Throughout the centuries, people have been fascinated by tales of exploration - tales that both satisfy and provoke their continual search for new spaces, their curiosity about the unknown, and the need of nations to expand frontiers both economically and politically. From Vespucci to Vancouver from Frobisher to Franklin, men risked their own lives searching
unknown lands and seas. The records, accounts and maps they left behind have been our consuming interest for more than twenty years, and we offer an extensive selection for sale.
Helen R. Kahn is a leading Canadian bookseller who has been in the business for over thirty years. Through worldwide contacts, our company has developed a predominantly international clientele. The firm concentrates mainly on early exploration, voyages and travels with a primary emphasis on the Americas, the Polar Regions, and the South Seas. We also stock fine copies of rare books in a variety of other fields. Maps and prints are also some of the special items in our inventory.
We issue three or four catalogues per year, as well as specialised lists on a variety of topics; copies are available to interested parties without charge. A selection from our stock is on view at a number of international book fairs in which we participate each year, such as London, New York, California and Boston.
Over the years, it has been our privilege to assist in building meaningful collections for private collectors and for institutions and libraries. We respond to inquiries relating to specific titles and always welcome offers of books, maps and documents pertaining to our interests, whether individual items or large collections.
We have considerable experience in conducting appraisals for major collections related to our subject interests, and we welcome individuals and institutions seeking to determine the value of their specific collections.
We are association members of the ABAC and ILAB, and frequently participate in forums which relate to the history of books and publishing, or to the particular fields of our collecting interests.
Our offices and bookroom are located in downtown Montreal close to McGill University, and we are pleased to welcome serious book people by prior appointment.