Category: Uncategorized

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.

posted in: Uncategorized, You Tube Rare Books Video

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.

posted in: Uncategorized, You Tube Rare Books Video

January 18, 2020

Rare Book Appraisal – a 1508 Post Incunable “Unicorn” Bookbinding

I bought this lovely 1508 rather rare post incunable at the Brooklyn Antiquarian Book Fair for $300. It is a single volume from a 7 volume set – which normally is a fatal flaw in the antiquarian book world and something rare book dealers would not touch with a ten foot pole. Nevertheless, see why – after I studied the bookbinding – I value it at a considerably higher price.

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January 9, 2020

How to value a unique 17th century English manuscript

Recently I purchased this fascinating c. 1650 English manuscript on the famous Philosopher’s Stone. 17th century English alchemy manuscripts are rare in commerce and valuing them with few rare book auction comparables can be a challenge. Below I made a short video of how I, as an antiquarian book dealer, go about evaluating a unique text. Hope you enjoy this brief video with mentions of Crusades, Imprisonment in the Tower, and how to turn lead into gold – as well as a few pointers on how to value antique books.

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