Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books & Manuscripts

About

Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books and Manuscripts was established in 1978 on a ping pong table in a basement in Kalamazoo, Michigan. From the beginning, its founder was willing to sell a range of material, but over the years, the business has gravitated toward historical artifacts that are physically attractive in some way—illuminated material, fine bindings, books printed on vellum, fore-edge paintings, beautiful typography and paper, impressive illustration. But the company still sells a wide range of things, from (scruffy) ninth century leaves to biblical material from all periods to Wing and STC imprints to modern privately printed books. While we are forgiving about condition when something is of considerable rarity, we always try to obtain the most attractive copies possible of whatever works we offer for sale. For the past 18 years, we have been fortunate to represent one of the country's most important collectors. This collaboration means that, apart from our own inventory, we have a continuing interest in building his collection of visually arresting books (items of unusual size, with beautiful bindings, and/or containing striking illustrations) and of other material that is extraordinarily odd or interesting, especially if (but not exclusively) relating to the history of medicine.

Terms of Sale

Please contact us for availability on all items. Payment: We accept checks, major credit cards, and wire transfers. If you are a first-time customer, we wait for payment to be received before sending out your order. Shipping: Shipping costs are extra. We usually ship Fedex or USPS Priority, but please contact us if you prefer a different service or have special requests. Your satisfaction is unconditionally guaranteed. If you buy an item from us and discover that you are not satisfied with it, you may return it within 30 days of receipt for a refund, so long as the item has not been damaged.

Appraisals

Available for appraisals