageing: those reddish
brown markings |
USprice
|
for convenience of customers abroad |
fr
|
front |
Very Good
|
(VG) another political euphemism = showing only minor
signs of mess |
gilt
|
gold-leaf tooling, lettering, symbols on luxury editions |
Vol
|
volume, copy, title, edition, book |
GBC
|
Gardening Book Club |
rr
|
rear |
l.d.
|
line drawings |
edn
|
edition |
sp
|
book spine |
>
|
more than, greater than |
<
|
less than, smaller than |
incl
|
including |
insig
|
insignificant |
notes
|
user's marginal/textual markings, underlines, annotations |
fc
|
full colour |
pg
|
any page |
refunds, returns and reorders
Refunds in full, plus postage, will be paid if a customer considers that our assessment
of a book, while honestly given and accurately described, does not match the reality; this
response will ensue promptly, automatically, and without question, providing the book is
returned in our described condition, properly packed, within 7 days of receipt by prior
notification.
In such an event, a brief comment would be helpful and welcome — though there is no
obligation to do so — my granddaughter alone believes that I am never wrong!
Books listed on our webpages are currently held by DustyBookS; there is no waiting for new
stock from publishers! However, most titles are single copies. Consequently, if a book has
already been sold or reserved, prior to receipt of your order and payment, and if after
prompt acknowledgement we feel unable to offer an imminent replacement, your remittance
will be returned immediately, with condolences.
Likewise pro rata, if only part of a multi-book order can be fulfilled, but if
you would wish us to try to find a replacement within a reasonable period of time and the
attempt is successful, any additional postage will be paid by DustyBookS. Fair enough?
... for which, there being
millions of books, there also might be millions of reasons;
but, against that, the more likely are three:
We are still trying to compile/update the list
We intend adding the book to the list
We don't have it!
requests, queries and wants
| for books:
|
reference above, we actually may have the book you want, or know where
to get it
|
| for information:
|
e-mail queries for more details, availability, delivery, or charges
are welcomed
|
| for money:
|
ha, ha!
|
Comms facilities and business address are as per the Order page or as follows:
| by e-mail:
|
if sensible
|
| by mail:
|
if patient
|
| by fax:
|
if BT shareholder
|
| by phone:
|
if ordering; or panicking!
|
Though we imagine you probably use your time more intelligently than in responding to
oft-requested feedback, DustyBookS promise that any such contact, social, speculative or
businesslike, will be summarily acknowledged, at least.
terms of reference and business
This final section of the website is brief, and is so designed — the only bit
that has been, do I hear?— since any required conditions are noted on the
relevant page, and since we prefer to facilitate our doing business rather than deter you
with disincentives.
That having been said, there remain only the following practicalities:
- Books and other items offered for sale in these pages remain the property of
 until bought — a truth we hold to be self-evident.
- Where payment has not been received with order, new and
overseas customers will receive a pro-forma invoice by e-mail, before despatch.
- All titles have been described honestly, accurately and to
the best of our ability.
- Major and minor defects are noted, bookplates and inscriptions generally ignored.
- All book sizes are approximate, given as guides.
- In the event of dispute, there is none: total refund is the
arbiter!
- When you order, brief biographies, anecdotes,
comments, criticisms and insults will be read with interest and equanimity, but in order
to achieve your perceived purpose, please ensure that your communication also includes:
the book’s ID number, title and price, with payment and,
ideally, your return mailing address!
- OU students: bona fide, impoverished,
languishing, anguished, even exemplary OU students qualify, for reasons that escape me
momentarily, for 20% off the published price, of most items.
Thank you for visiting our website!
|
