Second-hand books

As well as a detailed description of their condition, used books are assigned one of several set categories. This enables you to filter the result of any search and can also help to decide whether to make a purchase or not. If something is not clear or you simply wish for more information, please get in touch.

The standard book conditions are, in descending order of quality:

Almost as new
Cover may have minor scuff marks, but is clean and unmarked. Binding is good, pages are clean; this is almost the quality of a new book.

Very good
Minor scuff marks may exist, with possible wear to corners or edges. Pages are clean unless otherwise noted, for example with an owner signature. Foxing will be noted, if present (foxing may show as spots or browning - it is an unfortunate feature found in older paper and card). Take note of the 'detailed description' under 'product details'. Descriptions are given separately for books and dustjackets, if present. Overall, 'very good' indicates a book of higher than average quality that will be a pleasure to read.

Good
Defects are more prevalent than those designated as 'very good'; the detailed description will reveal more information. In general, these books are less well cared for or show significant signs of having been read and used. They are priced accordingly.

Reading copy
Very poor quality. Defects are significant, for example binding is poor, pages are loose or other problems noted under the detailed description, such as physical damage. These books are made available for readers who only wish to have access to the text, not to sit the book proudly on a shelf alongside other volumes. The book is priced accordingly.

In all cases the cover image, unless specifically noted in the detailed description, may not be of the actual book; it represents the edition only. Additional factors to quality, such as scarcity and presence of added historical interest (a signed copy or annotations by a caver using, say, a guidebook) will also be taken into account when setting a price. These always include postage, which is increasingly high so please bear this in mind.

Non-UK orders

STOCK ALLOCATION

Our goods for advertised for sale with postage costs included; selecting the destination other than the UK will alter the price, to take into account the increased carriage charges. 

If stock is limited, for example with a single copy of a second-hand book, it will be assigned to UK stock. If you require posting to an address outside the UK, you will not be able to place this order, even though stock is available. We regret this, but the software has limitations. If this is the case, please contact us to enable the options you require.

Please see our FAQs relating to deliveries, and the Delivery page linked from the bottom of each page, before placing your order if time is an important element for your order.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR EU CUSTOMERS

On 1 July 2021 the EU removed all exemptions for tax and customs duty on low value items posted from the UK to the EU, meaning that although VAT is 0% on books and magazines in the UK, VAT is charged within the EU and the tax (potentially plus a handling fee) now apply to all orders to the EU.

We are unable to post any items to the EU with VAT or other duties prepaid; as a small company, it is a long way outside our abilities to engage with an agent to do so. All items are therefore mailed as DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid). Ordering any item from Wild Places requires that you accept responsibility for paying the VAT applicable in your country and any other local charges on delivery.

To be clear: Wild Places will NOT cover any charges levied by your country; it is your responsibility to accept these when placing an order. We apologise for the situation, but it is outside our control. Refusal to pay charges upon delivery will not be accepted as a reason for refunding in full any returned items.

NOTE: Norway and Switzerland are outside the EU and orders will be filled as normal.