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.

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.

Three years ago, we moved our operations to Palm Beach, Florida, opening 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.

matthew-raptis

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.

BROWSE OUR MOST RECENT CATALOG

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new Summer 2019 Catalog of fine rare books and historic documents, from antiquity to modernity. Highlights of the catalog include a rare first edition in English of Sir Isaac Newton’s Two Treatises on the Quadrature of Curves, an exquisite Cyrillic document signed by Catherine the Great, an exceedingly rare first edition of the History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark, a deluxe illustrated Ibarra edition of Cervantes’ Don Quixote, a scarce first issue of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and a first edition of Catch-22 signed by both Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut.

OPEN PDF CATALOG
BROWSE OUR MOST RECENT CATALOGS

NEW ARRIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer’s Comrade).
  • Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
  • Portrait of America.
  • El Amor en los Tiempos del Colera (Love in the Time of Cholera).
  • The Book of War: The Military Classic of the Far East [The Art of War].
  • Golf Dreams: Writings on Golf.
  • Neil Armstrong Signed Delaware Evening Journal.
  • Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team.
  • The Wright Brothers.
  • Elemens de la Philosophie de Neuton [Elements of the Philosophy of Newton].
  • The Descent of Man.
  • Original Robert Frost Autograph Poem Signed.
  • Opticks: or a Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions and Colours of Light. Also Two Treatises of the Species and Magnitude of Curvilinear Figures.
  • Albert Einstein: A Biographical Portrait.
  • Ian Hamilton’s March.
  • Ethiopian Coptic Ge’ez Bible.
  • Systema Cosmicum in Quo Quatuor Dialogis, de Duobus Maximis Mundi Systematibus, Ptolemaico et Copernicano. [Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems].
  • The Little Prince.
  • The Man in the High Castle.
  • Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders Era Document Collection.
  • Original Caesar and Cleopatra/ Anthony and Cleopatra Signed Playbill.
  • Napoleon.
  • The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.
  • George Washington Autograph Letter Signed.
  • A Child’s Garden of Verses.
  • The Little Prince.
  • The Spy Who Came In From The Cold.
  • Moby Dick; Or, The Whale.
  • Robert E. Lee Signed Carte-de-Visite.
  • An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
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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.

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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.

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FEATURED ITEMS

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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.

AUTOGRAPHED & SIGNED BOOKS

PRESIDENTS & WORLD LEADERS

SPORTS & LEISURE

Economics and Finance Rare Books

ECONOMICS & FINANCE

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Blog Posts

Celebrating the Centenary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Birth.

Rare Book Highlights: Vesalius’ On the Fabric of the Human Body.

Now in Palm Beach: Bases Loaded.

The 50th Anniversary of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.

  • The Road To Serfdom.

Friedrich August von Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom

  • First edition of Mario Puzo's The Godfather; inscribed by Puzo to his editor, William Targ. By far the most desirable association copy.

Mario Puzo’s The Godfather.

Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Autumn in Venice: Ernest Hemingway and His Last Muse.

Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: Mary Lily Flagler’s Washington Birthday Ball with Ed Lamont.

Raptis Rare Books Lecture Series: At Churchill’s Table: Dining and Diplomacy with History’s Greatest Leaders.

  • Black History Month Raptis Rare Books

Celebrating Black History Month and African American Literature.

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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.

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.
  • Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer’s Comrade).
  • A Moveable Feast.
  • The Old Man and the Sea.
  • The Second World War: The Gathering Storm; Their Finest Hour; The Grand Alliance; The Hinge of Fate; Closing the Ring; Triumph and Tragedy.
  • The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More.
  • When We Were Very Young.
  • Now We Are Six.
  • Houdini’s Paper Magic.
  • Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip Signed Christmas Card.
  • The Combat of the People; or Hillel and Herod: A Historical Romance of The Time of Herod I.
  • The Town.
  • Golf Dreams: Writings on Golf.
  • Watership Down.
  • The Last Picture Show.
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