Phillip J. Pirages

Phil has been a member of the ABAA since 1988 and specializes in Bindings, Medieval Manuscripts, Early Printed Books, STC & Wing Books, Incunabula, English & American Literature, Fine & Private Press, Color Plate Books, Medicine. Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books & Manuscripts is located in McMinnville, Oregon. Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books and Medieval Manuscripts was established in 1978 on a ping pong table in a basement in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Over the years, the business has gravitated toward historical artifacts that are physically attractive in some way—illuminated material, fine bindings, books printed on vellum, fore-edge paintings, beautiful typography and paper, impressive illustration. But the company still sells a wide range of things, from (scruffy) ninth century leaves to biblical material from all periods to Wing and STC imprints to modern privately printed books. ABAA Member since 1988. Interviewed by Kara McLaughlin of Little Sages at the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair on November 16, 2019.