Wednesday 27 January 2016

Rare titles for sale from historian's book collection

An extensive private collection of local history
books is for sale through Red Cap Books
A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of a catalogue of second-hand titles newly on sale from Red Cap Books. I pounced, and bought three books I've been wanting on my shelves for some time.

Red Cap Books is not a business, as such. It is run by a local historian living in Greystones, Co. Wicklow; over the last two decades, he has built up an extensive collection of books and historical items, which he is now selling.

In the first instance he is making contact with family/local history societies and individuals who might be interested in picking up a copy of a scarce, rare, out of print or general local history book.

He'd rather see the books make their way into the hands of people who are genuinely interested in historical research and who are going to make some use out of them, as he did, rather than into the hands of collectors.

This is a great opportunity for family and local historians to obtain some hard-to-find books. Most are in excellent condition, and many are unused and unopened.

You can download the current book list here. You can also ask to be included on the mailing list to receive updated lists; send an email to redcapbooks@gmail.com. The list is a detailed spreadsheet with good descriptions of the condition of each book. Those that I bought were exactly as had been described, were well packaged and swiftly despatched. When you see something you fancy, send an email.

You can also find RedCapBooks on facebook, along with more details and photos of the books.

UPDATE 2 Feb: The seller has now placed online a regularly updated list of books for sale. I've amended the link above to take you to the list.