New Rare Book Shop Opens in Boston, Blending Tradition with Innovation

The opening of Philip Salmon & Company Rare Books at 607 Boylston Street marks a significant development in Boston's rare book community, occupying the space previously home to the legendary Bromer Booksellers. Co-owner Phil Salmon describes this as a "legacy venture," with the team consisting of former Bromer employees dedicated to upholding the shop's prestigious reputation while introducing innovative approaches to rare book collecting. This transition represents more than just a change in ownership—it signifies a meaningful evolution in how rare books are presented and experienced in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The shop's philosophy is immediately evident in its inaugural catalog, "The Interaction of Paper," which explores paper engineering across multiple centuries. This four-color catalog showcases a diverse collection ranging from traditional children's pop-up books to interactive works for tradespeople and artist's books, with prices reflecting the collection's unique nature from $50 to several thousand dollars. Unlike most contemporary rare book dealers operating exclusively online, Philip Salmon & Company offers a physical space where collectors and book enthusiasts can personally examine their inventory, emphasizing what Salmon calls the irreplaceable experience of physically exploring books before purchasing.

Beyond paper engineering, the shop's collection encompasses literary first editions, manuscripts, letters, fine printing, artist's books, works by Edward Gorey, and miniature books. Salmon has also expressed an intention to expand the shop's focus to include materials exploring social justice issues, indicating a forward-thinking approach to collection development. Open Monday through Friday with weekend appointments available, Philip Salmon & Company represents a refreshing commitment to preserving and celebrating the art of rare book collecting in a digital age. The shop maintains an online presence at https://www.philipsalmonrarebooks.com where collectors can browse selections, but the physical location offers something increasingly rare: direct engagement with literary artifacts.

This development matters because it represents a counter-movement to the digitization of rare book commerce, preserving the tactile experience that has defined book collecting for centuries. In an era when many rare book transactions occur through digital images and descriptions, the physical shop allows for the serendipitous discoveries and personal examinations that have traditionally driven the field. The shop's location in the former Bromer space creates continuity with Boston's rich bibliophilic history while introducing new collecting perspectives. By combining traditional rare book categories with innovative focuses like paper engineering and planned social justice materials, Philip Salmon & Company demonstrates how specialized book dealing can evolve without losing its essential character. The implications extend beyond Boston's literary scene, offering a model for how physical rare book shops can remain relevant by emphasizing experiential engagement and specialized knowledge in an increasingly virtual marketplace.