About Us

FIRST HOUSE BOOKS was established in the summer of 2024. The name is a nod to food writer MFK Fisher’s Last House, the home where she retired and lived out her last days. This, being our metaphorical first house, represents new beginnings, hope, and a vibrant life ahead.

After years of leading the out-of-print team at the legendary NYC bookstore dedicated to books on food and drink, Kitchen Arts & Letters—where she continues to run the department—LAURA JACKSON founded First House as an online business to further her interests in celebrating and rehoming used, out-of-print, and, sometimes, rare books. 

Though First House facilitates more of a generalist approach to bookselling, we still favor items that tickle our fancy. Fortunately, we are easily amused and entertained by anything compelling, especially that which we haven’t seen before. We hope our enthusiasm comes through in what we choose to carry and champion for the next owner.

Our amazing logo was commissioned by NYC-based artist SARAH NEIL. She can be found on Instagram @letmedrawyourhands.