When you think of Las Vegas,
images of glitz, glam, neon lights, fabulous hotels, and smoke-filled casinos
usually come to mind. That was certainly my image—of the Strip, at any rate.
That is, until I discovered the hidden gem in between the Palazzo and
Venetian hotels that I would never have expected to find.
That hidden gem is Bauman Rare Books, a book lovers’ dream! Inside
this manor house library-style store is a feast for any writer’s
or reader’s eyes—original works by people whose names jump from
the pages of history: Shakespeare, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson,
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, Zebulon Pike, and Edward Curtis—the list
goes on.
I stood before the glass-fronted, dark wood cabinets, drooling over
the ancient leather-bound texts, wishing I could reach through the glass and
take that book by George Washington carefully from the shelf. I pictured myself
sitting in one of the comfortable couches and reading for the afternoon,
lovingly turning each fragile page. Alas, I had to be satisfied staring through
the glass doors.
Owners David and Natalie
Bauman began their company in 1973 with a box of 18th-century imprints. They
loved literature and history and believed that starting a rare bookstore would
be an interesting way to earn a living.
Nearly thirty-five years later, Bauman Rare Books has evolved into
one of the finest and most respected antiquarian book firms. It has two other
locations: New York City on Madison Avenue, between 54th and 55th Streets, and
Philadelphia at the historic Sun-Oil Building on Walnut Street (the main
hub).
“When we try to pinpoint what really distinguishes our company, we
come up with one factor over and over again: dedication to our clients,” says
David Bauman.” Our relationships don’t last for a month or two; many of our
clients are with us for years, as we build their collections book by book
together.”
He adds, “Whatever your interests—literary classics, landmarks in
the history of ideas, monumental accounts of travel and exploration, revolutionary
scientific and medical works, exquisite decorative bindings and sets, beloved
children’s books, inscribed and association copies—we have much to offer from
our extensive and constantly changing inventory.”
I agree with him wholeheartedly. On your next trip to Las Vegas,
Philadelphia, or New York, treat yourself to this must-see store. You’ll be
glad you did!
Click here to see a video of the store.