Rare Book Community Mourns Death of Richard C. Ramer

New York-based rare book antiquarian Richard C. Ramer (1942-2026) has died after running his business for more than half a century.

Richard, who also ran an office in Lisbon, studied for a Masters in Latin American History at Indiana University before becoming a specialist in Portuguese, Brazilian and Spanish rare books and volumes on early voyages to the New World, and a supporter of many rare book organisations.

"Richard was one of the greatest antiquarian booksellers to work from Portugal," said Francisco Brito from Livraria Cólofon in Guimarães. "His lists and catalogues are a reference for Portuguese and Brazilian bibliophily and bibliography. Regarding the rare book trade, one can say that as a result of his excellent and regular work he created a  permanent bridge between these two countries which have so much in common but are often quite distant when it comes to cultural exchanges. He was a wonderful colleague, always kind and available to help younger booksellers like myself. I learned a great deal from him and from his catalogues."

Richard died on January 31 is survived by his wife Julieta Gonçalves Ramer and grandson Diogo Sampai.