What I Do

I am a rare book and paper dealer, specializing in printed and manuscript documents recording the lives of people and communities on the margins of America in the twentieth century. I have a particular fondness for evidence documenting travel to and from South Asia, especially pieces written by South Asian immigrants, and the ways in which South Asian religious and cultural traditions affected the spiritual lives of Americans, especially communities of color.

I tend towards the eccentric and idiosyncratic, whether that be a work of quack medicine written by an African American funeral director, or a book on telepathic travel through radio-waves by an Indian immigrant-bodybuilder. The uncharted and esoteric is my eminent domain, provided that there is a compelling story to tell about unusual beliefs, practices, and social norms. My preferred format is the ubiquitous though ephemeral staple-bound pamphlet, though I also handle manuscripts, photographic materials, and archives as they come to me.

I operate by issuing thematic e-lists on a semi-regular basis, as well as exhibiting at book fairs. Previous examples of my catalogs can be found on this site, which also provides a more-or-less up to date schedule of my upcoming shows. I deeply value personal relationships, and always welcome inquiries about specific interests you might have, whether those be in my specialties or beyond.

If any or all of the above strikes a chord and you would like to receive first pass at my latest material, please feel free to drop me a line by phone, text, or email.

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