**In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens and fleeting information, the tactile allure of a physical book remains an enduring fascination for many. It's a sentiment beautifully encapsulated by the philosophy of Honey & Wax Booksellers, a unique establishment that not only celebrates the enduring power of print but actively champions its relevance in the age of e-books. Far from being a mere repository of old texts, this Brooklyn-based rare bookseller curates an imaginative selection of literature and arts, offering volumes that possess a distinct character, a hidden history, and a story far beyond their printed pages.** Honey & Wax Booksellers stands as a testament to the fact that some books simply have no downloadable equivalent. They are not just objects; they are artifacts, each with its own surprising narrative. This commitment to the unique and the irreplaceable is what sets them apart, making them a beacon for collectors, scholars, and anyone who cherishes the profound connection between a reader and a truly special book.
The Vision Behind Honey & Wax Booksellers
The inception of Honey & Wax Booksellers was born from a profound understanding of the evolving landscape of bookselling and a passionate belief in the intrinsic value of physical print. In 2012, its founder embarked on a journey to redefine what a rare bookseller could be in the 21st century. The vision was clear: to offer "great works of literature, rare first printings, beautiful and curious editions, copies with surprising stories of their own." This isn't just about selling books; it's about connecting readers with unique artifacts that hold historical, artistic, and personal significance. The inspiration for this distinctive approach draws from fascinating historical figures, such as "Abbie Pope, an eccentric Brooklyn book collector at the height of the Gilded Age." This nod to the past highlights a continuous thread of passionate collecting and appreciation for the singular nature of books. Honey & Wax Booksellers is, therefore, not just a business but a continuation of a rich tradition, adapted for a modern audience that increasingly seeks authenticity and tangible experiences. They handle "unique books, striking books, books with no downloadable equivalent," emphasizing their commitment to items that cannot be replicated digitally, ensuring their enduring relevance and value.
Rebecca Romney: A Biography of a Bibliophile
The driving force behind Honey & Wax Booksellers is Rebecca Romney, a name synonymous with expertise and passion in the antiquarian book world. Her journey into rare books is a testament to a lifelong dedication to literature and its physical manifestations. Her career began early, working at The Strand during her college years, a foundational experience that immersed her in the vast world of books. This was followed by a stint at the prestigious Beinecke Library during grad school, where she gained invaluable exposure to scholarly collections and the meticulous care required for rare materials. Prior to launching Honey & Wax Booksellers, Romney honed her skills and deepened her knowledge over seven years at Bauman Rare Books, a renowned name in the industry. This extensive background provided her with the authoritative foundation necessary to establish her own venture, specializing in literary classics. Her unique specialization lies in "surprising copies of classic literature, 'books with a social life and a secret past.'" This approach is not merely about rarity but about the individual journey of each book, making her a trusted expert in the field. Rebecca's deep involvement in the broader bibliographical community further solidifies her standing. She is on the board of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA), the council of the Bibliographical Society of America (BSA), and serves on the board and faculty of other esteemed organizations, underscoring her commitment to the highest standards of the profession.
Literary classics, unique copies, books with a social life and secret past, rare first printings, quirky vintage editions, splendidly bound copies.
Affiliations
Board Member: Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA), Council Member: Bibliographical Society of America (BSA), Board & Faculty Member of other relevant organizations.
Launch of Honey & Wax
2012 (initially from her Park Slope dining room)
Inspiration
Abbie Pope, eccentric Brooklyn book collector.
The Philosophy: "Use Books as Bees Use Flowers"
The evocative phrase, "Use books as bees use flowers," is more than just a motto for Honey & Wax Booksellers; it's a guiding philosophy that encapsulates their approach to collecting, curating, and appreciating books. Just as bees meticulously gather nectar from diverse flowers to create something new and valuable – honey and wax – so too does the discerning reader and collector engage with books. It suggests a process of thoughtful engagement, extracting knowledge, beauty, and inspiration from a wide array of sources. This metaphor highlights the active and reciprocal relationship between the reader and the book. It's not passive consumption but an active search for intellectual nourishment and aesthetic pleasure. For Honey & Wax Booksellers, this means seeking out books that offer more than just text. They look for volumes that are rich in history, unique in their physical form, or surprising in their content. It encourages a deeper interaction, moving beyond surface-level reading to a more profound appreciation of the book as an object of art, history, and knowledge. This philosophy underpins their entire inventory, ensuring that every book they offer has a story to tell, a unique "nectar" to share.
