That Guy With The Books
@guywiththebooks.bsky.social
Toronto based antiquarian bookseller, early print and manuscript specialist. Illumination is groovy.
Alright. Got the final catalog draft coming along. It's definitely going to be a nice visual treat to say the least.
Can I keep it under 500 pages though at the finish line? I reaaaally hope so.
Can I keep it under 500 pages though at the finish line? I reaaaally hope so.
February 8, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Alright. Got the final catalog draft coming along. It's definitely going to be a nice visual treat to say the least.
Can I keep it under 500 pages though at the finish line? I reaaaally hope so.
Can I keep it under 500 pages though at the finish line? I reaaaally hope so.
It may not be a Hokusai, but this silk painting album showcasing Mount Fuji by Nomura Bunkyo is a real showstopper up close! That attention to detail is just stunning.
Less than two weeks to catalog launch, genuinely can't believe its almost launch day.
Less than two weeks to catalog launch, genuinely can't believe its almost launch day.
February 7, 2026 at 10:11 PM
It may not be a Hokusai, but this silk painting album showcasing Mount Fuji by Nomura Bunkyo is a real showstopper up close! That attention to detail is just stunning.
Less than two weeks to catalog launch, genuinely can't believe its almost launch day.
Less than two weeks to catalog launch, genuinely can't believe its almost launch day.
Tekagami. A "mirror of hands", a collection of calligraphy fragments of poetry, sutras, letters, and more.
This example has 7th to 18th century examples, with some mine blowing attributions.
Just a couple weeks to go til the catalog launch!
This example has 7th to 18th century examples, with some mine blowing attributions.
Just a couple weeks to go til the catalog launch!
February 5, 2026 at 1:19 AM
Tekagami. A "mirror of hands", a collection of calligraphy fragments of poetry, sutras, letters, and more.
This example has 7th to 18th century examples, with some mine blowing attributions.
Just a couple weeks to go til the catalog launch!
This example has 7th to 18th century examples, with some mine blowing attributions.
Just a couple weeks to go til the catalog launch!
A lot of people have asked me if I'll have deals on medieval or sutra material in the catalog.
Well, one deal ill definitely have is this collection of printed sutra leaves from the 11th to 16th century. Perfect for any diehard early printing collector, or institutions looking for teaching examples
Well, one deal ill definitely have is this collection of printed sutra leaves from the 11th to 16th century. Perfect for any diehard early printing collector, or institutions looking for teaching examples
February 2, 2026 at 5:52 PM
A lot of people have asked me if I'll have deals on medieval or sutra material in the catalog.
Well, one deal ill definitely have is this collection of printed sutra leaves from the 11th to 16th century. Perfect for any diehard early printing collector, or institutions looking for teaching examples
Well, one deal ill definitely have is this collection of printed sutra leaves from the 11th to 16th century. Perfect for any diehard early printing collector, or institutions looking for teaching examples
You'd think that setting up over 400 listings in under a week is just agony, but the monotony gets broken up when listing stuff like a 17th century illuminated buddhist manuscript attributed to an Imperial Prince!
Did I also mention it's made of silk?
Did I also mention it's made of silk?
January 29, 2026 at 6:15 PM
You'd think that setting up over 400 listings in under a week is just agony, but the monotony gets broken up when listing stuff like a 17th century illuminated buddhist manuscript attributed to an Imperial Prince!
Did I also mention it's made of silk?
Did I also mention it's made of silk?
Oh, to be a medieval scholar playing Sugoroku with a demon, and having your beloved turn into a puddle of water.
This Edo Period manuscript of the Haseo Zoshi is a rare sight which you'll see more of soon!
This Edo Period manuscript of the Haseo Zoshi is a rare sight which you'll see more of soon!
January 24, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Oh, to be a medieval scholar playing Sugoroku with a demon, and having your beloved turn into a puddle of water.
This Edo Period manuscript of the Haseo Zoshi is a rare sight which you'll see more of soon!
This Edo Period manuscript of the Haseo Zoshi is a rare sight which you'll see more of soon!
I keep telling myself in this job, "always expect the unexpected!"
And what do I see in this artist sketchbook, but a dang Federico Joni binding that they saw at a Japanese Cultural Property exhibit??
I guess one European binding technically crept its way into this catalog....
And what do I see in this artist sketchbook, but a dang Federico Joni binding that they saw at a Japanese Cultural Property exhibit??
I guess one European binding technically crept its way into this catalog....
January 19, 2026 at 3:01 AM
I keep telling myself in this job, "always expect the unexpected!"
And what do I see in this artist sketchbook, but a dang Federico Joni binding that they saw at a Japanese Cultural Property exhibit??
I guess one European binding technically crept its way into this catalog....
And what do I see in this artist sketchbook, but a dang Federico Joni binding that they saw at a Japanese Cultural Property exhibit??
I guess one European binding technically crept its way into this catalog....
460 new items to list on the website and finish formatting catalog.
Over 8000 photos taken.
One month crunch time.
