7 Unique Book Publishers For Building Your Home Library
It happened again! I ran out of shelf space. I have squished books into every possible nook and cranny in my apartment. I absolutely love being surrounded by books. Through the years of page hoarding, I have found several distributors of mesmerizing books for sale.
Here, I present you with some of my favorite presses.
Hold on to your wallets; these books are not cheap. However, if you’re anything like me, you will be able to spend many hours browsing their websites and dreaming up a home library worthy of a Roman emperor.
1. Juniper Books
To kick off our journey, I have chosen Juniper books. Founded in 2001 by Thatcher Wine, a fellow book collector. They specialize in book sets more than individual books. They produce custom covers that combine to create statement pieces for your bookshelves.
For fans of fantasy series, Juniper books are your new best friend. They have several incredible sets that I would love to own one day. My favorite is the 15-piece Wheel of Time set. Second only to the Harry Potter set.
2. Folio Society Books
Maybe the most popular press on the list; here we have Folio Society. Founded in 1947 and still growing, I first discovered Folio Society when wandering around used book shops. Even used, their books do not come cheap.
However, Folio Society has an incredible selection of fiction and non-fiction combined with a healthy mix of classics and contemporary releases. There is a good chance you can find premium editions of old favorites through Folio. You may even discover something new.
My personal favorites currently on sale are the premium editions of The Game of Thrones Series and The Four Gospels, illustrated by Eric Bell.
3. The Arion Press
Speaking of expensive. The Arion Press is probably the most high-priced on this list. But you certainly get what you pay for. Most of their books are limited-edition, printed by letterpress, and bound by hand. A great option if there is one special book you keep returning to in your life. Their books can easily become generational treasures.
The Arion Press was also featured on an episode of Raw Craft with Anthony Bourdain. Their origins go all the way back to 1919 in San Francisco, where they are still based today. My absolute favorite book from them is their edition of The Holy Bible. With a price tag of over $7,000, I may never own their edition. I’m also tempted by the still expensive but more affordable Paradise Lost.
4. Beehive Books
Beehive books are one of the smaller presses, but their books are huge! Founded by Maëlle Doliveux and Josh O’Neill in 2016. Beehive books produce large illustrated works that transform classic books into art for your shelf.
Just make sure your shelves can house their 12" tall tomes before purchasing.
I personally own their illuminated edition of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. The slipcase + cover designs are gorgeous. The illustrations inside also add greatly to the reading experience. My next purchase from Beehive books will likely be The Great Gatsby.
5. Easton Press
I love the look of a dark, hand-carved wooden bookcase filled with leather-bound classics. Founded in 1975, Easton Press might be your next best friend if you do, too. My primary experience with Easton Press has been with their leather-bound classics. I love the deluxe editions. One of the books that made me pick reading back up as an adult is 1984 by George Orwell. Their deluxe edition has been on my wish list for a while.
6. Everyman’s Library
Here’s one suggestion that is a little more budget-friendly. Everyman’s library was founded in 1906 to make a home library affordable for the common man. They continue this mission today, producing hardback classics with clean and simple designs. For around $25 a piece, They make collecting quality classics possible for those of us without massive fortunes to back our book cravings.
You can purchase their books in batches or contact them for a bulk discount. I have also found them in quite a few bookstores that sell classics.
7. Chiltern Publishing
The final member of our list is also the youngest Founded in 2018, Chiltern Publishing produces classics and journals. Their selection is quite small for now. Their Jane Austen books are bestsellers and inspired by the original printings.
One cool detail is that many of their books have accompanying notebooks for purchase, like their edition of Sense and Sensibility along with this notebook.
Special Mention:
I hope you found inspiration for your own book collection. Or dream collection.
Happy reading,
Nikolai Shukhov
