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October 16, 2024
Dear Clients and Colleagues,
It was Chaucer who left us with the oft-used sentiment that “everything has an end”; and so, I am writing today to announce the retirement of Bromer Booksellers. This is my season to conclude something that was, for me, both a nearly lifelong career and a way of life.
In 1965, I completed the graduate program at Simmons College School of Library Science. Since that time, the hub of my life has been the world of antiquarian bookselling. David and I began as book collectors and very soon found ourselves becoming booksellers. Our first catalog, a simple mimeographed booklet, was issued in 1968 under the aegis of Bromer Booksellers, which we would continue to use for nearly 60 years.
Being antiquarian booksellers afforded us the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction derived from research, the pleasure in placing a fine book with a happy customer. Bookselling also was the pathway to becoming an author, publisher, and lecturer. Through the world of books, we met letterpress printers, illustrators, papermakers, calligraphers, and designer bookbinders. For decades we commissioned a host of artisans for many projects. Customers and colleagues of great learning stimulated our own intellectual pursuits. Delightful adventures broadened our horizons and connections throughout the world.
It has been the privilege of my life to have been an antiquarian bookseller. When the heartbreak came with David’s illness, I was still able to continue in business with my wonderful associates at Bromer Booksellers.
But I realize that even wonderful things have endings. To decide when to conclude a life’s journey and to execute the ending as wisely as possible is another type of gift. I hope to finish that winding down by the end of 2024, at which time Bromer Booksellers will close and a new partnership will arise.
Philip Salmon and Shannon Struble have been associates of Bromer Booksellers for almost 25 and 18 years respectively. They are knowledgeable, trusted colleagues, who will be the successors to Bromer Booksellers under the new name of Philip Salmon & Company Rare Books. They will continue to operate at 607 Boylston Street on the second floor, where our business has been located since 1980.
It is poignant for me to end a very long, very happy career, but I am proud and supportive of Phil and Shannon as they carry forward their own visions. They have invited me to remain engaged in an advisory capacity, and I may continue to see many of you in the field.
I hold a deep sense of gratitude for the customers and colleagues of Bromer Booksellers, both past and in the present. You have been responsible for the brilliant life David and I led in this remarkable business.
With appreciation,
Anne C. Bromer
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