About Us

A world-class destination for discerning collectors

Dan Whitmore

Founder & President

A Pasadena native, Dan has a JD from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2009 he departed the prestigious law firm O’Melveny & Myers to enter the rare book trade, founding Whitmore Rare Books. Drawing on his experience as a private collector, his training at the Colorado Antiquarian Book Seminar (CABS), and his deep commitment to research-driven accuracy and business integrity, Dan built a shop that draws together exceptional first editions of important literary works. Over more than a decade, his leadership has established Whitmore Rare Books as a world-class destination where collectors can find high-spots ranging from incunables printed by William Caxton, cornerstones of the English canon such as Shakespeare Folios, groundbreaking science including Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, unique manuscripts such as Jack Kerouac’s early letters to family and friends, and even record-breaking and in-demand modern books like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Dan has been featured as a specialist in publications including: The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and The Guardian. He is a proud member of the Grolier Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious book collecting clubs in the world.

Expertise: antiquarian books, literary first editions, children’s literature, signed and inscribed materials, fine bindings and library sets, private collection building

Contact Dan at: dan@WhitmoreRareBooks.com

Whitmore Rare Books maintains a reputation for rigorous research and integrity

Miranda Garno Nesler

Senior Specialist

Having earned her doctorate from Vanderbilt University and spent over a decade in academia, Miranda joined WRB in 2017 and brought her considerable expertise to bear on the rare book trade. Deeply committed to preserving and placing cultural heritage material on the history and social movements of women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC peoples, Miranda spearheads the shop’s work with major research and teaching institutions worldwide. A member of the ABAA-RBMS Liaison Committee as well as a member of the Board of Governors of the prestigious Zamorano Club, she is also a frequent guest speaker on academic panels, roundtable discussions, and podcasts including the WriteGirl LA, What’s Her Name Podcast, and Brown University CareerLab.

Expertise: antiquarian books and manuscripts; research-rich diaries, archives, and ephemera; early literature and history of women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and sex worker communities; institutional acquisitions and collection development collaborations

Contact Miranda at: miranda@WhitmoreRareBooks.com