Richard L Press Fine and Scholarly Books On the Arts

Tons of great vintage and new books on the arts, design and architecture. Definitely will be back when I have more time!

Looking for anything related to art, this is the place. Shelves a packed full of literary goodies-​which can be dangerous for you pocketbook. :)

yo this place is swaaaaaaaaagalicious

What an enjoyable, relaxing few hours my friend and I spent this afternoon at this bookstore. There’s classical music playing, and plenty of places to sit and inspect the goods. The gentleman that runs it is kind, helpful, and very knowledgeable about what he has. And boy, does he have some great reads. Being a fan of art and photography, I was in heaven!
My friend bought a few books for gifts and one for herself. I didn’t purchase anything today because I’ve been watching my wallet, but I will be back when I have some extra dough or need a special gift. I would recommend this place to any person who loves art, reading, or just wants something to do with a free afternoon. Say hi to the cat.

Richard Press books is the best bookstore I have been to in the United States (or Europe even), I can’t think of any place except William Stout in San Francisco even in the same class.
In addition to that; Mr. Press is one of the nicest and intelligent fellows I have come across. I feel like going to his store and looking around and talking with him is one of the truly great experiences I have had in my life. Problem is I live in Oakland so I get it experience it fewer times than I would like.

This bookstore is a hidden gem. I’m glad I was finally able to go in yesterday. The owner was very nice and I love anywhere with a resident cat! This place has every kind of art book anyone would ever want and if he doesn’t have it, the owner will order it. I could lounge there forever. I’m lucky enough that this is in my neighborhood. I didn’t purchase anything when I went but will definitely be back to enjoy more quiet time with some beautiful books in this neat little shop.

By far my favorite bookstore!
One rainy day last Fall I had the pleasure of finally revisiting this independent bookstore. I’ve been a long-​time client but hadn’t visited since he had been at his former L Street location.
A kind, cultured, learned and generous soul, Richard will help you find any book he has in stock. If you behave and are respectful, you may get to pet the resident cat, be offered a piece of fine chocolate, and peruse the shelves for fine and rare books on any number of decorative arts of the 20^th century as long as you wish.
His store is welcoming, cozy, and makes you want to slow down. Don’t go here in a hurry. Relax and take it all in. If you’re in town, I highly recommend a visit; support our community and patronize a local, independent book dealer.

What an incredibly special man! What a mind-​boggling collection! Great retail cat service to boot… truly an AWESOME experience…

If I could somehow move into Richard Press’s store without him noticing, and live amongst all of the coffee-​table-​and-​larger sized glossy books, I would be in heaven. (Literally, because I would die from lack of food, but heaven nonetheless.)
R. Press keeps an impeccable store rich with books on anything and everything even remotely art related. His space is warmly lit, with big picture windows that let in that perfect afternoon book-​browsing light. The store is organized according to theme /​topic, so if you’re looking for something in particular, or if it’s your first visit, just ask for a thematic tour and RP will happily oblige.
You may not even have to ask, however. One of the key ingredients to a pleasant bookstore visit is how you’re greeted, and how the owner or staff makes you feel while you browse. In this area, Richard Press excels beyond expectation. On my first visit, after getting my thematic tour of the store, I struck up a conversation with him about a specific sculptor and his eyes lit up: ‘would you like to see the back room,’ he asked me.
Um, hell yes?
So, in the warehouse behind the store, he’s got even MORE books and a great collection of art posters (not prints of art, actual poster-​sized advertisements created by artists to advertise their shows) and such.
If you like owning, reading, or just touching gorgeous books on art, artists, art history, crafts, design, and the like, this is the place for you. It is the best art-​book-​themed bookstore I’ve ever encountered, period.

By far the most pleasant bookstore in Sacramento — and perhaps all of California.
Richard sells books on very specific subjects: any type of art (visual art, dance, music, design), architecture, food/​wine and Judaica. He sometimes has new books, but specializes in used, antique and otherwise rare books, and his collection makes many (academic or otherwise) library rare book collections pale by comparison. He’s also tremendously knowledgeable and is sure to have good advice for anyone collecting books on art or in the other areas of his expertise.
He has recently moved — the I Street address is no longer accurate — and can now be found at 1831 F Street, just a few blocks from his old location. The new shop is a vast improvement, with more light, more room and — above all — more books!