Rare Book Gifts

Every book here is rare in some genuine way, whether that's a first printing, an early edition, or simply a copy that has lasted far longer than most others like it. We can't always find a matching replacement once one sells, which is what sets a gift like this apart from almost anything else you could choose. If you'd like to see everything we currently hold, browse our full Rare Books collection.

More information

A rare book gift, as unique and special as the person you're giving it to

“I have regretted only my economies, never my extravagances.”

— A. Edward Newton, The Amenities of Book-Collecting (1918)

Every book in this collection is rare in a way an ordinary copy never is: a first printing, an early edition, or a volume whose age alone has become part of its story. A collector who already owns plenty of ordinary books rarely owns many genuinely rare ones. That's what makes a gift like this stand out.

What counts as rare here ranges from a seventeenth-century volume of verse to an early edition of a much-loved twentieth-century story, taking in natural history, travel writing, poetry and devotional books along the way. Every item is different by nature, since something genuinely rare can't simply be reordered once it's sold.

As with every book we sell, condition is described in detail rather than left to a general note, though it matters more than ever with something this individual. This collection is a hand-picked, gift-focused selection rather than every rare book we hold, so visit our full Rare Books collection to see the complete range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rare book gifts do you have?

This collection brings together our most exceptional pieces: early and first editions, one-off illustrated volumes, and books whose age or scarcity makes them genuinely hard to find elsewhere. Exactly what's in stock changes as new pieces come in, since a collection like this can't be restocked to order.

How do I choose when every book here is different?

Start with what the person already loves, whether that's a subject, an author or simply old books in general, since there's no single "typical" item here to fall back on. If you'd rather they choose for themselves, a J.W.B Books gift card lets them pick.

What condition are the books in?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and any wear before you buy. Condition varies from book to book, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

How is this different from your First Edition Book Gifts collection?

First Edition Book Gifts focuses specifically on first printings. This collection is broader: a book can earn its place here through age, scarcity or survival as much as through edition, so browse First Edition Book Gifts too if that's the specific angle you're after.

Could a rare book gift mark a birthday or anniversary?

It can, particularly where a book's own printing year lines up with a personal one, though most of what's here predates any birthday we could match it to. Our Book Gifts by Year page is worth a look either way.

How do you know a book is genuinely rare?

We check edition, printing and provenance before anything is listed here, and we stop at what's documented rather than promising more than we can prove.

Are these books meant to be read, or are they more for display?

Both, though a few of the older or more fragile pieces are better handled carefully than read cover to cover. Either way, a book this individual tends to earn a place on a shelf where it can be seen.

Do you ship these book gifts worldwide?

Yes, worldwide, with free UK shipping on orders over £50. Given the value and condition of pieces in this collection, each one is packed individually with extra care.

Discover other Book Collections