The antiquarian book trade in the United States is an important aspect of book collecting and publishing with roots in Colonial America, and may be considered in the study of American history and literature, print culture, and book history.

The term antiquarian,  in reference to books,  could also be used to describe a person who not only collects by  deal and trade in rare books and manuscripts. Rare, old, used, antique and out of print books from the 18th-20th Century including rare photography books, old adventure and art history books, children classics, rare historical fiction books, literary criticism, rare  military history books, paleontology books, poetry books . First editions , Illustrated books , Incunabula: books printed before 1501 , Local/Regional interests books, Miniature books , Fine press books , Private press books ,Small presses Paper, parchment, or vellum Series , inscribed/signed by an author or illustrator .Collectible Books ,  Beat Generation ,  Books into film , Collectible Children's , Photography , books ,  Science & Technology ,   Maps and Atlases , Science Fiction & Fantasy , Signed books ,   Cook Books ,  Fine Bindings ,  Hobbies & Crafts ,  Illustrated Books ,  Modern First Editions , Music Books,  Natural History ,  Poetry & Drama Books ,  Proofs/Advance Copies ,  Americana books ,   Art & Architecture Books ,  Mystery Books ,  History Book, Literature Books ,  Medical Books ,  Philosophy Books,  Religion ,   Military  .

Antiquarian book fairs organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) have long been an important aspect of the trade and today it is the primary organization of the trade togheter with  the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading and Publishing (SHARP).

The Rare Book School at the University of Virginia is the premier institution for those seeking an education in the field.