FAQ

What is Maison Kahn?

A rare book dealer and literary house based in Philadelphia. We deal in Arthuriana, the Pearl Poet, Dante, Shakespeare, Dōgen, Kafka — the literature that lasts. We sell real books and we want you to read them. We also write them.

Why is this different from any other rare book shop?

Every book we sell carries a standing returns policy and catastrophic loss insurance. No other rare book dealer offers both. Most dealers sell permanence. We sell the experience of having the book.

What's with the bear?

In 1958, Michael Bond found a small stuffed bear on a shelf near Paddington Station. It wore a tag: Please look after this bear. Thank you. Every book that leaves Maison Kahn wears the same tag — on its provenance card.

Can I actually return a book I've been reading for a year?

Yes. No expiration date. The usage cost caps at 20% after twelve months and never goes higher. Same condition back means at least 80% of what you paid. Full details here.

What if I spill wine on a first edition?

Then you've spilled wine on a first edition. The stain gets reflected in the return price — Fine becomes Good, and we buy it back at that level minus the usage cost. No penalties. No invoices. If the book is genuinely destroyed, that's what the insurance is for.

What if my house floods?

Our catastrophic loss insurance covers total destruction. You call us, we file the claim, we replace the value. More on insurance.

Are your prices fair?

Our margins are 15–25%. Most rare book dealers mark up 50–100%. We keep ours low because the whole model depends on trust — fair price in, fair price out.

What condition are the books in?

Every listing includes a condition description and photographs. If a book arrives and doesn't match what we described, send it back for a full refund.

Do you buy books from the public?

Not yet. But if you have something extraordinary, email us. We like conversations.

Who runs this?

Maison Kahn. Philadelphia. We believe books are meant to be held, and buying one shouldn't feel like a decision you can't undo. Questions: hello@maisonkahn.com.