About Cosmo Books

We specialise in original printed material—articles, pamphlets, prints, and ephemera—drawn from centuries of publishing. Each piece was once part of a larger conversation; now it stands alone, ready to be rediscovered.

Our catalogue includes thousands of items from the Edinburgh Review, Quarterly Review, Dublin Review, Acts of Parliament, and scientific journals like the Philosophical Transactions. Subjects range widely, from radical politics to ecclesiastical architecture, from motoring to metaphysics.

Behind the catalogue is an experienced team of booksellers, with over 80 years in the antiquarian book trade. We offer rare, unusual, and historically resonant publications to collectors, researchers, and institutions worldwide.

Use keywords, authors, or titles to explore. Or browse freely—there’s always something unexpected.

Meet Cosmo

Cosmo says Woof

This is the real Boss at Cosmo Books. She is a fourteen year old Pug Shi-Tzu who Robert has to go to work to keep her in the style she wishes. This chiefly consists of dog treats of various kinds, some walking about, and a suitable bed to spend the days and nights in. On occasions she will bark, wag her tail, and generally seem pleased to see us, our colleagues, and visitors. Sometimes she is quite indifferent to such excitements. A bit like bosses everywhere ! Anyway, Cosmo is always appreciative of your time and the business you give us by shopping with Cosmo Books - "Woof".

Well, Hello folks, I've been asked to write something. They thought it would be fun if I gave you an insight into the life of the most important member of the Cosmo Books team, me. Well as you may realise I am a dog, or more correctly called Canis lupus familiaris. My mother is a Shitz Zu and my dad a Pug. Now I do not want anybody to make up rude connections of the name of my mixed breed. My best friend for twelve years was Pepys, she was also a dog, a rather splendid pure bred Griffon Bruxellois. Somewhat highly strung and sometimes rather neurotic, and apart from the odd tantrum we got along just fine. She liked to think that she was the boss, but we all know who is the boss really. We both liked the same things, travel, lots of exercise, the odd TV program and we like to think of ourselves as foodies, our palates are rather refined and of course, our favourite, cheese, an exceptional delight we enjoy. My owners (keeps them happy to be called that) can be a little annoying sometimes, I don’t think they understand our sophisticated palate, though they do keep us supplied with a variety of good quality treats and in return we make them feel happy and wanted (well, someone has to). I hope you have enjoyed my contribution here, even though it is not what you are used to, but it at least gives you some understanding of how important you all are to my continued wellbeing and of course your greatly appreciated contributions which go towards my supply of good quality treats, (which I share with Pepys ) that keep me happy and content.

Cosmo 2008 - 2024

Our little dog, the namesake of the business and the last of a long line, died on the 23rd March 2023 at the age of 14.5 years. From time to time she used to contribute here as some long term readers may recall. In recent years she was largely retired from active work, and whilst not a keen reader, she retained an eager interest in our activities, most notably those involving treats and delights, of which she was always an enthusiastic recipient. In turn we were more than grateful for her companionship for all those years. We will miss her in deeper ways than can ever be properly expressed.

A Very Old Cosmo

Cosmo Books