The news is official. The William Reese Co, ABAA, ILAB is to live on Under New Ownership. Bill Reese slipped away from this mortal coil four years ago and his firm has now been transferred to the welcoming hands of Peter Harrington and James Cummins who have long partnered with the Reese Company.
In addition to buying the Reese Company, they have also purchased about 40,000 items from the firm's inventory.
Nick Aretakis who has been managing Americana at the Reese Company for the past 4 years has been named as Managing Director of the whole shebang. Terry Halladay, Bill’s long time partner will continue to be the Reese Company’s Literature Manager.
Here is the official news release:
William Reese Company to Live on Under New Ownership
Antiquarian book business has been purchased with significant inventory of around 40,000 items, with day-to-day operations continuing seamlessly under long-term Reese Company stalwart Nick Aretakis.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2022: The William Reese Company, the world’s leading antiquarian bookseller of printed and manuscript Americana, is pleased to announce the continuation of the William Reese name and bookselling tradition under the new ownership of a joint venture between New York-based James Cummins Bookseller and Peter Harrington, London. Business will continue at the company’s existing premises in Temple Street, New Haven.
The late William S. Reese (1955-2018), renowned as one of the foremost dealers of antiquarian books of his generation, founded the New Haven, Connecticut-based William Reese Company in 1975, leaving an indelible impact on both the trade and book collectors worldwide. Following his untimely death four years ago, the company has successfully continued under the leadership of his widow Dorothy Hurt, with the Literature department led by long-time Reese Company specialist Terry Halladay and the Americana department by Nick Aretakis. The team will be expanded next month with the addition of two new book specialists in Americana.
The business has been bought along with its significant inventory of around 40,000 items. Day-to-day operations will continue seamlessly under Aretakis, without change to the Reese Company’s highest bookselling standards and customer service. The location, name and contact details of the business will also remain unchanged, and printed catalogues and e-lists will continue to be frequently issued. James Cummins Bookseller and Peter Harrington are proud to be part of the continued legacy of William Reese.
"It was always my goal to have the William Reese Company carry on as a leading antiquarian bookseller and it gives me great pleasure that Peter Harrington, James Cummins and Nick Aretakis will continue the business in Bill’s tradition. The William Reese Company has always been synonymous with Americana at the highest level and I look forward to seeing the business continue to succeed,” says Dorothy Hurt.
To reach the Reese Company:
Their website: www.williamreesecompany.com
Their location: 409 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Telephone Number: 203.789.8081
To order: amorder@reeseco.com
Image Caption [L to R]
Nick Aretakis, Managing Director, The Reese Company
Peter Harrington, London
James Cummins, Bookseller
Terry Halladay, The Reese Company, Literature Manager
