The key players

Swann Auction Galleries is the largest specialist rare book auction house, handling thousands of lots annually with published results that form the best price database available. Heritage Auctions handles rare books alongside its broader collectibles programme. Peter Harrington in London is one of the leading specialist dealers globally, with particular depth in modern firsts and English literature. Maggs Bros and Bernard Quaritch are among the oldest established dealers

AbeBooks, now part of Amazon, provides access to dealer inventory globally and is useful for price research even if you ultimately buy from other sources. The ABAA and ABA websites maintain searchable dealer directories.

CollectorGrade take

Swann Auction Galleries' past sale archives are the best free price research tool in the rare book market. Before making any significant purchase, search the archives for comparable copies. The data goes back decades.