After 25 years employed in the Antiquarian Book Trade, I was delighted in September 2001 (perhaps not very good timing) to have become an independent bookseller. For a good half of those 25 years I was working at Bernard Quaritch Ltd., dealing in scientific* and medical books, and these continue to be my leading specialties. However I began my bookselling life as a general antiquarian, leaning towards literature: literary rarities of the 18th to 20th centuries are my other staple.
Besides these specialties I have one or two sidelines: “The Scot Abroad” – books having a Scots connection published “furth the realm”, mainly Continental books before 1700, and more exotic imprints up to a later date (but not a large and general stock). As chance would have it, during my first year in business I handled a book in Gaelic (the Gillies Collection, Perth, 1786), which came into the category of “the Scot abroad”, since it contains a song exhorting the Highland troops to valour in the French and Indian War. Gaelic books have since become a fascination for me, and I am on the look-out for antiquarian books in the field. Also, I will occasionally have books relating to Latin America, another part of the world with which I have connections.
I work from my home in Little Ealing, half-way to Heathrow from the centre of London. Business Hours are by appointment. Besides English, correspondence in French and Spanish.
For some years, while a Director at Quaritch, I was elected to the Committee of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association. After a due interval, I am proud once again to have been admitted to that body.
TERMS: All items are guaranteed as described, are understood to be sent on approval, and may be returned for any reason within seven days of receipt, provided that prior notice is given. Payment is due upon acceptance of the goods. Carriage and insurance are extra. New customers are requested to supply two Trade references.
The title to and property in the goods will not pass to the purchaser but will remain with the vendor until the goods have been fully paid for.
* The 4th edition of Thornton & Tully’s Scientific Books, Libraries and Collectors appeared under my editorship in the year 2000. I also contributed the Chapter on Scientific and Medical Books to Antiquarian Books. A Companion, Scolar Press, 1994.