About Us

James Bryant & Mary Hill established Carpe Diem Fine Books in 1995 and are members of Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America, International League of Antiquarian Booksellers and Texas Booksellers Association.

Because of their personal interest in the American West, their inventory has had a major emphasis on its Literature and History over the years. As well, as interesting and collectible books in all fields continue to come their way, their stock has expanded into a wide - and eclectic - range.

Over the years Mary and James bought many thousands of books, by the book and by the collection, and offered the best of them by appointment in their home, at book fairs throughout the West and online. Finally, in 2006, the stars lined up and they opened their shop in historic downtown Monterey - a few steps from the Robert Louis Stevenson House - where RLS stayed while in Monterey (they like to think he would have stopped in to browse on his way home from Jules Simoneau's cafe!).

Located in a charming 1930's Carmel-stone building, Carpe Diem Fine Books offers a discriminating selection of out-of-print, and out of the ordinary books in all fields. More than a bookshop, we also feature art and collectibles of the Monterey area.

We invite you to visit... and to enjoy the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula.

Thank you for visiting our website - Carpe Diem!

245 Pearl Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 643-2754

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT OR BY CHANCE.