About Us

Our founder, David Block, began The Book Block in 1979 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Until David's January 1, 2008 retirement, our main office was in Lake Forest, Illinois and we maintained an office and bookbindery in Greenwich. With David's retirement, we closed the Greenwich facilities and our sole office was then in Lake Forest, roughly 45 minutes north of Chicago. Since May 2014, we have been based in Boynton Beach, Florida. Although David has retired as a bookseller, he continues to consult for The Book Block and a few private clients.

Bruce Barnett, who began as a collector of antiquarian books roughly 40 years ago, is located in the Lake Forest office. In addition to being a bookseller, Bruce was an antiques dealer with a shop in Connecticut. Trained in law and finance, he has been a practicing attorney and chief financial officer of a biotechnology company. Bruce continues to be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar.

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 Boynton Beach, Florida.

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.