Forty Years Among the Old Booksellers of Philadelphia

William Brotherhead provides a detailed memoir in Forty Years Among the Old Booksellers of Philadelphia, Volume 1. This historical account explores the intricacies of the antiquarian booksellers trade during the nineteenth century. As a dealer in rare books, Brotherhead offers firsthand observations on the professional, religious, and ethnic demographics of Philadelphia. The text serves as a significant resource for those studying bibliography, book collecting, and the history of bookselling.

The narrative includes biographical remarks on over thirty peers within the trade and examines the evolving nature of the profession. Readers can learn about specific prices and editions of notable transactions made within his shop. Brotherhead also discusses famous collections, including those of William Bradford, and analyzes the relationship between the American book trade and Europe. This volume remains a vital work for scholars of history and the specialized field of antiquarian books.