Rare Books
Search for first editions, signed, rare & antiquarian books
The Prettiest Publications of the Past
What constituted a beautiful book a century ago? We've found 30 books that tell the story well. Highly decorated cloth, ornate scrollwork, symmetrical and floral patterns, gilt, embossing, debossing and more - these covers make us want to touch them, own them and display them.
Take books that have already made their mark and then republish them with exceptional typography, illustrations, paper and bindings. That's the magic formula for the Folio Society, who have reinvented classics in stunningly gorgeous formats for thousands of unforgettable and collectible volumes since they first began in 1947.
Put a little piece of gorgeous on your bookshelf.
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The Little Leather Library combined classic literature with mass marketing for 101 affordable, accessible titles, from 1916 to 1923. Today, the books published by the Little Leather Library are loved by collectors.
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Cosway bindings feature traditional leather with miniature paintings built into the cover. This eye-catching format is named after Richard Cosway, the famous English miniature portrait painter.
Enjoy these exquisite examples of beautiful rare books and antiquarian books - all are listed with mulitple bookseller images. Treat yourself to something lovely and collectible.
Browse Rare Books
Most Expensive Sales: June 2013
- Kupfer-Bibel by Johann Jakob Scheuchzer
Sold for $28,500
- Institutiones by Emperor of the East, Justinian I Accursius
Sold for $15,050 - Holy Bible 1572
Sold for $12,500
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Beautiful Books
Discover beautiful rare books from the past, including many first editions and antiquarian books.
