An antique wooden desk with vintage books and botanical illustrations, a globe, a candle in a candlestick, and a quill, set against a backdrop of a bookshelf filled with old books.

Biblio Sonora works at the meeting point of European intellectual history and the Sonoran Desert.

Our focus is on original early modern prints and books produced in Europe, particularly works of natural history, science, and exploration from the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. These objects were created at a time when the world was still being observed, named, and understood through hand drawn images and printed text, long before photography, modern taxonomy, or industrial reproduction.

I acquire these works through direct engagement with the European rare book and print trade. This work takes me regularly to England, France, Spain, and other parts of Europe, where I spend time in bookshops, dealer offices, archives, and private collections. Each acquisition involves close examination of paper, impressions, color, condition, and provenance, as well as conversations that draw on language, trust, and long standing professional relationships.

These prints now live in the Sonoran Desert, a landscape shaped by its own histories of exploration, science, and myth. Placing European scientific and artistic traditions within this environment creates a dialogue between two worlds that were once deeply connected through early modern exploration. The desert is not a backdrop, but part of the story these objects continue to tell.

Every piece handled by Biblio Sonora is a true antiquity. Printed by hand, often colored by hand, and shaped by centuries of use and survival. Material integrity, bibliographic accuracy, and historical context guide every decision. Nothing here is reproduced or speculative.

Our work is grounded in careful collecting, rigorous research, and direct participation in the European market. We work with collectors, galleries, and institutions who value depth over novelty and permanence over trend.

These are not decorative facsimiles. They are surviving artifacts of European intellectual history, brought into the desert to be studied, preserved, and experienced with care. You can also learn more by following our blog.