Why do I do this to myself.
Over 8000 photos taken.
One month crunch time.
Why do I do this to myself.
January 17, 2026 at 4:07 PM
460 new items to list on the website and finish formatting catalog.
Over 8000 photos taken.
One month crunch time.
Why do I do this to myself.
Over 8000 photos taken.
One month crunch time.
Why do I do this to myself.
At a glance, this Edo-Meiji Period manuscript may look like a lovely sketchbook, but there's more to it!
Look closer at every outfit, and you'll see that every vestement, every fitting has been produced using actual kimono fabrics and brocade!!
Look closer at every outfit, and you'll see that every vestement, every fitting has been produced using actual kimono fabrics and brocade!!
January 14, 2026 at 7:17 PM
At a glance, this Edo-Meiji Period manuscript may look like a lovely sketchbook, but there's more to it!
Look closer at every outfit, and you'll see that every vestement, every fitting has been produced using actual kimono fabrics and brocade!!
Look closer at every outfit, and you'll see that every vestement, every fitting has been produced using actual kimono fabrics and brocade!!
Never in my life did I think I'd have to professionally write ''Over Ten Meters of Farting Nobles and Dick Measuring Paintings"
January 13, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Never in my life did I think I'd have to professionally write ''Over Ten Meters of Farting Nobles and Dick Measuring Paintings"
It seems that I have bizarrely uncanny skill for finding scarce and rare East Asian materials, even more than my European finds!
Here's a rather beautifully made and rare, unfinished, Late Edo emakimono handscroll of the Tale of Great Minister Ban.
Here's a rather beautifully made and rare, unfinished, Late Edo emakimono handscroll of the Tale of Great Minister Ban.
January 13, 2026 at 7:23 PM
It seems that I have bizarrely uncanny skill for finding scarce and rare East Asian materials, even more than my European finds!
Here's a rather beautifully made and rare, unfinished, Late Edo emakimono handscroll of the Tale of Great Minister Ban.
Here's a rather beautifully made and rare, unfinished, Late Edo emakimono handscroll of the Tale of Great Minister Ban.
Earlier in October, I told myself the East Asian Catalog needed one more item to be truly complete.
Three months later, here we are.
Hyakunanto Darani, Circa 764-770. The oldest, traceable printed text in the world.
I'm truly happy to see this final arrival.
Three months later, here we are.
Hyakunanto Darani, Circa 764-770. The oldest, traceable printed text in the world.
I'm truly happy to see this final arrival.
January 9, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Earlier in October, I told myself the East Asian Catalog needed one more item to be truly complete.
Three months later, here we are.
Hyakunanto Darani, Circa 764-770. The oldest, traceable printed text in the world.
I'm truly happy to see this final arrival.
Three months later, here we are.
Hyakunanto Darani, Circa 764-770. The oldest, traceable printed text in the world.
I'm truly happy to see this final arrival.
When it comes to books and manuscripts, there's more to an object than just the contents inside, and this sutra cover doesn't shy away from that notion.
Illuminated in gold and silver inks, its a stunning piece on its own, before we delve beneath...
Illuminated in gold and silver inks, its a stunning piece on its own, before we delve beneath...
January 5, 2026 at 8:08 PM
When it comes to books and manuscripts, there's more to an object than just the contents inside, and this sutra cover doesn't shy away from that notion.
Illuminated in gold and silver inks, its a stunning piece on its own, before we delve beneath...
Illuminated in gold and silver inks, its a stunning piece on its own, before we delve beneath...
2025. What a year its been for the shop.
I think about my past accomplishments, but more than ever, I'm fixated on what comes in 2026.
January will mark 12 months since starting the East Asian Catalog. 12 months of acquiring material. A passion project that's now my next magnum opus.
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I think about my past accomplishments, but more than ever, I'm fixated on what comes in 2026.
January will mark 12 months since starting the East Asian Catalog. 12 months of acquiring material. A passion project that's now my next magnum opus.
1/2
December 31, 2025 at 6:42 PM
2025. What a year its been for the shop.
I think about my past accomplishments, but more than ever, I'm fixated on what comes in 2026.
January will mark 12 months since starting the East Asian Catalog. 12 months of acquiring material. A passion project that's now my next magnum opus.
1/2
I think about my past accomplishments, but more than ever, I'm fixated on what comes in 2026.
January will mark 12 months since starting the East Asian Catalog. 12 months of acquiring material. A passion project that's now my next magnum opus.
1/2
Trying to stave off the intrusive thoughts telling me to buy more books. Enjoy this newly arrived breviary from the 15th century in the meantime.
December 28, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Trying to stave off the intrusive thoughts telling me to buy more books. Enjoy this newly arrived breviary from the 15th century in the meantime.
I like incunables. I like contemporary bindings. I like metal furniture.
And this bad boy hits all three of those.
Still working on the main catalog. Just appreciating a new arrivals this week.
And this bad boy hits all three of those.
Still working on the main catalog. Just appreciating a new arrivals this week.
