About Us
The firm
Sophia Rare Books deals in rare books, manuscripts and autograph material in the history of science, with an emphasis on mathematics, physics and astronomy. We handle material from all periods, and we take a particular interest in two kinds of item that the standard collectors’ bibliographies do not yet cover: the landmark publications of twentieth-century science, and copies made unique by their annotations, inscriptions or provenance. Every item is described from our own examination of the copy, and the research behind the description is set out in full.
The firm was founded in Copenhagen in 2009 by Christian Westergaard. He took his master’s degree in mathematics at the University of Copenhagen in 2005 and spent twelve years at Herman H.J. Lynge & Søn, Scandinavia’s oldest antiquarian bookshop, founded in 1821, before setting up on his own.
We also buy, whether single items or whole collections: important scientific books, pamphlets, manuscripts and letters from all periods. Tell us what you have.
Our guarantee
Sophia Rare Books is a member of the Danish Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABF) and, through it, of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). We trade under the ILAB Code of Usages and Customs. In practice this means that every item we sell is guaranteed authentic, that all defects and restorations are stated in the description, and that an item which proves not to be as described may be returned for a full refund.
Visit us
We have no open shop, but visitors are welcome by appointment. Write to chris@sophiarb.com or call +45 27 62 80 14. The office is at Flæsketorvet 68 in Kødbyen, Copenhagen’s old meatpacking district, five minutes’ walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
We exhibit at the New York, California and London book fairs. If you plan to attend one of them, let us know and we will arrange a time to meet.
Catalogues and new arrivals
We issue catalogues several times a year and announce new arrivals by e-mail. To receive them, sign up for the newsletter at the foot of this page. You can unsubscribe at any time.