Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Although I first began to sell scholarly and rare books in 1970, I have been a full-time bookseller since 1988 when I began in Tempe before moving to Phoenix in 1991 and ultimately to Scottsdale in 2003. Each decade has allowed me to develop levels of expertise and to understand the changing markets. There was a time when I dealt almost exclusively with books, now I also buy unusual historical autographs, photographs, pamphlets and miscellaneous items related to those subjects.
What is your primary product or service?
I prefer unusual books either in terms of being important First Editions or sets of classics in fine bindings. We also offer signed documents of Presidents, Scientists, Historical figures, Jazz musicians and miscellaneous memorabilia. As a service we have assisted clients in selecting fine books for their office, home or library. Shipping is available for our in state and out-of-state clients. We have conducted appraisals for the FBI as well as presented lectures on book collecting. We conducted appraisals on Arizona Collectibles in 2014 and have recently taped a number of wonderful items that will be on the Fall 2015 showing on KAET-TV (Channel 8) Phoenix.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
While I have been interested in books from my early life and a devoted reader, I met a rare book specialist in 1970 and my world expanded far beyond what had been my years in the university as student and researcher. At that time I only had my BA, later I completed graduate degrees at California State University, Sacramento; University of California, Berkeley, and Trinity Seminary. All the time in those years I learned like Larry McMurtry, that finding and selling rare books while going to school beats punching a time clock. While I have sold rare books and documents, the small sales to younger people also brings me pleasure. In that sense, I am providing a bridge to the future rather than just selling widgets.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are the only serious rare bookstore in Scottsdale that has both modern First Editions as well as rare 16th-18th Century classics and fine bindings. Although we also have rare books on the American West and Civil War. Guidon Books also is strong in those latter two fields. By the Book in Phoenix is much stronger in the history of science and related fields though at times we complement one another since we each have both unique as well as rare books.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Our location at 4242 North Scottsdale Road is where we plan to stay for the immediate future. The Old Town area has a sense of character that is lacking anywhere else in Arizona. When the late George Chamberlain founded the Antiquarian Shop in the early 1960's, he told me he considered Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road the names that would have magic for the sophisticated collector, I couldn't agree more.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are on the West side of Scottsdale Road, just bout 30 feet south of Fifth Avenue. Fortunately, we have a parking lot on Scottsdale Road open to those who wish to visit our store. We are just a little North of See's Candies.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept Visa, MC, Amex, Discover, Checks and Cash
Which areas do you service?
We offer appraisals throughout the Southwest and California. Those who bring books to us find estimates are cheerfully given. Formal appraisals can be offered depending upon the purpose of the written appraisal.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Richard Murian is the owner and Linda S. Moore is our associate. Both are members of the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America) and Ms. Moore worked for the late George Chamberlain for 15 years before eventually becoming associated with us.
What are your hours of operation?
Our normal hours are Monday-Friday 9-5:30 and Saturday 9-5. We are open by appointment.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Our best compliments come from those who appreciate the quality and condition of our holdings as well as our service. Since we also ship all over the U.S. and the world, we are amazed at how many replies we get complimenting our careful shipping. In our view, the customer deserves the very best from our presentation in the shop or online all the way through the sale and the book is delivered to the customer.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
I like two of Harry Truman's: (1) If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen; and (2) the buck stops here. We think this means we must take full responsibility for our means of conducting business as well as taking full accountability. It is our experience that 98% of our customers are treasures but for the small percentage that are not we still try to treat them with respect.
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