Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books & Manuscripts

Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books and Manuscripts was established in 1978 on a ping pong table in a basement in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The business has gravitated toward historical artifacts that are physically attractive, including illuminated material, fine bindings, books printed on vellum, fore-edge paintings, beautiful typography and paper, and impressive illustration, while still selling a wide range of material from ninth century leaves to modern privately printed books. The owner, Phil Pirages, moved the business to McMinnville, Oregon in 1984 and became a full-time bookseller. The company buys and sells early books, illuminated manuscripts and single illuminated manuscript leaves, fine and historic bindings, important illustrated books, British and American literature, and the best of the private presses.

Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books and Manuscripts was established in 1978 on a ping pong table in a basement in Kalamazoo, Michigan. From the beginning, its founder was willing to sell a range of material, but over the years the business gravitated toward historical artifacts that are physically attractive in some way—illuminated material, fine bindings, books printed on vellum, fore-edge paintings, beautiful typography and paper, impressive illustration. The company still sells a wide range of things, from ninth century leaves to Wing and STC imprints to modern privately printed books. Phil Pirages (owner) grew up in the Midwest, earned a PhD from the University of Michigan, taught literature and writing for a dozen years, and had a life-changing experience when he found a 17th century architectural book at a garage sale in 1976. After combining teaching with book dealing for eight years, he moved in 1984 to McMinnville, Oregon, the home of Linfield College, where Ellen Summerfield, now his wife, was employed as Director of International Programs, and declared himself to be in business as a full-time bookseller.

A rare book and manuscript dealer offering fine quality items with precision of description and an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.

• Illuminated Manuscripts

• Featured Bindings

• New and Featured Items

1. 1Pirages Fine Books | Phillip J. Pirages | Fine Books & Medieval Manuscriptspirages.com
2. 2Pirages Rare Books | About Us | Company History and Emphasispirages.com
3. 3Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books and Manuscriptspirages.com