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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

Hitler’s original copy is in the rare book collection, along with 1,200 of his other books, at the Library of Congress.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2024

In 2022, a rare book laced with arsenic was discovered by librarians in Leeds.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2024

Before handling a rare book, some people take off rings and watches.

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2023

She was going to say a strange boy had broken into a room with a rare book and started rambling on about golden arrows.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova