There is no algorithm for what I do. The catalogs you receive from Transmutation Publishing are not compiled from bulk acquisitions or warehouse lists. They are the result of months — sometimes years — of careful searching, correspondence, and cross-country travel. I go where the books are: attics and archives, private libraries and estate collections, forgotten bookshops tucked down winding side streets. In a world increasingly automated, my work remains proudly analog — guided by instinct, curiosity, and an unshakable reverence for the book as artifact. The Hunt: Where It Begins My travels are often sparked by a letter, a whispered tip, or a private invitation. I’ve driven for days to view a single shelf of early occult titles, flown cross-country to examine a collection rumored to contain a heretical 17th-century manuscript, and climbed crumbling staircases to access locked attics where forgotten libraries slumber beneath dust and time. These aren’t ordinary book runs. They are pilgrimages. Whether I find myself in a university town, a centuries-old Masonic lodge, or a private collector’s home, I approach each encounter with care and discretion — cataloging not just the books, but the stories they carry. What Makes a Book Worth Cataloging? Not every[…]Read More

For collectors of rare and antiquarian books, a personal library is more than a space – it is a legacy. Each volume tells not just the story contained within its pages, but also the story of how it came to be on your shelf. Whether you’ve spent years assembling your collection or inherited a cache of heirloom volumes, one truth remains: your library deserves the same care, precision, and preservation as any fine collection of art. At Transmutation Publishing, we offer discreet, highly specialized private library management services for collectors, institutions, and estates – designed to protect, preserve, and enhance the value of your collection. Why Private Library Management? Rare books are, by nature, delicate and valuable. Their bindings, inscriptions, and provenance often hold as much weight as the content itself. Without a proper cataloging system or documentation process, crucial details can be lost – and with them, both historical and monetary value. Professional library management ensures: Accurate cataloging of your collection Insurance-ready appraisals (updated every 3-5 years) Preservation guidance and environmental assessment Photographic documentation of special features Digital records for estate planning, valuation, or academic access What We Offer Every collection is unique, and we approach each one with[…]Read More