Our History
Whitmore Rare Books was founded in 2010 with the aim of drawing together exceptional first editions of important literary works. Over the past several years, the shop has become a world-class destination for both seasoned collectors as well as those people newly discovering the field. WRB maintains a reputation for rigorous research and integrity, for discriminating taste, and for creating a space where collectors can interact with amazing copies of the books they love.
Meet our Team
Dan Whitmore
Founder & President
A Pasadena native, Dan earned his BA in Economics from Middlebury College before acquiring his JD from the University of Pennsylvania. Returning home to California, his passion for exceptional books drew him onto a new career path. Shifting from collecting to book dealing, he founded Whitmore Rare Books in 2010 with the goal of developing a shop focused on exceptional first editions. An avid outdoorsman, Dan is a traveler, a fly-fisherman, and an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker (in 2001). When not at the shop, he can be found happily at home with his wife and their energetic family of four sons.
Darinka Whitmore
Art Director
Darinka grew up in Bolivia and earned her degree in Graphic Design from the Universidad Privada Boliviana. Having enjoyed time in the U.S. during her childhood, she relocated permanently in 2009. As Dan’s wife and a founding contributor to WRB, Darinka lends her vision to the shop by overseeing photography and graphic design decisions to ensure that all visual content remains on point. She also manages an active and happy household of two dogs and four sons.
Miranda Garno Nesler
Senior Specialist
Miranda serves as the liaison to institutional clientele, the director of daily operations, and the senior specialist in the history of women, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC peoples. With a PhD in Literature and Gender Studies from Vanderbilt University and extensive training in rare book & manuscript studies, she is committed to collecting materials that represent a wide range of voices and social movements. Dedicated to professional growth and service, she is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Zamorano Club and a member of the ABAA-RBMS Liaison Committee as well as a longtime member of the Ethnic Arts Council of Los Angeles.
Sheena Lad
Photographer
With a BA in Graphic Design and Fine Arts, Sheena uses her well-honed eye to create WRB’s striking catalogue and website photos. A Ventura County original, she now calls LA her home. Sheena’s love for travel has taken her to 5 out of the 7 continents thus far, with her camera leading her toward more adventures to come.
Julissa Moreira
Graphic Designer
After a childhood in Ecuador, Julie moved to Bolivia for four years and earned her degree in Graphic Design from the Universidad Privada Boliviana. An admitted “handmade-aholic,” she spends her spare time crafting and taking on DIY projects at home, with her husband and baby. At WRB, she uses over a decade of experience in editorial design to develop elegant, on-brand print and email marketing.