Singapore may be a small island nation, but its book-collecting community has quietly flourished for decades. Unlike mass-market retailers or chain bookstores, rare book dealers operate at the intersection of literary passion, historical preservation, and serious investment. For the uninitiated, finding a genuine antiquarian bookshop can feel daunting, many dealers run appointment-only businesses from private spaces, while others maintain discreet rooms within larger stores. This guide profiles the key rare book dealers in Singapore, explains what they specialise in, and offers practical advice for anyone looking to start or expand a collection.

The market for rare books in Singapore draws on a distinctive mix of Southeast Asian colonial history, Chinese literary heritage, and global first editions. Prices range from modest three-figure sums for early reprints to five- or six-figure amounts for truly scarce items. Below we examine the principal dealers, their collections, and how to navigate this specialised trade.

Key Rare Book Dealers in Singapore

Select Books

Located at 51 Armenian Street, Select Books has been a fixture of Singapore’s literary scene since 1974. While not exclusively a rare book shop, it maintains a substantial antiquarian section on the second floor. The store specialises in Southeast Asian history, including early travel narratives, colonial government reports, and out-of-print academic monographs.

  • Specialities: Pre-1942 Singapore and Malaya titles, early maps, Straits Settlements documents.
  • Price examples: A 1930s edition of A History of Malaya by R.O. Winstedt was recently listed at $180. An 1895 Dutch colonial report on Java was priced at $350.
  • Access: Public walk-in (Mondays, Saturdays, 11 am, 7 pm); rare books are behind a locked glass cabinet, ask staff for assistance.

Select Books also hosts occasional talks on book collecting. It is a good starting point for anyone wanting to browse without an appointment.

Epigram Books (Rare Books Room)

Epigram Books, primarily known as a contemporary publisher and bookstore at 21 Palmer Road in the dining district, maintains a small but carefully curated Rare Books Room. The focus here is on Singapore literature, especially first editions of works by authors such as Goh Poh Seng, Edwin Thumboo, and Rex Shelley. The sales team can unlock the room on request.

  • Specialities: Signed copies of Singaporean poetry and fiction, limited-edition art books.
  • Price examples: A signed first edition of Goh Poh Seng’s If We Dream Too Long (1972, Heinemann) was offered at $280. A signed copy of Three Sisters of Sze by Rex Shelley, $120.
  • Access: Walk-in during store hours (daily 10 am, 10 pm), but best to call ahead if you want to inspect the rare books.

For those specifically hunting for early Singaporean fiction, Epigram’s Rare Books Room is the most accessible specialist source.

The Classics & Beyond

A relative newcomer, The Classics & Beyond opened in 2018 on the second floor of Bras Basah Complex (#02-04, 231 Bain Street). It focuses on antiquarian books from Europe and first editions of classic English literature. The owner, Mr. Lim, previously worked at a London rare book house before returning to Singapore.

  • Specialities: 19th-century leather-bound sets, early editions of Dickens, Austen, and Sir Walter Scott, plus scientific works from the 1700s.
  • Price examples: A 1860s set of Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley Novels in 48 volumes (half-calf binding), $2,400. A 1892 first edition of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (with original illustrations), $1,800.
  • Access: Walk-in Wednesdays to Sundays, 12 pm, 7 pm; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Classics & Beyond also offers appraisals for a flat fee of $50 per item (deducted if you sell through them).

Specialist Niche Dealers and Online Operations

Not every rare book dealer in Singapore maintains a physical storefront. Several operate from private premises or primarily online, which can mean lower overheads and lower prices for the buyer.

Project Baba

Project Baba is a specialist dealer focusing on Peranakan and Straits Chinese heritage, rare cookbooks, genealogies, and ceremonial manuals from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is run from a private residence in Joo Chiat and requires an appointment.

  • Specialities: Early Peranakan phrasebooks, batik reference works, private family histories.
  • Price examples: A 1923 Baba Malay Dictionary by W.G. Shellabear, $450. A 1950 Straits Chinese cookbook (mimeographed), $120.
  • Access: By appointment only; contact via website or Instagram @projectbaba.sg.

Kubon & Sagner (Southeast Asia Antiquarian)

Though based in Germany, Kubon & Sagner has a longstanding partnership with a Singapore agent who maintains a small inventory of rare items in a shared office at 1 North Bridge Road, #18-06 High Street Centre. Their stock includes German-language colonial works on Southeast Asia, many of which are not held in Singapore libraries.

  • Specialities: German ethnographic studies of Borneo and Sumatra from 1880-1920, missionary accounts.
  • Price examples: An 1888 study Die Kopfjäger von Borneo by Karl von Schwaner, €350 (approx. SGD $510).
  • Access: Viewing strictly by appointment; email the agent listed on their website.

Littera Books (Online)

Littera Books is an online-only dealer focusing on signed modern first editions and literary prize winners (Booker, Pulitzer, etc.). They ship from a warehouse in Ang Mo Kio. Their inventory is updated monthly on their website.

  • Specialities: Signed Stephen King, Haruki Murakami, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; also collectible editions of Singapore Prize winners.
  • Price examples: Signed first edition of The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (2019), $220. Signed Kafka on the Shore (English first) by Murakami, $480.
  • Access: Order online; no physical showroom.

For a broader perspective on where to find books in Singapore, including secondhand and new, see our complete guide to buying and borrowing books in Singapore.

What Counts as a Rare Book in Singapore?

