rare book

American  

noun

1. a book that is distinguished by its early printing date, its limited issue, the special character of the edition or binding, or its historical interest.

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Etymology

Origin of rare book

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

At one such event on a frosty night in New York City, 150 or so self-proclaimed Austen nerds assembled in the rare book room of the iconic Strand Bookstore to sip Pemberley tea and nibble on scones slathered with strawberry jam while exchanging tidbits about their literary idol.

From Los Angeles Times

Austen’s formal education ended at age 11, but the family culture was “distinctly literary,” according to Rebecca Romney, author of “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector’s Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a rare book that can surprise like this one does.

From Los Angeles Times

Ethan Hawke, here called Lee Raybon, is a Tulsa amateur “truthstorian” and rare book dealer, working and living in a store where the cool people hang out.

From Los Angeles Times

Lichfield-based Rare Book Auctions, sister company to Hansons, had valued both of the papers at between £40,000 and £60,000.

From BBC