“As new” refers to a book’s condition; it must be unblemished and free from flaws – sometimes known as mint condition. Many dealers, including myself, operate under the principle that any honest description must come directly from printer presses; “as new” cannot mean anything other than books coming directly from those presses into dealers’ stores via distribution networks.
“As new” refers to books in perfect condition when first published, meaning no wear and tear, markings, highlighting, or signs of use – in other words, an “as new” book should look and feel as if it just came off the press!
Buying an “as new” book can sometimes be appealing, whether for collectors or readers alike. Collectors know it is vital for their collection’s value to remain intact. At the same time, good-quality books tend to fetch higher prices at auctions and book fairs. Meanwhile, for readers, it can come down to a personal choice: some may prefer reading books that look unread, while others can accept some wear and tear more comfortably.
Though “like new” books may cost more, this is because they can be harder to come by and take more time and energy to inspect before fulfilling all criteria for purchase. But for readers willing to invest more, such books offer unparalleled reading experiences!
