A First

A First-Edition Library

Shopping for rare books and ephemera.

Sierra Holt

Updated Sep 15, 2026 12:00 PM PDT

Rare books and related ephemera at auction can be easy selling, or shall we say easy reading, for auction houses (see pages 16–21 for the latest sales). But rare and/or collectible paper goods aren’t only found up for bid. There are many manuscripts and related ephemera ranging from rare to highly prized to affordable that are sold by retailers and dealers in brick-and-mortar locations and online.

Are you ready to fill your library? Here is where you can buy antiquarian books and related materials now.

Peter Harrington, peterharrington.co.uk

Although today it is a renowned name as a rare book retailer, like the books it sells, the dealer Peter Harrington has quite the story. “When Peter Harrington started out, we dealt largely in traditional antiquarian books—Dickens, the great English authors, classic travel and exploration,” explains owner Pom Harrington. “Today our shelves range from children’s literature, philosophy, and natural history to photography books, science, modern 20th century literature and contemporary political archives.”

The company’s first sale was made by its namesake, Peter Harrington, at a stall in the Chelsea Antiques Market in 1969. By 1971, the business grew to become Harrington Bros upon the joining of Peter’s brother Adrian to the company. Twenty years later, it expanded its selection to include maps and limited-edition prints, alongside hosting a gallery. The book business and the gallery later came together in 1997 to become what the company is known today as Peter Harrington.

Upon Peter’s death in 2003, his son Pom took over the business, and it has become his passion to grow Peter Harrington into a worldwide name. His additions to the company include an increased selection of specialists as employees and a stronger presence at major art and antique fairs. And the texts they offer have grown too. “Over the years we’ve expanded our breadth of offering,” says Pom. “We’ve spent years working with collectors across the Middle East and Asia, and last year opened our permanent gallery on New York’s Upper East Side. As we deal in English language books, the U.S. and the UK continue to be our largest markets, but we can confidently attest that the appetite for important books isn’t confined to one country—it’s truly global.”

Peter Harrington sources its merchandise directly from collectors and trade, alongside finding goods at auctions and book fairs. “Sometimes entire collections come to us when people decide it’s time for them to find new homes.” Literature remains a major seller, with science fiction becoming a fast-growing field. “If there’s one area I think is undervalued, it’s colour-plate books. These are some of the most technically beautiful books ever produced, with extraordinary illustrations and publishing history.”

Highlights from the company’s collection include an original poem by Jane Austen that is written in the author’s hand and signed, and also includes a poem by her sister Cassandra on the other side. “To find both sisters writing on the same leaf is a vivid reminder of their closeness, in life and in art.” Also housed is a portolan chart, “one of the beautiful hand-drawn navigational maps that guided sailors centuries ago.”

But no matter what you buy, Pom advises obtaining what you love. “Collecting is much more rewarding when it’s driven by curiosity than a desire for financial appreciation…The most successful collections usually aren’t built overnight—they’re built over years by people following their interests.”

Burnside Rare Books, burnsiderarebooks.com

Whitmore Rare Books, whitmorerarebooks.com

James Cummins, jamescumminsbookseller.com

Arch Books, archbooks.co.uk

Within the selection offered by Arch Books is the Air Marshal Lord Portal collection. Made up of signed photographs, wartime reports, and presentation copies, it was formed and owned by 1st Viscount Portal of Hungerford, Charles Portal, and includes items from well-known figures such as Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. This newly released catalogued collection is sourced from one of the most senior Allied commanders of the Second World War, who advised Churchill during the war as the wartime Chief of the Air Staff. Among the collection highlights include a specially bound copy of General George C. Marshall’s final wartime report, a signed portrait of Winston Churchill photographed by Edward Steichen in New York, and the memorial item Britain’s Homage to 28,000 <a href="https://comicvibe.com/american-idol-to-move-from-hollywood-to-georgia/” title=”‘American Idol' to move from Hollywood to Georgia”>American Dead. “These are not ordinary copies of important books,” explains Arch Books founder Guy Nathan. “They are unique presentation copies, signed copies, and personal survivals, each carrying its own story and each linking Portal to the people who shaped the war and the world that followed it.”

Arch Books Presents the Private Wartime Library of Lord Portal, Churchill’s Chief of the Air Staff

Peter Harrington Rare Books At TEFAF

Galileo’s Lost Star: Rare Book Breaks $1.5M at Auction

antiquarian booksbook collectingEphemerafirst edition booksfirst editionsrare books
Sierra HoltManaging Editor, Kovels Antique Trader & Editor, Bank Note Reporter and World Coin News
Sierra Holt serves as the editor of Bank Note Reporter and World Coin News and as the managing editor of Kovels Antique Trader. She also writes and edits the Numismatic News and Antique Trader websites and creates the weekly #NumisIQ social media feature. She is an alumna of Ohio University and the CUNY Graduate Center and holds a background in art, design, and retail writing. Contact Sierra at sholt@aimmedia.com.
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