Answers to common questions about buying vintage and antique books and maps from The Vintage Book Den, including condition, editions, delivery and returns.
Will I receive the exact book shown in the photos?
Yes. The photos show the copy offered in the listing. Check the photos alongside the condition notes for details such as wear to the binding, marks on the pages and the condition of the dust jacket.
How can I tell which edition a vintage book is?
Check the edition details and any photos of the title and copyright pages. A date in a book can refer to the year the work was first published, so it’s worth checking for a later printing or edition. If you’re looking for a particular edition, ask us to check the copy.
What does ex libris mean inside a book?
It means “from the books of”. It often appears on a bookplate showing a previous owner’s name. Read more in our guide to bookplates and ex libris.
Can I ask for more photos of a book or map?
Yes. Send us the listing link and tell us what you’d like to see, such as a fold-out map, an inscription, the spine or a particular page.
Do you deliver to the UK and USA?
Yes. Tracked delivery is available to the UK and United States. Add your books to the basket and enter your delivery address at checkout to see the postage for your order. Heavier sets and orders with several books may fall into a higher band.
Can I return a book?
For a change-of-mind return, tell us within 14 days of delivery. You then have a further 14 days to send it back, and you pay the return postage. If we sent the wrong item, it arrived damaged or there’s another problem with the order, get in touch so we can help. See the full Returns & Refunds policy for details.