Rarity is relative. In Singapore, the definition is shaped by three factors: scarcity of copies, demand among collectors, and historical or cultural significance to the region.

  • Early Southeast Asian imprints: Books printed in Singapore before 1900 are automatically scarce because the printing industry was nascent. The Mission Press (founded 1823) produced many religious and educational works, fewer than 100 copies of each title survive.
  • Signed or inscribed copies: Singaporean authors often gave inscribed copies to friends or libraries. A signed copy of Lee Kuan Yew’s The Singapore Story (first edition, 1998) can fetch upwards of $500.
  • Limited editions: Modern publishers like Ethos Books and Math Paper Press occasionally release limited runs (e.g., 50-100 copies) of poetry or art books. These become collectible quickly.
  • Pre-war maps and prints: Hand-coloured lithographs of Singapore harbour from the 1840s (e.g., by T. Picken) are highly sought after; prices range from $800 to $3,000.

For general secondhand sources that sometimes yield rare finds, check our best secondhand bookshops in Singapore.

Prices and Valuation

Rare book pricing in Singapore is not standardised. Factors that influence value include condition (dust jacket presence, foxing, binding integrity), edition (first editions are generally more valuable), provenance (previous owners of note), and market demand at a given time.

ItemDealerApproximate Price (SGD)
1878 first edition of The Malay Archipelago by Alfred Russel WallaceThe Classics & Beyond$3,500
Signed first edition of If We Dream Too Long (1972) by Goh Poh SengEpigram Books (Rare Room)$280
1929 guide to Straits Settlements philatelySelect Books$195
Signed Murakami Kafka on the Shore (English first)Littera Books (online)$480
1888 German study of Borneo headhuntingKubon & Sagner agent (SG)$510

If you are buying as an investment, always request a written invoice describing the item (including defects). Most dealers offer a 7- to 14-day return policy for misdescribed items, ask before purchase.

How to Approach Rare Book Buying

Do Your Homework

Before visiting a dealer, research typical prices. Use websites like ABAA.org (Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America) or ILAB.org (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) to check listings, many Singapore dealers are members and list internationally. Also familiarize yourself with common condition terms (e.g., “foxed,” “sun-faded,” “lacks half-title”).

Build a Relationship

Most rare book dealers in Singapore run small operations and appreciate repeat customers. Introduce yourself, share your interests (e.g., “I collect early Peranakan cookbooks”), and ask them to notify you when something arrives. Over time, you may be offered items before they are publicly listed.

Inspect in Person

Whenever possible, examine the book physically. Photos can hide foxing, writing, or plate damage. Bring a small flashlight to check hinges and margins. If the dealer is online-only, ask for a video call to see the actual volume.

Beware of Reproductions

In recent years, reprint houses (like Forgotten Books and Nabu Press) have produced facsimiles of rare titles. These are often sold for $30, $60 but can be mislabelled as originals. Always check the copyright page for the original publication date and the printer’s imprint. If in doubt, ask a dealer to verify.

For affordable secondhand options including textbooks, see our guide to buying used textbooks.

Caring for Your Rare Books

Singapore’s tropical climate, high humidity, constant warmth, and occasional rain, is challenging for paper and leather. Here are local preservation tips from conservators:

  • Storage temperature: Keep books in an air-conditioned room (around 22-24°C). Avoid attics or kitchens where temperature fluctuates.
  • Humidity control: Use a dehumidifier. Target relative humidity 45-55%. Above 65%, mould can grow within weeks.
  • Shelving: All bookshelves should be away from external walls to avoid moisture seepage. Acid-free boxes for very fragile items cost around $10, $20 from Art Friend or Overjoyed.
  • Cleaning: Use a soft brush (e.g., a clean makeup brush) to remove dust. Never use water, cleaning sprays, or oils on old bindings.

Events and Networks for Collectors

The Rare Book Collectors’ Circle (Singapore) meets twice a year at venues such as the Asian Civilisations Museum or the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. Membership is informal, contact the National Library’s rare materials department to get on the mailing list. Recent talks have covered Javanese manuscripts, early Chinese imprints in Singapore, and the art of fore-edge painting.

Annual charity book fairs (e.g., the Bras Basah Complex Fair in June) sometimes feature rare book stalls. Prices at these fairs are often negotiable. If you find a potentially valuable item, snap a photo and consult a dealer later.

For new releases and contemporary titles, see where to buy new books in Singapore.

Authenticity and Ethics

Reputable dealers in Singapore adhere to the ILAB Code of Ethics, which requires clear description of condition, provenance, and any restoration. If you suspect a dealer has misrepresented an item, you can file a complaint with ILAB (if they are members) or with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). Most dealers will settle disputes amicably to protect their reputation.

Be cautious about items offered on Carousell or Facebook Marketplace labelled “rare”, many are modern reprints. If the price seems too good to be true (e.g., a signed Murakami first edition for $50), it almost always is.

Final Thoughts

Singapore’s rare book scene is small but passionate. Dealers like Select Books, The Classics & Beyond, and Epigram Books offer accessible entry points for beginners, while niche operators (Project Baba, Littera Books) cater to specific obsessions. The key is to take your time, learn from dealers, and build a collection that reflects your interests, whether that is Peranakan heritage, Southeast Asian exploration, or signed literary firsts.

Remember that a rare book is not just an object to display; it is a fragment of history. By buying from proper dealers, you support the preservation of these fragments for future generations of readers and scholars.

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