About Shields Rare Books & Curios

What began as a quiet obsession during the early days of 2020 has grown into a full-fledged passion for preserving history and literature.

Growing up in Alpena, Michigan, I was always drawn to great stories. That early curiosity led me to the University of Michigan, where I studied Aerospace Engineering—a path that eventually brought me to my current career as a practicing systems engineer. But alongside the world of complex systems and modern technology, I found myself drawn back to the tangible, timeless magic of physical books.

There’s something irreplaceable about holding a rare volume—feeling the texture of old binding, the scent of aged paper, and the physical weight of history in your hands. My personal collection has always leaned heavily into classic world-building and mythos—enduring classics like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, Frank Herbert’s Dune, and other legendary stories that have shaped generations.

What started as a side project in 2020 quickly transformed into Shields Rare Books & Curios. Today, based near White Lake in Southeast Michigan, we curate and collect exceptional titles, fine bindings, and unique literary curiosities for readers, collectors, and historians across the country. Whether you’re looking to find a new centerpiece for your library or pass a cherished collection on to its next home, we’re honored to be a part of your literary journey.