FAQ

By comparison and by condition. We look at auction records and at what comparable copies have actually sold for, then weigh edition, scarcity, and — above all — condition, which moves the price of a rare book more than any other factor. Two copies of the same first edition can differ in value many times over on condition alone. Where a price seems high, ask; we are glad to explain the reasoning behind any item.

On most items, within reason. If something interests you, make an enquiry and tell us what you have in mind. We would always rather find the right home for a book than hold it on a shelf.

Yes. We are happy to hold an item for a short period while you decide or arrange payment. Contact us and we will set it aside. A reserved item is not a final sale until it is paid for.

We use the standard terms of the trade. Fine is as new. Near fine is close, with some small thing worth mentioning. Very good shows honest wear but is sound and complete. Good is a worn but intact copy. Anything below that we describe at length rather than grade. Whatever the grade, we always name the specific faults — a chip, a cracked hinge, foxing — rather than leave you to guess. If a jacket is chipped, you will see the chip in our photographs.

By the points — the physical evidence in the book itself: the edition statement, the number line, the printer's imprint, and the particular errors or states that distinguish a true first printing from later ones. Where a standard bibliography covers the book, we cite it, so you can check our work rather than take our word for it.

Every item is packed by hand, wrapped to protect boards, corners, and spine, and boxed rather than enveloped. Orders ship fully insured for their purchase price, with tracking; higher-value items go with signature confirmation. Domestic orders are typically dispatched within two to three business days. For a particularly valuable or fragile piece we may contact you first to arrange a method suited to the item — we would rather take an extra day than risk the book.

Yes — we ship to most countries, fully insured and tracked, with shipping calculated at checkout for your exact destination. For some locations we may need to confirm shipping arrangements before completing your order. Please note that any customs duties or import taxes charged by the destination country are the buyer's responsibility. Delivery times abroad vary with local customs handling.

Every item we sell is guaranteed to be as described. If an item proves materially other than as catalogued — a misidentified edition, an undisclosed defect, a condition worse than stated — you may return it at any time, with no time limit, for a full refund including shipping. This guarantee is the foundation of the antiquarian book trade, and we honor it without exception. For an ordinary change of mind, items may be returned within fourteen days in the same condition, packed and insured as they arrived.