Dark Parks Books & Collectibles
"The leaf has arrived already and is just beautiful (photos do not do justice). Hard to imagine it could have set on your inventory list for any length of time - it must have been just "waiting" for me. Thank you immensely... very much delighted with my purchase." - Byron P. (Minnesota - print client).
Some kind words from our clients:
"A brief note to thank you for the swift despatch and safe arrival. It is a splendid copy. Excellent service all around." - Lawrence F. (London - book client).
"Superb packaging. I was very impressed with your care of the items." - Bill C. (New York - print client).
"I am so happy with this book. Thank you so much for finding this for me. It is everything I had hoped it to be." - Samuel M. (North Carolina - book client).
"Beautiful. Thank you, so much !!" - Mark B. (London - print client).
"I just can't believe it. It's wonderful. I am so happy. And thank you for getting it to me so quickly." - Eamon L. (California - autograph client).
"I am so happy with this book I just wanted to thank you. It is handsome and in good reading condition. Very pleased with this purchase, I felt compelled to tell you so." - Betsy C. (Richmond, CA - book client).
"I'm loving my wall of etchings. Thanks Ryan!" - Lisa A. (Long Beach, CA - print client).
Ryan & Saundra Parks
"I bought a Kipling book from you late last year as an 80th birthday present for my Grandad and just wanted to say thank you, the book was in a beautiful condition and he absolutely loved it. The book arrived incredibly quickly considering the distance it had to travel and was very well protected en route. My grandad used to read the book to my sister and I when we were little so to find such a special (and beautifully illustrated) edition was an absolute joy."
- Claire E. (Bristol, U.K. - book client).
"I like it very much including the beautiful modern binding. I was also impressed by the perfectionist packaging. I am really grateful to you for agreeing to sell me the book at such a reasonable price. You are a gem among the ABE booksellers." - Dr. A. (Bahrain, Middle East - book client).
"A long overdue thank you to the man that not only found the book I have been searching for for over a decade, but got me an original copy signed... I don't have the words to describe all the feels I get from this book. I have re-read this thing twice since you found it. Thank you Ryan Parks, you are a magician." - R. Hughes (Long Beach, CA - book client).
"I have been a collector of early print ephemera for many decades and have done business nationally with several dealers and other experts in this field, including appraisers, over that time. However, none of them has come close to the expertise, professionalism, ethics and integrity of Ryan Parks of Dark Parks Books & Collectibles with whom I've now [2020] had extensive dealings. I count myself very fortunate to have been referred to him by others in his field and I recommend him to anyone looking for an expert in this area. (P.S. I volunteered to write this without Ryan ever even asking me.) " - John G. [Newport Beach, CA - appraisal client].
About us
Ryan Parks has been in the rare bookselling business since 1993 when he started his career working for his mother, who owned a used book shop in Southern California for many years. In the year 2000, Ryan was hired at the well respected antiquarian book selling firm Krown & Spellman, Booksellers in Culver City, California. He remained there as manager, chief rare book cataloger and bibliographic specialist until Krown & Spellman closed its doors for retirement in late 2014. Ryan then launched his life long collection into the business Dark Parks.
Dark Parks specializes in early printed books and illustrations dealing with curious subject matters in English Literature, Occult, Religion, Science, and other areas of fascinating and unusual history. We exhibit book fairs as often as possible.
We also have a strong emphasis on modern rare books (out of print), autographs, film posters, original artwork and collectibles (toys & masks) in the genres of Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy. We exhibit at Horror Conventions and various Comic Con shows on a regular basis.
We are proud members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and the International League
of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).
Can't find an item listed? Looking for an item and need help?
Let us know and we will do out best to help you out. We have resources that most others do not and will do our best to find that special something you have been looking for.
Dark Parks is available for personal and estate book appraisal in the Southern California area. We have performed many and all clients have been happy with our work. Like many of our colleagues, we do not perform "Qualified appraisal" for donations and/or IRS tax evaluation, thus keeping our prices low at an avg. of $75.00 per hour. Please inquire for more information.
Dark Parks is available for contract catalogue work for all rare books and specializes in Early English Print (1500-1700, STC and Wing). We are experienced in great detail with bibliographic reference, citations, and descriptions. Dark Parks has previously worked with numerous private clients and institutions as a cataloger and appraiser, as well as Bonhams auction house (Los Angeles) and Heritage Auctions (Los Angeles & Texas).
OUR ENTIRE UPDATED CATALOGUE CAN BE FOUND BY SUBJECT MATTER HERE:
TERMS OF SALE
All items listed on our website have a detailed description, price and identification number.
All items are guaranteed authentic. All items are returnable within 7 days of receipt for full refund.
All items shipped within California are subject to a 9.5% tax. We ship with USPS. Fed Ex or UPS, is on request.
Shipping is based on average weight and standard. If item is larger, heavier, or international, price is subject to change.
Check, money order, PayPal, Visa and Master Card are accepted. Libraries and trusted associates can be shipped with invoice.