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March 30, 2020

A Rare Elizabethan School Book

The rare book gallery is closed this week because of Covid-19 shutdowns, so I will discuss at home the ultimate “Homeschooling” book – a 1579 copy of Roger Ascham’s “The Scholemaster.” He was the tutor of the young Princess – and future Queen Elizabeth I. I’ll value this rare book and discuss its importance as an early work of progressive instruction. Additionally, the author was an early proponent of female education. So, if you have Zoom classes and remote learning going on for the kids right now, you might as well throw in some Royal education.

March 17, 2020

Value of a Secret Renaissance Book

I’ll discuss and value a rare 1600 French edition of the Hypnerotomachia
Poliphili – one of my favorite books. It was this edition that firmly placed the famous and mysterious Renaissance book within the world of alchemy. If you like graphics arts, secret languages, and mathematical codes, this is a
book for you.

March 11, 2020

The Oldest Book published in America – a 16th century GHOST printing.

Fresh off the New York Antiquarian Book fair, I made this video of one of the books I exhibited and with which I am personally fascinated. It is a very rare 1505 Toledo printing of the first book published in America – of which no copies survive and only mentions can be found in the historical and bibliographical record. If you have any early or rare Americana – especially books printed in America before 1800 – always reach out for a free evaluation.

February 25, 2020

The Rare Book World & Instagram

Here is a video where I discuss how Instagram has become a force in the rare book world – a wonderful community of rare book librarians, curators, special collections, fellow rare book dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts. I’ll highlight some “instagrammable” woodcut headers in early printed books. Also, there is a plug for my colleague’s new documentary “THE BOOKSELLERS” – which opens in theaters March 6 – so go see a window into the enchanting universe of antiquarian and rare books through the lens of some New York dealers and its biggest ABAA fair.

February 17, 2020

Rare Book Appraisal – a 1763 Vellum Deed on NYC

I am often asked as a rare book dealer to value old vellum or parchment deeds. These manuscripts were handwritten on durable material so they survive in abundance. Many are quite common and the subject matter can be a trifle dull. On the positive side, that means they can often be overlooked at flea markets, online, and at auctions and careful readings often make for exciting discoveries and reveal some to be important documents that yield interesting social, economic, and geographic insights. Below I will value a very interesting NYC deed dated shortly before the American Revolution.

If you have any deeds or old manuscripts, and want a free evaluation, don’t hesitate to contact my by text at 6464691851 or email webuyrarebooks@gmail.com