The Bark of the Beech Tree

The Bark of the Beech Tree is an Internet bookseller only and I list almost exclusively on Abebooks. I list interesting and attractive books in all categories, although mostly modern fiction and children's books. I specialize in listing books that are uncommon. Many of my books will be found in searches that reveal less than 10 other copies of that book available. I am happy to accept direct orders (i.e. outside of Abebooks) and you can pay for your book via PayPal, credit card, check or money order. Just email me for instructions. I happen not to be partial to those ubiquitous dust jacket protectors (Brodart and the like). To me, they tend to leave the book feeling rather too much like a library book, and I don't like library books! My dust jackets are protected with a loose-fitting acid-free acetate film which prevents damage without affecting too much the feel of the book. I take great pains in accurately describing my books - both edition and condition. I DO NOT fall into the common error of less experienced book people who assume that a book is a first edition if the only date in it is the copyright date! I'm not at all sure that I go along with all this "first edition, second printing" business. To me, if the book is a second printing, or third or fourth or whatever, then it's a reprint and therefore not a first edition. So if I list a book as a "First Edition" you can rest assured that it is NOT a reprint! And I don't understand how some dealers can just shove an unprotected book into a flimsy padded envelope and call it "packed" and expect it to survive the trials and tribulations of a journey through the postal system without bumping its corners or spine ends. My books will arrive carefully packed in bubble-wrap, cardboard and brown paper and proudly carrying the Bark of the Beech Tree red stamp. Finally, a word about international shipping. And the word is: "expensive"! I apologize for the steep shipping fees but that's what it costs. International rates have skyrocketed in recent years. And bear in mind that Abebooks charges 8% commission on the total sale (book plus shipping), and the credit card company charges a 5.5% fee on that total also. So I have to build that into the price I charge for shipping. Take a $20 book that, when packed up well enough to withstand the rigors of its journey, weighs a little over 2lbs and is being shipped to Europe. The actual cost of First Class International shipping would be $39.00 (much more for Priority). If I just charged the $39, that would make the total $59 and I would lose $4.72 in commission and $3.25 in credit card fees. So, my total income for selling that "$20" book would be just $12.03. That's like giving a 40% discount on the book! I have to charge about $45 just to break even on the shipping and leave me with an income of $17.30 on that $20 book. Anyway, feel free to make use of the [Ask Bookseller a Question] button if you have questions, comments, or observations. Thank you.