Two Years in The Rare Book Trade

Two Years in the Rare Book Trade

The Harrogate PBFA Book Fair was a few weeks ago, which I exhibited at. It featured a change in venue to the Old Swan Hotel—particularly interesting as this hotel is where the great Agatha Christie disappeared to in 1926 for 11 days, sparking a nationwide search to find her. She was eventually found at the hotel under the name Mrs. Teresa Neele from Cape Town. Later examined by doctors, it was stated that she had amnesia.

This fair, two years ago, is also where I finally decided to take the plunge and set up my own rare bookshop. I've probably mentioned it before, but it was an admittedly boozy dinner that either sealed my fate or gave me the courage to strike out on my own, depending on how you look at it.

Since then, my first two years have been a whirlwind.

My friends in the trade have been some of the most wonderful and supportive people. The lovely Mark and Jacqueline of Cheltenham Rare Books have been incredibly helpful, both in knowledge and moral support. I quite regularly call Mark with questions about books, and his time and expertise are always appreciated. Jacqueline always lets me run website and marketing ideas past her.

I attended YABS a year and a half ago, making some friends for life. My friend Stephanie, the wonderful auctioneer who, despite initially thinking I was just a loud, annoying boy (she was right, I guess), has grown to be one of my closest friends, and I make sure to visit her whenever possible. Josh from Green Ink Booksellers in Hay-on-Wye, whom I knew beforehand from fairs, has become a close friend. We regularly spend book fairs together trying to make each other laugh, with varying degrees of success. And the ever-wonderful Emma from Adrian Harrington has been incredibly helpful in my first two years.

Then, somehow, I ended up receiving the ILAB scholarship for CABS. Flying out to America for books wasn’t on my 2024 bucket list, but I made it out there. I talked extensively about the faculty in my post about it here. But meeting the two American boys, Wyatt McLean and Sam Wood, was an absolute pleasure. Arguably, we had too much fun at CABS. But since then, we've had a lively group chat where we talk about books, ask questions, and wind each other up—ranging from discussions about Stephen King and Cormac McCarthy to sharing the ‘weirdest’ items we have in stock. Meeting them both was a pleasure, and it's great to have friends across the pond.

I joined the PBFA and exhibited at fairs throughout the year, including the big York September fair.

I've learned more and more about authors I love, such as Agatha Christie, Fleming, and Tolkien, dealing in many first editions.
I've increased my knowledge of antiquarian books, travel, and polar exploration.
I produced my first catalogue of transgender materials I picked up over the two years.

I drove far too many miles, drank probably too much beer, but had a great time doing it all.

And, of course, a big thanks to my old man, Stephen Dick of Holybourne Rare Books, who has had to put up with some stupid questions, and only sometimes gave me stupid answers, and guided me on my way. Cheers, Dad.

And a huge thanks to Tobi Meuwissen, for helping get this website looking this good!

Going forward, I still want to open a bookshop in Manchester and continue dealing in Modern First Editions and more.