This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Published in 1891, Forty Years Among the Old Booksellers of Philadelphia contains the memoirs of William Brotherhead, a dealer in old and rare books. This remarkable volume offers valuable insights into literary society in nineteenth-century Philadelphia as well as the antiquarian book business. In addition to an overview of his own life in this changing profession, Brotherhead provides brief commentaries on more than thirty of his peers in the trade.

Forty Years Among the Old Booksellers of Philadelphia gives the reader a glimpse of the professional, religious, and ethnic demographics of nineteenth-century Philadelphia. Brotherhead also remarks on the prices and editions of several notable purchases and sales made in his shop over the years. He concludes by describing several famous collections, such as that of William Bradford, and depicts the burgeoning old-book trade in the United States as a key part of its relationship with Europe.