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Paper Time Machines

Torrance, California, USA

Paper Time Machines specializes in Antique Books, Catalogs And Yearbooks, History, Hobbies And Related, International, Maps And Atlases, Propaganda (Far Left, Far Right, And Far Center), Technical Books (Vintage), Text And School Books (Current & Vintage).

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About Paper Time Machines

PAPER TIME MACHINES is an On-Line & Book Fair seller of Pre-Owned Books and Collectible Paper items. Including Books, Documents, Postal History and Ephemera. We specialize in the odd, peculiar and difficult hard to find items that you didn't know that you were looking for.

Biblio Member Since
2017

Paper Time Machines

2237 W. 231st St.
Torrance, CA 90501 USA

Terms of sale for Paper Time Machines

30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives "not-as-described" or damaged.

Basic SHIPPING COSTS are based on the Postal Rates set Media Mail postal fees by the United States Postal Service pricing matrix, as well as the average book size and weight. As most of us know, book sizes and weights vary greatly. In the case where the shipping costs vary greatly from our Shipping Fee Matrix, the remaining fees have been included in the cost of the book. There are a few rare examples where additional fees may be added to your invoice. These cases are pointed out of the page related to said book.

However, not all is bad news, as a former purchasing manager, I can never forget my bosses mantra, "Consolidate your orders to save on shipping". In the case where the actual shipping cost is much lower, due to low weight or because the combined weight of multiple purchases allow for a more economical rate or shipping class. For example, USPS offers several FLAT RATE Priority Mail packages. This method will often same money when purchasing several heavy items such as books. We invite you to request a guaranteed/no obligation shipping price quote.



Payment Methods Accepted

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Interview with Daniel Brownlee of Paper Time Machines

When did you get started in bookselling?
1974
What drew you to bookselling?
My first job, $1.50/hour, 5 hours a week, was for a kindly WWI vet named John "Lee" Mountain, who was the owner of "Torrance Book Store"
Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?
Mr. John "Lee" Mountain
What are your specialties as a dealer?
Antique, travel books and atlases, maps, history, hobbies, scarce languages, dystopian literature, propaganda, and books on religion. Service manuals, technical manuals, operation manuals for obsolete devices. Catalogs and advertising.
What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?
Getting to see so many treasures, that I wouldn't have if I weren't selling what I come across. Speaking with a variety of open minded people about a widest variety of topics. I tend to find that book readers of more often than not, open minded and informed individuals. Even when speaking with individuals with viewpoints different than my own, readers are generally willing to listen to the oppo0sing viewpoint, and even change their own minds when the situation warrants.
Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?
I worked in a storefront bookshop as a youth. There aren't too many left these days, I'm afraid.
What is the funniest / strangest / scariest thing that ever happened in your store?
I was on my way to work. I was still working at the bookshop at the age of 14, when one day I see the owner, Mr. Mountain walking ahead of me. As the turned right at the corner, he looked backed at seemed to have acknowledged me with a nod. I rushed ahead to the corner, but Mr. Mountain was no where to be seen. I continued to the bookshop, only a block further and saw that Mr. Mountain's friend was putting a notice up on the door. Mr. Mountain had died earlier that morning and they hadn't been able to call me before I left my house for work.
What is your favorite bookshop (other than your own)?
DK Books Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
What do you personally like to read? Collect?
Hobby Books and antique books on travel, maps, history, science, social studies, etc.
What one book would you buy if price were no object?
Ancient Greek copy of any of the Gospels.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring three books, what would they be?
The Holy Bible The Stand (It's Long) Tom Sawyer
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