FAQs
Quick facts
Based in: Margate, Kent, United Kingdom
Dispatch: 1–2 business days
Shipping: UK + worldwide (international orders approx. 50–60%)
Returns: yes, within 30 days of receipt
Specialism: antiquarian, rare, and esoteric non-fiction (English & Latin)
Condition: described in good faith; extra photos available on request
Shipping / international
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship worldwide. Around 50–60% of our orders go to international customers.
How much is international shipping and how is it calculated?
International shipping is calculated at checkout based on parcel weight, destination, and the level of insurance selected. If you’d like a specific courier or service, message us for a bespoke quote.
Will I pay customs/import charges?
Possibly. Import duties, taxes, and customs/brokerage fees are set by your local authorities and are the buyer’s responsibility. See International Orders in the Terms & Conditions below.
Can you use a specific courier?
Yes. If you have a preferred courier or service, message us and we’ll confirm availability and provide a quote.
Do you offer combined shipping?
Yes. If you’re buying multiple items, we can often combine shipping—message us before checkout if you’d like a quote.
Inventory / sourcing
What kinds of rare and esoteric books do you specialise in?
We specialise in antiquarian, rare, and esoteric non-fiction, including deluxe/limited editions, signed copies, and unusual or hard-to-find works. Our stock ranges from the 1400s to modern publications. We occasionally stock classic fiction, but the focus is specialist non-fiction.
Can I request a book you don’t currently have listed?
Yes — please message us your request. Not all of our stock is listed online at any one time, and we may also be able to source specific titles.
Do you sell books in Latin?
Yes. Many of our books are in English or Latin, and we occasionally stock other languages (e.g., German, French, Italian).
Do you specialise in occult and witchcraft books?
Yes. We regularly stock antiquarian and modern scholarly works on the occult, witchcraft, esotericism, and related spiritual traditions. Availability changes weekly—use search or message us with a want list.
Do you stock rare books on cosmology and historical medicine?
Yes. We often carry works on cosmology/astronomy and the history of medicine (including early science, anatomy, herbalism, and medical history). If you’re looking for a specific author, era, or subject, message us.
Do you offer curated selections of esoteric non-fiction?
Yes. Our catalogue is curated around specialist, hard-to-find non-fiction with historical, philosophical, religious, and esoteric themes.
Trust / condition
How do you grade book condition?
We describe each book carefully and in good faith, focusing on what matters to collectors: binding, text, plates/illustrations, dust jacket (if present), and any notable flaws. Condition is inherently subjective, so if you’re unsure, please request extra photos or clarification before purchase.
Can I request extra photos before buying?
Yes — we’re happy to provide additional photographs or details on request, including close-ups of bindings, spines, title pages, and any defects.
Are your books guaranteed authentic / as described?
Yes. We aim to describe items accurately and transparently. If a book materially differs from the description, please contact us so we can resolve it.
Events / local
Where are you based?
We are based in Margate, Kent, United Kingdom. We operate primarily online.
Do you exhibit at book fairs (and where can I see upcoming events)?
Our main annual event is appearing at the Margate Bookie (https://www.margatebookie.com/), a well attended literary event held in Margate in October. This and any other future events are mentioned in our News & Updates page https://www.booksthatexpandthemind.co.uk/news-updates
Terms & Conditions
Product Descriptions
All items are described in good faith and to the best of our ability. Condition assessments are subjective, and occasional errors may occur. If you require additional information or photographs before purchasing, please contact us — we are always happy to help.
Shipping
Please ensure your shipping address is correct at checkout; we cannot be responsible for delays or losses caused by incorrect addresses provided by the buyer.
We aim to dispatch all orders within 1–2 business days. Most orders are shipped using tracked services (where available).
Shipping times provided by carriers are estimates only. Delays caused by postal services, couriers, or customs are outside our control. All items are packaged securely to minimise the risk of damage in transit.
Insurance
If the selected shipping service does not include full-value cover, we strongly recommend purchasing additional insurance. Where full-value cover is not selected, any compensation available for loss/damage may be limited to the carrier’s included cover.
Returns
To arrange a return, please message us first so we can confirm the return details.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return it within 30 days of receipt for a refund.
Return shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
Items must be returned in the same condition as received.
We recommend using a tracked and insured service, as the buyer is responsible for the item until it reaches us.
Original outbound shipping is non-refundable unless the item is faulty or not as described.
Refunds are processed within 1–2 business days of receiving the returned item. The time taken for funds to appear in your account depends on your bank or payment provider — in some cases this may take up to 30 days, which is outside our control.
Our return address can be found at the bottom of this page or on your invoice/shipping note.
International Orders
For orders shipped outside the United Kingdom:
Import duties, taxes, and customs charges are not included in the purchase price.
These fees are determined by your local customs authority and must be paid by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not calculate or collect international sales tax (including US state sales tax) or any customs-related charges such as brokerage fees or MPF (Merchandise Processing Fee).
We do not collect or remit foreign taxes; buyers are responsible for any local requirements.