A Relative Stranger

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Carte Bleue. We provide descriptions and photographs of our books that enable a buyer to make an informed purchase. The grading standards we use are provided below (click the "More Information" link below for details). If you have questions about one of our books or would like different photographs, click the "Contact this seller" link on the left and we will gladly respond.

When describing our books, we adhere to book grading standards posted by FIRSTS: The Book Collector’s Magazine, as listed below. We attempt to describe all flaws, whether minor or serious, and we supplement these narrative descriptions with detailed photographs so buyers can best determine if the book meets their standards. If you would like to see more images of any book, please contact us using the “Contact this seller” link to the left of this section and we will gladly provide them. We infrequently use “Very Fine” as few used books are completely flawless. We also do not use “+ (Plus)” or “- (Minus)” in our grading (e.g., Very Good Plus, etc.) for the simple reason that we prefer to leave it to the buyer to determine where, in their opinion and based upon the description and the photographs provided, the book falls along the continuum within a given grade. We rarely offer books that are not at least Very Good, and even then only if they are scarce or have particular value (e.g., signed, presentation copy, etc.). We provide grades for both the book and the dust jacket, when applicable, or slipcase.

Very Fine: A crisp, fresh book, admits no flaws.

Fine: A book that is without visible flaws, but one that may lack the pristine crispness of a very fine book, allowing for the normal effects of time, handling, shelving, etc. Any minor blemishes in the book or the dust wrapper are noted in the description.

Near Fine: a copy approaching Fine, but with a couple of defects or faults that are beyond the normal effects of time, handling, or shelving, and are beyond minor.

Very Good: A book showing some signs of wear and that is no longer fresh. Such books may show signs of wear, with obvious faults, but is still sound and appealing. Books with flaws such as previous owner signatures or markings, bookplates, or remainder marks as well as dust jackets with serious rubbing, chips, or tears, or that are price-clipped are examples of flaws that would warrant

Good: A book that is worn, that is totally complete (as issued) and intact.

Orders shipped promptly. All purchases are shipped in well-padded boxes. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. Books may be returned in the same condition as shipped within 14 days of receipt. Please email intentions prior to return. All items are subject to prior sale.