DISCOVER
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.
BROWSE OUR MOST RECENT CATALOGS
Holiday 2024 Catalog
With the season of giving now upon us, we invite you to browse a fine selection of new acquisitions and meaningful gift suggestions with the arrival of our Holiday 2024 Catalog. Highlights of the Holiday 2024 Catalog include an uncommon “Breeches” Bible printed by Christopher Barker with a fictitious 1599 publication date, a rare second American edition of The Federalist being the first to attribute Hamilton, Madison, and Jay as its authors, a scarce first edition of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, a fine first edition of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, a first edition of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden from the library of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and an exceptionally rare first edition, review copy of The Story of Ferdinand inscribed by Munro Leaf.
Fall 2024 Catalog - From Jean-Jacques Rousseau to J.K. Rowling
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Fall 2024 Catalog of fine rare books and historic documents. Highlights of the Fall 2024 Catalog include an exceptionally rare hand-colored first edition of The Nuremberg Chronicle published in 1493, a fascinating revised edition of Volney’s Travels in Syria and Egypt from the library in exile of Napoleon Bonaparte with Napoleon’s annotations and corrections throughout, one of only two original copies of George Washington’s Commission as General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies issued on June 19th 1775, and the most important first edition, first printing, association copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone inscribed by J.K. Rowling to Bryony Evens and additionally signed by Thomas Taylor with an original drawing of Harry Potter.
Winter 2023 - From Miguel de Cervantes to Winston S. Churchill
Browse an exceptional selection of rare first editions and historic documents with the arrival of our Winter 2023 Catalog. Highlights of the Winter 2023 Catalog include an exceedingly rare and spectacular 17th century pairing of both volumes of Cervantes’ masterpiece Don Quixote, a scare original handwritten page from the Diary of George Washington dated March 1762, an exceptionally rare first edition, presentation copy of Benjamin Franklin’s Experiments and Observations on Electricity, a rare first octavo edition, presentation copy John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, a complete first edition set of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy with each volume signed by J.R.R. Tolkien, and a first edition of William Faulkner’s The Town from the library or Cormac McCarthy.
Spring 2023 Catalog - From Abraham Lincoln to Les Miserables
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Spring 2023 Catalog of fine rare books and historic documents. Highlights of the Spring 2023 Catalog include the only known first edition of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates inscribed by Abraham Lincoln, an exceptionally rare collection of sixteen autograph letters signed and entirely in the hand of William Faulkner sent to his mother during his 1925 trip to Europe, a rare first edition in English of Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia, a highly desirable first edition of Herman Melville’s first book Typee inscribed by him, a first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in the scarce original dust jacket, and an exceptional complete signed first edition set of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series including a first edition of the elusive Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Fall 2022 Catalog - From George Washington to Virginia Woolf
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Fall 2022 Catalog of fine rare books and historic documents. Highlights of the catalog include an exceptionally rare original Rembrandt Peale oil portrait of George Washington, a scarce first edition of one of the most significant books published in America: The Federalist, a first edition of The Great Gatsby lengthily inscribed by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the original autograph manuscript of Moshe Dayan’s Vietnam Diary entirely in his hand, an exceedingly rare first edition, presentation copy of The Hobbit inscribed by J.R.R. Tolkien, Friedrich August von Hayek’s personal first edition copy of The Road to Serfdom with his ownership signature and notes, and a first edition of The Years inscribed by Virginia Woolf to her brother-in-law Clive Bell.
BROWSE OUR MOST RECENT CATALOGS
Fall 2024 Catalog - From Jean-Jacques Rousseau to J.K. Rowling
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Fall 2024 Catalog of fine rare books and historic documents. Highlights of the Fall 2024 Catalog include an exceptionally rare hand-colored first edition of The Nuremberg Chronicle published in 1493, a fascinating revised edition of Volney’s Travels in Syria and Egypt from the library in exile of Napoleon Bonaparte with Napoleon’s annotations and corrections throughout, one of only two original copies of George Washington’s Commission as General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies issued on June 19th 1775, and the most important first edition, first printing, association copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone inscribed by J.K. Rowling to Bryony Evens and additionally signed by Thomas Taylor with an original drawing of Harry Potter.
Winter 2023 - From Miguel de Cervantes to Winston S. Churchill
Browse an exceptional selection of rare first editions and historic documents with the arrival of our Winter 2023 Catalog. Highlights of the Winter 2023 Catalog include an exceedingly rare and spectacular 17th century pairing of both volumes of Cervantes’ masterpiece Don Quixote, a scare original handwritten page from the Diary of George Washington dated March 1762, an exceptionally rare first edition, presentation copy of Benjamin Franklin’s Experiments and Observations on Electricity, a rare first octavo edition, presentation copy John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, a complete first edition set of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy with each volume signed by J.R.R. Tolkien, and a first edition of William Faulkner’s The Town from the library or Cormac McCarthy.
