About Us

We have been in business for more than 25 years. Our main office is in Lake Forest, Illinois which is roughly 45 minutes north of Chicago. We also maintain an office and a bookbindery in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Bruce Barnett is located in the Lake Forest office. In addition to being a bookseller, Bruce has been an antiques dealer who previously had a shop in Connecticut. Bruce has been involved with antiquarian books for 35 years. Trained in law and finance, he has been a practicing attorney and a chief financial officer of a biotechnology company. He continues to be a member in good standing of the American Bar Association and the New York State bar. Located in Greenwich, David Block has been an antiquarian bookseller for nearly 30 years. Recently he has specialized in helping clients build substantial and important libraries.

We provide appraisal services and owing to Bruce's background as a tax attorney, we are particularly knowledgeable about IRS rules and regulations. For example, Bruce has lectured and written about recent changes to the US tax rules governing appraisals. A copy of his article entitled So You Think You're an Appraiser! that was published in the Spring 2007 edition of The ABAA Newletter can be found by clicking here.

The Book Block is always interested in buying individual items and complete collections of books, manuscripts, and other items of graphic interest. All calls and correspondence should be directed to Bruce in the Lake Forest office.

Sales Conditions

All books are guaranteed as described and may be returned within 5 days of receipt only if packed, shipped, and insured as received. Except for non-US purchasers with whom special arrangements may be made, payment is required in US dollars drawn on a US bank. Illinois residents must add a 7% sales tax. Unless otherwise agreed, books will be held for one week after receipt of payment for first time purchasers of whom references may be requested. Deferred billing is available for institutions. Postage is extra and will be via the US Post Office unless otherwise agreed. At this time, we accept only checks and money orders. We expect to add Visa and Mastercard payments in the future.