Do you live in New York? Do you want to buy a rare book from a shop in the city? Check out our list of 10 top rare bookstores in NYC in this post.
1. Argosy Book Store
Out-of-print and antiquarian books are available through Argosy Book Store, a six-story bookshop that has been active since 1925. The shop is in Midtown Manhattan and is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America. Argosy Book Store also has botanical prints, posters, and drawings in its collection.
Argosy Book Store sells over 60000 books in all categories, including art, architecture, and philosophy. It also has numerous first-edition history books and books between the 19th and 21st centuries. Moreover, the shop has custom framing services, binding & restoration services, and can perform appraisals.
Contact Argosy Book Store.
2. Adam Weinberger Rare Books
Old and rare books from before the 19th century are available through Adam Weinberger Rare Books, a bookstore in Midtown East Manhattan that even buys entire libraries with unique book collections. Owner Adam Weinberger works diligently to collect intellectually intriguing books on travel, nature, witchcraft, war, and history.
Adam Weinberger Rare Books offers free evaluations of books using resources like the American Book Prices Database. Adam also works to place many antiquarian books in famous universities, libraries, and museums like the British Library. Additionally, the store prides itself on its fair pricing and clear communication with clients.
Reach out to Adam Weinberger Rare Books.
3. Left Bank Books
Opening its doors in the spring of 2019 is Left Bank Books, a bookstore in West Village Manhattan with an extensive collection of 20th and 21st-century books. Since its establishment, it has become a key destination for seasoned book collectors and newcomers. Owners Jess Kuronen and Erik DuRon also host exhibits to bring the rare book community together.
Left Bank Books sells 19th-century literature books and books in categories like fashion, architecture, theater, dance, design, philosophy, queer culture, media, photography, and music. It also features exhibition catalogs, gift items, and accessories such as tote bags, hats, and magazines.
Visit Left Bank Books.
4. Bauman Rare Books
15th to 20th-century books and documents are available through Bauman Rare Books, a bookstore with three locations, one in Midtown Manhattan. Natalie and David Bauman are the founders of the store and began operations in 1973. The store is now reputable for its sizable variety of books, the knowledgeability of its staff, and highly personalized services.
Bauman Rare Books sells books on various subjects, including literature, government, history, natural history, medicine, and architecture. It also has a gift recommendation service where staff can help you choose rare, original, and unique books to gift to collectors. Additionally, the store purchases and sells books, valuable letters, and manuscripts.
Say hello to Bauman Rare Books.
5. B & B Rare Books
Sunday Steinkirchner and Joshua Mann, founders of B & B Rare Books, have been collecting and selling rare books since 2003. The shop is in Midtown South Manhattan and specializes in first & signed-edition antiquarian books along with collectible works. It can also perform book & library appraisals and provide book repair & binding services.
B & B Rare Books sells books on children’s literature, baseball, 19th-20th century British & American literature, American poetry, detective fiction, and wartime literature. The store also offers complete conservation and restoration services in collaboration with professional paper conservators.
Learn more about B & B Rare Books.
6. Martayan Lan
As one of the leading dealers of rare books and manuscripts worldwide, Martayan Lan has a large collection of 15th-19th century books in all subjects. The store is in Upper West Side Manhattan and is also known for its collection of atlases and antique maps. Furthermore, Martayan Lan has a reputation for its fair pricing, top-quality products, and helpful staff.
Martayan Lan specializes in books on the history of science, travel, art, architecture, discovery, history of astronomy, and computing. The store is also a leading dealer of the first editions of Galileo and Kepler in America. In addition, customers can purchase valuable globes and resplendent sea charts.
Get in touch with Martayan Lan.
7. Donald Heald Rare Books & Fine Art
Antiquarian books are available through Donald Heald Rare Books & Fine Art, a bookstore in Upper East Side Manhattan that began to do business in 1972 under the guidance of founder Donald Heald. The store has an impressive selection of rare books and manuscripts and is an Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America member.
Donald Heald Rare Books & Fine Art sells books in categories like voyages & travel, Native American history, ornithology, natural history, botany, photography, and Americana & Canadiana. It also sells bibliographies, historical manuscripts, prints & drawings, maps, sea charts, and more.
Find out more about Donald Heald Rare Books & Fine Art.
8. Pryor-Johnson Rare Books
David Johnson is the founder of Pryor-Johnson Rare Books, a rare bookstore in Manhattan that began operations in 2013. The store is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and is open by appointment. David and his staff also purchase books based on strict criteria that measure the book’s importance, primacy, and condition.
Pryor-Johnson Rare Books sells British gardening books from before the 19th century, photography books, books about books, and books in categories like philosophy, history, literature, and natural history. Around half of the books in its collection were published between the 16th and 20th-century.
Send a message to a Pryor-Johnson Rare Books representative.
9. Strand Book Store
Specializing in rare books is Strand Book Store, a bookshop with three locations, the main one being in Manhattan. The store has been in business since 1927, thus giving it over 95 years of experience selling rare texts and gift items related to books. Ben Bass is the founder, and today, it continues to expand under the guidance of his granddaughter Nancy.
Strand Book Store sells books in categories like romance, poetry, art, photography, science fiction, self-help, history, film, dance, exploration, metalwork, mountaineering, and medicine. Literary gifts such as bookrests, bookmarks, page clips, book lights, travel bookrests, and pen pouches are all available in-store and online.
Connect with Strand Book Store.
10. Mercer Street Books & Records
Having been in business for 3+ decades, Mercer Street Books & Records is a well-known bookstore on the west side of Lower Manhattan. The store sells used and rare literary fiction and nonfiction books from all over the world. Mercer Street Books & Records also has a sizable collection of vinyl LPs through which customers can browse.
Mercer Street Books & Records sells books in subjects like photography, art, design, and more. The store has also begun to publish books from established authors with a decent amount of published works to fill an entire shelf. Moreover, it aims to stock new books regularly to give customers more variety of products from which to choose.
Check out Mercer Street Books & Records.