Zubairul Islam

Toronto based antiquarian bookseller, Specialist in Early Printed Books and Manuscripts.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

The last few weeks I have been fighting through constant ups and downs with work, though thankfully business in general has been going well.

Anyways, medical list out in a few days, time to binge 100 Gecs while I catalog

https://t.co/iro7pOvBQB

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Well, it looks like my Facebook and Instagram have been hacked, so for the next while this is gonna be one of the only accounts im actually posting from!

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Ever wanted a near complete Tale of Genji with commentaries and contemporary bindings from the 1600s? For under 1100 USD it can be yours!

https://t.co/sSEwQQqkfE

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Me: Gosh, i havent been buying all that much lately, I hope the next catalog isn't too small 🥲

Mailman: Here's your collection of 12th to 15th century manuscripts and charters

Me: ....gosh, I sure could go for more acquisitions...

FYI, oldest piece dates to about 1142.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Been getting real weird trade offers on stuff lately, from precious gems, to antique sculptures, crypto and obscurer stuff.

HOWEVER, I will trade for Magic the Gathering singles.
Will I be the first person to trade a printed Book of Hours for some high end cards?

...Maybe

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Every year I like to set new, painful acquisition milstones, like an Extra Special Carrot.
New Goal: 12th Century Bible.

Reference image courtesy of one sold by Les Enluminures.

Expect something in 2-5 years maybe.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

I have bought and sold quite a few rare occult text over the years.

Iamblichus, De Porta, Agrippa, and more.

However, a manuscript edition of The Prophecies of Nostradamus, produced in 1684 and copied from a 1568 edition? Well now..... that's a first.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Me: I should stop buying East Asian Manuscripts.

Internet: Not even a Botanical Album with 72 Silk Paintings?

Me: Alright internet, you win for now....

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

New day, new catalog!

143 books and manuscripts, some familiar items now discounted, and several dozen new bibles. Take a looksie!

https://t.co/4wIHowf46T

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Once in a blue moon, I decide to add a book to my permanent collection.

This week, it's an 1863 copy of the Dictionnaire Infernal, beautifully illustrated.

Sold a fair few copies, happy to have one for myself at last.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

I often wonder about certain items which don't sell from prior lists.

Example, this Circa 1300, 24 leaf manuscript from the Code of Justinian, with annotations by two medieval owners.

Permanently dropping the price on this I suppose!

March 31st, 11 AM for Catalog launch.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Early Bible? Check.
Contemporary tooled binding with silver fittings? Double Check.
Silver clasps with the original owner's name engraved into them? Triple Check.

Mary Raynor, you had exquisite taste.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Magic mirror on the wall, bring me something neat to sell.

I shall have..... 13th to 14th century Hebrew manuscript waste?

Looks like they come from an early Passover Haggadah and Siddur. Neat!

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Haven't had a chance to introduce my special shop sale this month, so I'm spicing up the upcoming Catalog!

You may have seen this 1518 Hortulus Anime in the shop. But at a new and reduced price? I think not!

There'll be some familiar favorites in the catalog now it seems....

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

I do so do love contemporary book inscriptions, and our 362 year old owner Hannah here, really did have fine taste!

Binding reveal tomorrow 👀

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Haven't really bought too much the last few weeks, so today is a change in pace. 20 original Papal Bulls from the 16th to 18th century, and 10 with original bulla (lead seals) and cords.

Now to wait on export licenses!

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

It is March 2026, and once again, I'm running out of shelf space.

Expect a weeklong sale on large folios or something soon, idk.

I'm about to buy a large collection and I don't really know where to put all of it right now.

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

Bibles! I've been getting constant requests for more, on top of religious texts in general, and next list, you're getting a sweet pile!

From the 16th to 19th century, there'll be a nice spread of material, with lots of English Bibles to boot!

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

"Taking cataloging breaks is important for the body and mind. Even if you're taking a break there, you've got other tasks to do"

REEEEEEEEEEE I WANNA CATALOG NEW BOOKS I WANNA CATALOG NOW.

Fun fact, I already have enough material for a new Bible and Theology list!

[Zubairul Islam @GuyWithTheBooks]

And now, something totally different.

Here's an 18th century copy of Monk Ikkyu’s Gaikotsu, or Skeletons, a rather interesting mixture of poetry and prose, kinda like a Japanese Dance of Death.

1500 USD and its yours.

Message or email to purchase!