December 27, 2025 at 12:39 AM
I like incunables. I like contemporary bindings. I like metal furniture.
And this bad boy hits all three of those.
Still working on the main catalog. Just appreciating a new arrivals this week.
And this bad boy hits all three of those.
Still working on the main catalog. Just appreciating a new arrivals this week.
Alright.
460 Items. I think that's enough for one catalog.
Photography continues until I'm done, and maybe then I'll give a solid launch date.
460 Items. I think that's enough for one catalog.
Photography continues until I'm done, and maybe then I'll give a solid launch date.
December 25, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Alright.
460 Items. I think that's enough for one catalog.
Photography continues until I'm done, and maybe then I'll give a solid launch date.
460 Items. I think that's enough for one catalog.
Photography continues until I'm done, and maybe then I'll give a solid launch date.
In my question to build the East Asian Catalog, there was a sore lack of any miniature books.
Until now.
Here's the tiniest copy of the Hyakunin Isshu I've ever seen in my life. Printed Circa 1750-1800, and under 3 inches in size. It even comes with a contemporary lacquerware case!
Until now.
Here's the tiniest copy of the Hyakunin Isshu I've ever seen in my life. Printed Circa 1750-1800, and under 3 inches in size. It even comes with a contemporary lacquerware case!
December 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
In my question to build the East Asian Catalog, there was a sore lack of any miniature books.
Until now.
Here's the tiniest copy of the Hyakunin Isshu I've ever seen in my life. Printed Circa 1750-1800, and under 3 inches in size. It even comes with a contemporary lacquerware case!
Until now.
Here's the tiniest copy of the Hyakunin Isshu I've ever seen in my life. Printed Circa 1750-1800, and under 3 inches in size. It even comes with a contemporary lacquerware case!
A few colleagues and clients ask what's keeping the next catalog.
When you underestimate the work for over 400 items from the 7th to 20th century as a solo bookseller, I'd say you've got your hands full, eh?
End of January-Early February. That's the goal.
When you underestimate the work for over 400 items from the 7th to 20th century as a solo bookseller, I'd say you've got your hands full, eh?
End of January-Early February. That's the goal.
December 22, 2025 at 12:58 AM
A few colleagues and clients ask what's keeping the next catalog.
When you underestimate the work for over 400 items from the 7th to 20th century as a solo bookseller, I'd say you've got your hands full, eh?
End of January-Early February. That's the goal.
When you underestimate the work for over 400 items from the 7th to 20th century as a solo bookseller, I'd say you've got your hands full, eh?
End of January-Early February. That's the goal.
No matter how much I catalog, there's still something new and fascinating every day.
Take this tiny little illustrated manuscript, a unique tale featuring the Twelve Zodiac Beasts in anthropomorphic form, milling about Japanese society.
Take this tiny little illustrated manuscript, a unique tale featuring the Twelve Zodiac Beasts in anthropomorphic form, milling about Japanese society.
December 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM
No matter how much I catalog, there's still something new and fascinating every day.
Take this tiny little illustrated manuscript, a unique tale featuring the Twelve Zodiac Beasts in anthropomorphic form, milling about Japanese society.
Take this tiny little illustrated manuscript, a unique tale featuring the Twelve Zodiac Beasts in anthropomorphic form, milling about Japanese society.
Today is just a day of photography for work, and then im blasted with this intense gaze from a horse 🐴
December 19, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Today is just a day of photography for work, and then im blasted with this intense gaze from a horse 🐴
I love manuscripts, and i love art.
As i continue along principle photography today, i can't help but spend extra time on this ink wash sketchbook of tigers, tigers, and tigers galore.
As i continue along principle photography today, i can't help but spend extra time on this ink wash sketchbook of tigers, tigers, and tigers galore.
December 17, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I love manuscripts, and i love art.
As i continue along principle photography today, i can't help but spend extra time on this ink wash sketchbook of tigers, tigers, and tigers galore.
As i continue along principle photography today, i can't help but spend extra time on this ink wash sketchbook of tigers, tigers, and tigers galore.
When the American fleet led by Commodore Perry first arrived at Edo Bay in 1853, it was an action that would forever change Japan, leading to the end of the centuries long isolationist position the nation had taken, and the beginning of the tumultuous Bakumatsu period.
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December 17, 2025 at 12:13 AM
When the American fleet led by Commodore Perry first arrived at Edo Bay in 1853, it was an action that would forever change Japan, leading to the end of the centuries long isolationist position the nation had taken, and the beginning of the tumultuous Bakumatsu period.
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Alright. Behind a couple weeks, but today I get to start principal photography. It's only several hundred items, I can get it done by January...right?
December 15, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Alright. Behind a couple weeks, but today I get to start principal photography. It's only several hundred items, I can get it done by January...right?
Nothing work related today, just wanted to share from our engagement photoshoot, which fittingly enough, took place at a bookstore.
December 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Nothing work related today, just wanted to share from our engagement photoshoot, which fittingly enough, took place at a bookstore.