That's not surprising since there are only two other Bauman stores in the United States and the retailer's collection of rare and antiquarian books and documents is among the finest in the world.

When David Bauman opened his first bookstore in New York more than 30 years ago with his wife, Natalie, he had no idea his business would someday be held in such high regard.

"It started with a shared love and appreciation for books," Bauman said.

Since that time, his collection has continued to grow, and his stores now seem more like elegant museums than bookstores. His shop at the Palazzo, which is filled with huge bookcases and glass displays containing detailed descriptions of each book or document, photo or artwork, is no exception.

"I'm happy with the entire venue," Bauman said. "I think it's very elegant and it's very relaxing for buyers."

Bauman was not looking at Las Vegas as a location for his third retail store, but when a relative involved in the Palazzo's construction described the project, he decided to take a closer look. He found that a lot of customers in his database live here and that, while many of his longtime associates expressed surprise that he was considering a move here, it increasingly seemed like a wise business decision.

"I must say, I love it here," Bauman said. "There is no question it will increase my exposure in every market."

One of the things that distinguishes Bauman Rare Books in the industry is the breadth of the store's collection. Collectors can find anything from historical documents to children's books to original manuscripts from television shows.

"Our instincts have always been to present great things to the general public," Bauman said. "Very few people in our business have done this and most operate in very specialized areas. Nobody (else) has made the effort to introduce rare books to the general public, and we've done this from the very beginning."

While a collector can find books on a range of topics at the shop, most, Bauman says, have a specific focus.

"They want the great books on the field they are interested in." Bauman said.

"The Queen's Closet Opened" was published in 1695 and is the oldest cookbook in the collection on display at Bauman Rare Books at the Shoppes at the Palazzo.

Collectors who want a copy of the Declaration of Independence, for example, will probably want historical books and documents, such as Adams' Defense of the Constitution or a copy of the Magna Carta. They may also want copies of works from authors who have influenced historical figures.

Admirers of Benjamin Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, for example, may want works by authors such as such as Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. In fact, books by an author of note that were owned by an important figure from history are among the most sought after.

Of course it's not just renowned historical documents that draw a lot of interest: Children's books, self-help books and photography books are among those that have become increasingly popular. Customers who value these items are as passionate about their collection as any, Bauman says.

With few exceptions, there isn't any one characteristic that determines the value of a book. Books that are more than 100 years old may have little value, while a much more recent publication might be extremely sought after.

For a book or document to be collectible, it has to be sought after by a large number of people, it has to be scarce and it must be significant, which can mean a lot of things.

The significance for a historical document, for example, is obvious, but a book such as Alcoholics Anonymous, by Bill Wilson, which really launched the whole self-help genre, is also extremely important. A first printing from 1939, inscribed by Wilson, retails for $40,000, compared to $38,000 for a large engraving of the Declaration of Independence, complete with facsimile signatures of the signers, from 1819.

A number of factors can combine to increase the value of a book or document.

Children's books, for example, were not always held in high regard and were bought to be read to, and by, children. They were usually very well used and not well cared for.

As a result, a first edition from a then-unknown author was probably not printed in large quantities. As the significance of this genre grew, first editions from some prominent authors in good condition were extremely rare, and consequently, very valuable.

A first edition of "The Cat in the Hat," written by Dr. Seuss and published in 1957, with the original paper boards and dust jacket, retails for $12,000. A collection of the Four Pooh Books, including "Winnie the Pooh," by A.A. Milne, fetch $28,000.

Bauman staff, many of whom have been with him for years, are trained professionals who understand the value of the product and the passion many collectors have for books. The company keeps a detailed profile of customers and knows whom to contact when certain highly sought after books or documents come to the market.

Bauman admits that, as a collector himself, it is tough to part with certain works, but he will usually acquiesce to the requests of his clientele.

One of the biggest misconceptions, Bauman says, is that one has to be rich to be a book collector.

"First editions of rare books are extremely expensive," Bauman said. "But a later edition of the same work can be owned for a fraction of the cost."

After all, he points out, it is often the passion for a book, or an appreciation for the author that draws the initial interest of a buyer, and that is the same, regardless of which edition is purchased.

Bauman's staff is eager to assist customers with beginning or adding to a collection, and anyone with an interest can contact the store or the company's Web site to obtain more information.