A Curated Collection: Beyond the Ordinary
At the heart of Honey & Wax Booksellers lies an "imaginative selection of literature, with the occasional foray into the arts." This is not a general bookstore; it is a meticulously curated collection where each item is chosen for its unique qualities and significance. Their specialization in "unique copies" means that customers are not just buying a book, but a piece of history, often with a provenance that adds layers of intrigue and value. The inventory at Honey & Wax Booksellers is diverse, yet always focused on quality and distinctiveness. They offer "books from the libraries of writers and artists," which carry the echoes of their previous owners' intellectual lives. "Rare first printings" are a cornerstone of their collection, appealing to serious collectors who seek the earliest and often most authentic versions of significant works. Beyond the purely academic, they also stock "quirky vintage editions" and "splendidly bound copies," catering to those who appreciate the aesthetic beauty and craftsmanship of older books. The common thread among all these offerings is that they are "books with no downloadable equivalent," emphasizing their physical uniqueness and the irreplaceable experience they offer.
Literature with a Social Life and a Secret Past
Rebecca Romney's particular interest in "surprising copies of classic literature, 'books with a social life and a secret past,'" defines a significant part of Honey & Wax Booksellers' appeal. This concept refers to books that have been annotated, inscribed, or somehow altered by their previous owners, giving them a unique narrative beyond the author's original text. These are not pristine, untouched volumes; rather, their imperfections and marks of use tell a story of their journey through time and hands. For instance, a classic novel might contain marginalia from a famous reader, a dedication from an author to a significant figure, or even simply the subtle wear and tear that indicates a beloved and well-read copy. These elements transform a mass-produced item into a singular artifact, making it a truly "unique copy." This specialization is a "risk," as Romney acknowledges, but it also presents "a real opportunity now for a different kind of bookseller," one who can uncover and articulate the hidden narratives within these books, offering them to a discerning audience that values depth and authenticity over mere perfection.
The Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize
A testament to their commitment to fostering new generations of bibliophiles and recognizing the passion of collectors, Honey & Wax Booksellers founded the Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize. This annual award, now in its ninth year and returning for 2025, is a significant initiative in the rare book community. As Rebecca Romney explained to the Seattle Review of Books, it is "an annual award for an outstanding book collection that was formed by a woman in the United States, age 30 or younger." This prize serves multiple important functions. Firstly, it encourages young women to engage with book collecting, a hobby and academic pursuit that has historically been male-dominated. By specifically recognizing collections formed by women, it helps to diversify the field and highlight emerging talent. Secondly, it promotes the idea that a "collection" is not just about accumulating rare or expensive items, but about forming a coherent, thoughtful, and personal body of work. The prize celebrates the intellectual curiosity, dedication, and unique vision that goes into building a meaningful collection, reinforcing the idea that books are not just commodities but integral parts of intellectual and personal growth. The prize's longevity, with its ninth annual iteration, underscores its impact and the continued relevance of physical book collecting.
Exploring the Crossroads of Knowledge
While Honey & Wax Booksellers specializes in literature, their intellectual curiosity extends far beyond a single genre. Their stock "spans the arts and sciences," reflecting a broad appreciation for human knowledge and creativity. This interdisciplinary approach is a hallmark of their curated collection, setting them apart from more narrowly focused rare book dealers. They are not simply looking for old books; they are searching for volumes that represent significant intellectual and artistic achievements across various fields. This expansive view allows them to cater to a wider range of collectors and interests, from literary scholars to art historians, and even those with a passion for scientific discovery. Their commitment to exploring different disciplines enriches their inventory and offers customers unexpected treasures.
Surprising Crossover Moments in Print History
A particular fascination for Honey & Wax Booksellers lies in "surprising crossover moments in print history." These are "books that represent a mix of disciplines, genres, and audiences," showcasing the interconnectedness of knowledge and the fluidity of intellectual boundaries. This could manifest in various forms: a scientific text illustrated by a renowned artist, a philosophical treatise that influenced a literary movement, or a work that blends different artistic mediums. For example, the data mentions "two student sketchbooks devoted to design and color theory," which are prime examples of such crossover moments. These "disbound sketchbooks," each containing a manuscript introduction and studies on stiff paper, represent a tangible intersection of art, design, and education. Another striking example is the "first edition of this iconic artist’s book by conceptual artist Sol LeWitt, reproducing a series of 'location drawings' that capture, in text and image, the taxonomy of the visual line." This single volume, measuring 12 x 9 inches, is a perfect illustration of how art and conceptual thought merge in print, creating a unique and non-downloadable artifact. These types of books are particularly appealing because they challenge conventional categorization and offer a richer, more nuanced understanding of intellectual history.
