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Ulysses.
First edition, first printing of Joyce’s masterpiece, one of 750 numbered copies printed on handmade paper from a total edition of 1000 copies, this is number 909. Thick quarto, bound…
Batman Begins: The Official Movie Adaptation.
First edition of the comic movie adaptation. Octavo, original illustrated wrappers, illustrated throughout. Boldly signed by director Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale on the front panel. In fine condition.
2001: A Space Odyssey.
First edition of the novel of the landmark “proverbial good science fiction movie” created by Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood. Octavo, original half…
Snow Crash.
First edition of this “brilliantly realized” (The New York Times Book Review) breakthrough novel from visionary author Neal Stephenson, a modern classic that predicted the metaverse and inspired generations of…
Two Treatises of Government: In the Former, The False Principles, and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, And His Followers, Are Detected and Overthrown
Exceptionally rare first edition published at the end of 1689 in an edition of likely only 1,000 copies (with quire Q in second, of two, settings. Octavo, bound in full…
The Lord of The Rings Trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.
Complete set of each title in Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Octavo, three volumes bound in full crushed levant scarlet morocco by the Harcourt Bindery with gilt titles…
Silent Spring.
First edition of Carson’s landmark work. Octavo, original green cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by Rachel Carson on the half-title page. Fine in a near fine unclipped dust jacket. Drawings by…
Welcome to Raptis Rare Books
Raptis Rare Books is an Antiquarian Book firm that specializes in Fine First Editions, Signed and Inscribed books, and Landmark books in all fields. We have distinguished ourselves by having a reputation for handling unique and important books that are in exceptional condition.
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Winter 2025 Catalog – From Galileo Galilei to The Great Gatsby
Browse an exceptional selection of rare first editions and historic documents with the arrival of our Winter 2025 Catalog. Highlights of the Winter 2025 Catalog include a rare first edition of Galileo’s highly controversial Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, an exceptionally rare 18th century reference work on colonial currencies from the library of Alexander Hamilton with his ownership signature, Benjamin Graham’s personal copy of Security Analysis inscribed by him to his cousin, an outstanding first edition association copy of The Great Gatsby inscribed by F. Scott Fitzgerald to his sister and brother-in-law in the scarce original dust jacket, and an exceedingly rare first edition of The Hobbit inscribed by J.R.R. Tolkien and in the rare original dust jacket.
Discover the World of Rare Books
Our passion, expertise, and attentive customer service will guide you on a remarkable journey with a rich history and tradition.
Whether your aim is to create a beautiful personal library, start a small collection of first editions, or give a gift to a loved one, we can assist you in discovering the world of book collecting. Create your legacy and preserve culture by holding these unique items in your personal library.
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All CategoriesAmericana
Rare Americana Books, Manuscripts & More for Sale Online If you’re looking for first edition books celebrating the American experience, you’ve come to the right place. At Raptis Rare Books we maintain an extensive collection of rare Americana, books, manuscripts…
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Rare Children’s Books & First Edition Children’s Books for Sale Onine If you’re looking for first edition or rare children’s books online, you’ve come to the right place. Raptis Rare Books is a trusted antiquarian book dealer, and we maintain…
Learn moreFine Bindings and Sets
Fine Bindings & Rare Book Collections or Sets for Sale Online Raptis Rare Books maintains an extensive collection of fine bindings, rare book collections, and sets. Browse through our entire collection, use the available filters to sort and find the…
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All Blog PostsThe Book That Built the Digital Age: Claude Shannon’s The Mathematical Theory of Communication.
In an era defined by data—by texts sent in milliseconds, videos streamed across continents, and algorithms shaping daily life—it is easy to forget that the digital age rests on a theoretical foundation laid in the mid-twentieth century. Few works have…
Read moreA Book Sent in a Time of Crisis: George Washington’s Copy of Tour in Holland in MDCCLXXXIV.
In February of 1798, as the young American republic stood in a period of mounting political anxiety, Elkanah Watson sent a small book to Mount Vernon. Inside, on the front pastedown, he had written simply: “From the Author to General…
Read moreMatthew Raptis’ Debut Work of Nonfiction: Provenance: The Hidden Lives of Books.
In the study of rare books, age alone is seldom the decisive measure of significance. Far more consequential is provenance — the documented history of ownership that situates a volume within lived experience. A book becomes meaningful not simply because…
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