Bernard Shapero

Spear’s Review

Mayfair-based Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian books and works on paper.

The company is led by Bernard Shapero – who started dealing in rare books in 1979 as a schoolboy hobby aged only 16 – and the team has over 250 years of collective experience between them. They specialise in fine illustrated books from the 15th to the 20th century, travel and natural history books, literature (including modern first editions), children’s books, guidebooks, Hebraica and Judaica, and works of Russian interest. In 2014 they launched Shapero Modern, which specialises in modern and contemporary prints and works of art, and curates several shows annually on topical themes.

Shapero was elected president of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association in 2025, an apt appointment given his 45 years of expertise in the rare books world.