The Physical Home of Literary Treasures
Honey & Wax Booksellers operates from a tangible space in Brooklyn, providing a physical anchor for their unique digital presence. Their address, "94 9th Street, Suite 228, Brooklyn, New York 11215," signifies a real-world location where these rare and captivating books reside. While much of their business might be conducted online, having a physical presence, especially within a vibrant literary hub like Brooklyn, adds to their authenticity and accessibility for serious collectors. The journey to this dedicated space began modestly, with Rebecca Romney launching Honey & Wax out of her Park Slope dining room. This humble beginning underscores the passion and entrepreneurial spirit that drives the business. Today, as an established antiquarian bookseller in Brooklyn and a member of the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America), they represent a trusted and reputable entity within the rare book market. Their online presence, with over 3,000 likes and active discussions on social media, further extends their reach, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to connect with their curated selection and the philosophy that guides Honey & Wax Booksellers.
Why Print Still Matters: The Honey & Wax Answer
In an era where the debate about print's relevance in a world of e-books frequently arises, Honey & Wax Booksellers offers a compelling and definitive answer. They are "the perfect answer to anyone who questions print’s relevance in a world of ebooks." Their existence and their success are living proof that physical books, especially those with unique qualities, hold an irreplaceable value that digital formats simply cannot replicate. The core of their argument lies in the inherent nature of the books they stock: "unique books, striking books, books with no downloadable equivalent." E-books provide convenience and accessibility to text, but they strip away the materiality, the history, and the unique physical characteristics that make a rare book so special. The weight of the paper, the smell of aged pages, the texture of a binding, the provenance of a previous owner's inscription – these are sensory experiences that bind us to the past and enrich our interaction with the content. Honey & Wax Booksellers champions these very qualities, demonstrating that for true connoisseurs and collectors, the physical form is not just a vessel for text, but an integral part of the work itself, deserving of preservation and appreciation.
The Art of the Unique Book
The meticulous attention to detail and the artistic qualities of the books handled by Honey & Wax Booksellers are evident in the descriptions of their inventory. They deal in "literary classics and curiosities, from the seventeenth century to the present," showcasing a broad historical scope while maintaining a focus on items that stand out. This includes not just the content, but the physical presentation and condition of the books. Descriptions like "original color pictorial paper boards, color pictorial endpapers, original unclipped color pictorial dust jacket priced at 2.00" highlight the aesthetic appeal and collectibility of certain editions. Even imperfections are noted with a professional eye, such as "occasional stray smudge to text" or "offsetting from binder’s glue to endpapers," demonstrating transparency and expertise in condition reporting. When necessary, "expert restoration to dust jacket" is also part of the care taken with these valuable items, ensuring their longevity and preserving their beauty. This level of detail underscores the fact that these are not just reading copies, but objects of art and historical significance.
Featured Finds from the Honey & Wax Archives
Among the many treasures that pass through Honey & Wax Booksellers, certain items stand out as exemplars of their unique collecting philosophy. Beyond the sketchbooks and Sol LeWitt's conceptual art book, the data also mentions the "first edition of the first of Ludwig," hinting at significant first editions that form part of their stock. While the full title isn't provided, this reference suggests a commitment to acquiring foundational works that hold significant historical and literary weight. Another intriguing item is described as a "single volume, measuring 8.25 x 6.25 inches," comprising "the history, uses, characteristics, and affinities of the plant." This description points to specialized, perhaps scientific or botanical, works that demonstrate the "foray into the arts and sciences" that Honey & Wax undertakes. These diverse examples illustrate the breadth of their expertise and their dedication to offering truly distinctive items, whether it's a rare scientific treatise or a groundbreaking artist's book. Each item is chosen for its intrinsic value, its historical context, and its ability to tell a compelling story, reinforcing the idea that these are books that cannot be downloaded, only experienced.
Conclusion: A Legacy for the Future
Honey & Wax Booksellers, under the expert guidance of Rebecca Romney, has carved out a unique and vital niche in the world of rare books. By specializing in "unique books, striking books, books with no downloadable equivalent," they offer a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing digital tide, proving that the physical book retains an undeniable allure and intrinsic value. From rare first printings and beautifully bound editions to volumes with surprising personal histories, their collection is a testament to the enduring power of print. Their commitment extends beyond commerce, as evidenced by the Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize, which nurtures new generations of collectors and celebrates the thoughtful curation of personal libraries. In a world that often questions print's relevance, Honey & Wax Booksellers stands as a beacon, inviting us to "use books as bees use flowers"—to engage deeply, to discover hidden treasures, and to appreciate the profound connection between reader and object. If you're passionate about the tangible magic of books, explore their imaginative selection and discover the next literary treasure waiting to tell its story. What unique book has touched your life? Share your thoughts and discoveries in the comments below, or consider visiting the Honey & Wax Booksellers website to explore their current offerings and perhaps find a book with a story all its own.
