interesting, quirky, beautiful

first editions, rare books, private press

CONDITION IS KEY TO OUR COLLECTIONS

Founded nearly 40 years ago by Mark Skipper, Cheltenham Rare Books deals in first editions and fine and rare books. Our bookshop is situated in the Cotswolds, in central Cheltenham. If you're buying online, take a look at our packing process here. Our collections include fiction, poetry books, plays, crime fiction, science fiction and fantasy, illustrated books and private press.  We are members of the ABA and PBFA and we guarantee the quality of our books as described and our delivery service. If you have books to sell please contact us - we're always happy to take a look and make an offer where we can.  Come and see us in Imperial Square - we'd love to see you.

Cheltenham rare books exterior of shop

About our Bookshop

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FIND GIFTS BY YEAR, INTEREST OR OCCASION

GIFTS FOR BOOK LOVERS

Our rare book shop offers many great ideas for gifts including signed first edition books, fine binding books, illustrated books, limited editions and original artwork. You can also filter by year to find 'year you were born gifts'.

Sell first edition books / antique books valuation

Whether you're looking to sell first edition books or antiquarian books - or wondering where to sell limited edition books then please contact us. We'd be delighted to help. Please note that general knowledge Encyclopaedias were mass produced and unless printed before 1825 very rarely have value. Find out here what we're looking for and how to tell if a book is a first edition.

Written valuations can be undertaken for a fee. Please contact us and we'd be happy to discuss our terms and conditions. 

Limited Edition Books

Limited edition books are produced in limited quantities. Many will have a limitation page showing the number of the book and frequently will be signed by the author or the illustrator.

identify & sell rare books
where to sell first edition books | Cheltenham Rare Books

First Edition Books

Although publishers started using number lines in the 1940s, there isn't a globally recognised standard. There are many criteria to take into account. Our first edition books price guide will help and if you're looking to sell please contact us.

Antiquarian books

We're always looking to buy antiquarian books especially fine bindings and library sets.

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The Art of the Book Journal

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Travel through Leslie Gerry's paintings of Havana, Venice, Stockholm, New York and Marrakesh. Most titles are available in Deluxe, Regular and Miniature Editions. Individual signed limited edition Gicleee prints are also available. Find out more about Leslie in our article here.

What differentiates us from other antiquarian booksellers?

We are proud of our history as modern first edition book dealers offline and strive to provide the same dedication to service online.  The quality of the books and the choice of stock, together with end to end customer service and attention to detail are just as important to get right for our online customers, as for anyone coming to our rare bookshop in Cheltenham.