In an age when an increasing number of people do most of their reading on digital devices, Siddiqui Rare & Antique Books stands as a testament to the value of the printed word.

Besides the smell of old books and the appeal of their beautifully adorned hard covers, which many value as a work of art, one of the main attractions for bibliophiles at this place is that it features many books that are not available in any of the modern marketplaces.

What’s more, its collection includes a rich variety of old and rare books, many of which are autographed, first editions, or out of print.

Haroon Siddiqui, the proud owner of the bookshop, reminisces about some of the valuables that have passed through his hands. His journey into this venture began in a moment of eureka. Before founding the bookshop in 2008, he had spent 18-odd years selling books on a footpath in Anarkali.

"One day, I sold a book about Napoleon Bonaparte to a customer. I’ve never seen that book again," he tells TNS. "I was asked to find more antique books and that’s how I developed an interest in the business."

Soon he set up his own bookshop -- which is one of its kind, literally -- on the Mall Road, near Regal Chowk.

A small shelf, mounted on the wall behind Siddiqui’s desk, is occupied by autographed books. The collection includes a limited edition copy of Saare Sukhan Humare signed by Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

He has also sold handwritten works by Pakistani authors and poets such as Saghar Siddiqui.

Haroon Siddiqui sits facing a bookshelf which is populated by his most prized collection. It contains the oldest and most expensive books, some dated as far back as the late 1600s.

He currently has copies of The Essays of Montaigne (1685), The History of Nadir Shah (1742), Shakespeare (1798), The Pilgrim’s Progress (late 1800s) and many antique Bible editions.

Also displayed among this collection is Hindostan (1846), an illustrated book with descriptions of India’s landscapes, palaces, temples and tombs. Even some rare archaeology books such as Serindia by Sir Marc Aurel Stein can be found here.

One of the oldest books he recently sold was the one on European history, a 1574 publication.

Most history buffs that walk into the shop would be spoilt for choice. The collection includes all sorts of history books. However, the section on Indo-Pak history is the most comprehensive. Almost every book in this collection has a rich history. The experience of leafing through antique history books is simply magical. These books are not only portals to the eras that they describe but also make us wonder about the people who have owned and read them since they were published.

Siddiqui has contacts in many cities who know that he is at the centre of this ‘niche’ business in Pakistan. They get in touch with him whenever antique and rare books are discovered. Some of these agents have even found valuable books in waste paper markets.

For his part, Siddiqui also sifts though books discarded by libraries and personal collections sold or donated by families of bibliophiles who have passed away.

"I have personally visited many bookshops in Islamabad and Karachi and can say that this is by far the best place to find rare books," says Akhlaq Ali Khan, a textile exporter who is one of Siddiqui’s regular customers.

"Over the years, I have found a number of history books on Princely States of India that are rare to find."

Siddiqui Rare & Antique Books is open from 10am to 9pm throughout the week. He goes an extra mile to find books for his customers and sometimes even imports them.

He acknowledges the fact that not everyone can afford to purchase books from his collections. All sorts of people walk into the bookshop. Most of the regulars are businessmen and government officials.

The allure of antique and rare books can be gauged from the number of people who flock to their stall at the Lahore International Book Fair every year. His customers in other countries are usually interested in books on Indo-Pak history. However, he does not export books very often.

On the downside, there are no good binders or restorers of antique books in Pakistan, says Siddiqui.

Commenting on the quality of paper used before the 19th century, he says, "New paper is flimsy and disintegrates quickly compared to the handmade paper that was used back then."

The staff at Siddiqui Rare & Antique Books comprises Siddiqui and his two assistants. Using online tools and resources, one of these assistants helps the owner in authenticating and pricing all books. Technology has enabled them to quickly determine the worth of old books.

Siddiqui understands the importance of having an online presence and plans to expand his business by launching a website.