Spring 2023 Catalog - From Abraham Lincoln to Les Miserables
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Spring 2023 Catalog of fine rare books and historic documents. Highlights of the Spring 2023 Catalog include the only known first edition of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates inscribed by Abraham Lincoln, an exceptionally rare collection of sixteen autograph letters signed and entirely in the hand of William Faulkner sent to his mother during his 1925 trip to Europe, a rare first edition in English of Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia, a highly desirable first edition of Herman Melville’s first book Typee inscribed by him, a first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in the scarce original dust jacket, and an exceptional complete signed first edition set of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter series including a first edition of the elusive Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Fall 2022 Catalog - From George Washington to Virginia Woolf
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our Fall 2022 Catalog of fine rare books and historic documents. Highlights of the catalog include an exceptionally rare original Rembrandt Peale oil portrait of George Washington, a scarce first edition of one of the most significant books published in America: The Federalist, a first edition of The Great Gatsby lengthily inscribed by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the original autograph manuscript of Moshe Dayan’s Vietnam Diary entirely in his hand, an exceedingly rare first edition, presentation copy of The Hobbit inscribed by J.R.R. Tolkien, Friedrich August von Hayek’s personal first edition copy of The Road to Serfdom with his ownership signature and notes, and a first edition of The Years inscribed by Virginia Woolf to her brother-in-law Clive Bell.
NEW ARRIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
![Voyage en Syrie et en Egypte, Pendant Les Annees 1783, 84, et 85. [Travel to Syria and Egypt, During the Years 1783, 84, and 85].](https://i0.wp.com/www.raptisrarebooks.com/images/209343/voyage-en-syrie-et-en-egypte-pendant-les-annees-1783-84-et-85-travel-to-syria-and-egypt-during-the-years-1783-84-and-85.jpg?fit=300%2C240&ssl=1 "RRB-146536_12")
A LETTER FROM MATTHEW RAPTIS
My love and passion for collecting books began as a young child. It was out of a devotion to preserving these incredible pieces of history and culture that this business of buying and selling rare books naturally evolved over twenty years ago. Thanks to our many great clients who share our affections, we have succeeded in building one of the world’s premier collections of signed and inscribed first editions and documents in all fields, with particular attention to the subjects of Literature, Americana, Science, Economics, and Intellectual History.
When we moved our operations to Palm Beach, Florida, we opened an exquisitely appointed gallery of fine rare books and manuscripts on historic Worth Avenue, where we have been delighted to host the clients that have made our business a success. We always appreciate the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive for both new and returning customers, a testament to the quality of both our discerning taste and expert professionalism.
We take great pride in purveying rare books of the utmost quality and rarity, and take great care to catalog, present, and guarantee the authenticity of each important and desirable piece we present to you.
The most gratifying aspect of our business has become developing relationships with discerning collectors throughout the world and sharing our passion for rare books with each person who steps into our gallery. It is with great pleasure that we invite you to peruse our exceptional collection, and I invite you to call or visit us to allow us to assist you in building your own Collection of a Lifetime.
EXPLORE
The world of rare and antiquarian books awaits you. Browse by our extensive collection by subject, view featured books, recent arrivals and more. Call us at (561) 508-3479 to speak with us about any of the books you see on this website, request a printed catalog, or if you have questions regarding adding books to your wishlist or shopping cart. We’re here to assist you.
ADVANCED SEARCH
FEATURED SUBJECTS
Whether you are interested in building a traditional library of fine bindings, have an interest in science fiction, architecture, sports, cooking, economics, history, or any other genre, we have experience in finding the perfect books for the perfect shelf. We know that each person is unique, and our aim is to match your library with your home and it’s reflection of the owner’s personality. We have helped build some of the finest private and public libraries in the country and are here to assist you in your pursuit and to be your guide in bringing the library of your imagination to reality.
Americana
Fine Bindings and Sets
Science and Natural History
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GIFT IDEAS
There are few gifts that are as lasting and appreciated as a rare book. They hold within its pages not only historical and cultural significance, but often also a personal significance to the recipient. Whether it is a beloved childhood book that turned them on to the joys of reading or a favorite title they read in high school or college, people treasure these books like a close friend. We offer free gift wrapping and ship worldwide to ensure that your thoughtful gift arrives beautifully packaged and presented. If you are uncertain of the recipient’s preferences or unsure of where to begin, contact us and let us know about the occasion and a little about the recipient. We can often help with suggestions and also issue gift certificates.
