Trusted online since 2010

Rare & first-edition books, sourced for serious collectors.

Jon's Rare Books is a boutique online shop specializing in carefully authenticated literary treasures — from modern firsts to leather-bound classics.

Small & personal Every title individually photographed, described, and packed by Jon.
800+ volumes placed with collectors
30-day satisfaction promise
Worldwide insured shipping available
Today's highlighted acquisition
On hold for 24h
"The Great Gatsby" — F. Scott Fitzgerald
First UK edition, 1926 Dust jacket present
Condition: Near fine Provenance: Private European library
About Jon's Rare Books

A small shop with a collector’s eye.

We’re not a warehouse. Every signed book we offer has been chosen, handled, and evaluated by a collector who cares about condition, provenance, and readability.

Jon’s Rare Books grew out of a simple obsession: the moment you open a book and see the author’s handwriting on the page. A signature turns a good read into a personal artifact—part literature, part history.

We specialize in signed books across genres: fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi & fantasy, history, biography, and more. You’ll also find the occasional signed photograph or related piece when it supports the story behind the book.

Alongside selling, we actively work on gentle restoration and preservation projects to give worthy volumes a renewed life on your shelves.

100+ signed volumes curated and sold to private collectors.
Care first soft handling, archival materials, and secure packaging as standard practice.

Featured selection

A small window into the current catalogue. Enquire about any title below, or ask Jon to scout for something specific.

Modern first editions Literary fiction Sci-fi & fantasy History & biography Limited & numbered runs

Our signed catalog is being updated. Check back soon or reach out with a specific request.

Preservation & projects

Giving worthy books a second life.

Some volumes arrive loved but tired. When it makes sense, we invest in thoughtful, light restoration—never anything that erases the story of the book.

Dust jacket care

Mylar protection & gentle cleaning

Application of archival mylar covers and careful surface cleaning to protect existing jackets from further wear, without over- “restoring” them.

Archival mylar Non-invasive

Shelf-worthy again

Spine & board reinforcement

Light structural work on loose hinges or shaken bindings so that signed books can be handled and displayed confidently.

Conservative Display-focused

Signature care

Protecting the autograph itself

Careful evaluation of pen type, paper quality, and exposure so the ink that matters most—the signature—stays bold for years to come.

Low-light storage Acid-free sleeves

Authenticity & trust

Signatures you can feel good about.

Every signed book we offer is evaluated for authenticity, condition, and overall desirability. If we’re not confident, it doesn’t go on the shelf.

How we approach authenticity

  • Comparison against known genuine examples, paying attention to flow, pressure, and typical signing habits.
  • Preference for books with clear provenance: event programs, receipts, or long-time ownership stories when available.
  • Honest descriptions of any condition issues: remainder marks, bumped corners, jacket tears, or toning.
  • Transparent communication—if you have questions about a signature, we’re happy to talk through details and photos.

While we are not a third-party authentication service, our own reputation and repeat buyers matter deeply. We only offer signatures we genuinely believe in and stand behind.

Photos that tell the truth

Listings emphasize accurate, honest photography: close-ups of the signature, the title page, spine, and any notable wear. No filters, no heavy editing.

Serious about packing

Books ship boxed, padded, and protected—never tossed in a bag. We treat each order as if it were going to our own shelves.

Questions always welcome

Curious about a particular author, edition, or genre? Get in touch. We’re happy to check current stock or keep an eye out for you.

Enquire or sell a book

Tell Jon what you're looking for, or share a few details about a book you'd like to sell or consign.

There's no automated checkout here on purpose — every transaction starts with a conversation. That's how condition, expectations, and packing all stay aligned.

1:1 email contact Photos on request Worldwide shipping

Typical reply time: within one business day. For time-sensitive requests, please note any deadlines in your message.

You'll only be contacted about your message — no mailing lists without consent.
Clicking "Enquire" on a book above will prefill this line.
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