A further addition to our lineup of special events during the California Virtual Book Fair is a special panel on horology, timepieces, and the history of watchmaking with experts in the field. Thursday, March 4 at 11 am PST/2 pm EST. A Matter of Time -- in partnership with Vacheron Constantin Join knowledgeable panelists as they explore topics ranging from horology, timepieces, the artistry and history of watchmaking, rare books and archival materials. Vacheron Constantin will highlight Les Collectionneurs, its exceptional line of vintage watches. Sigrid Offenstein, Collections and Archives Manager at Vacheron Constantin, joined the company 7 years ago. She was previously a consultant and instructor on paper and electronic archiving questions. She has been able to lead various projects within the private and institutional sectors, ranging from library restructuring to the digitization of documents. Having studied humanities and social sciences, she specialized in audiovisual and digital archives. She has been able to combine her passion for archives and history with her specialty by working within Vacheron Constantin on innovative projects, combining modern technologies and historical collections. Today she is an active member of the Association of Swiss Archivists (ASA), secretary for the Training Committee, and member of the Corporate Archives Committee inside ASA. Jonathan Hill is a rare book and manuscript seller specializing in science, medicine, natural history, bibliog... [more Special Event: A Matter of Time]
Book Fairs
Preview some of the exciting rare books and related items you'll find at the 60th annual New York International Antiquarian Book Fair. Wells, H G. THE FIRST MEN IN THE MOON Indianapolis: The Bowen-Merrill Company, . Octavo, pp. 1-312, twelve inserted plates with illustrations by E. Hering, title page printed in black and red, original pictorial cloth, front panel stamped in gold and blind, spine panel stamped in gold, rear panel stamped in blind. First edition, first binding with "Bowen / Merrill" at base of spine panel, variant with moon gold stamped and author and title gold stamped on front panel. Inscribed and signed on the half title page by Apollo 11 astronaut and first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Preceded the British edition by approximately one month. The two editions have minor textual differences. "... a gripping adventure story as well as a historic milestone in modern science fiction." - Survey of Science Fiction Literature II, pp. 782-86. "The last and most complex is THE FIRST MEN IN THE MOON. The two first men, Bedford and Cavor are well-contrasted, the civilization of the Selenites is excellent both as horror and satire; and the novel abounds with wonderful passages of unforced description at which Wells is unrivaled ... This lovely book also contains much of Wells's delightful humor; it has kept the joints of his discourse oiled to this day. After THE FIRST MEN IN THE MOON, Wells's science fiction novels are never quite the same." - Bleiler (ed),... [more New York Book Fair Preview]
“Many of the books at the fair are not just limited editions, but truly one of a kind.” — New York Times The rare-book world descends on New York over the weekend of March 5-8, 2020 for the 60th New York International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Park Avenue Armory! The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair will feature over 200 exhibitors, carrying a vast treasure trove of rare and scarce material with them: rare books, maps, illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, fine bindings, illustrations, historical documents, rare prints and print ephemera, and so much more. The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair is sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. Special Events: Preview Night — Thursday, March 5, 5pm-9pm Be among the first to see what's on display. Discovery Day — Sunday, March 8th, 1pm-3pm. Do you have a particularly old or rare books in your collection? Discovery Day gives ticketed visitors an opportunity to bring their own rare books, manuscripts, maps, etc. (up to five items) for evaluation by our panel of exhibitors. So, plan to bring in your treasures — we want to see them! Location: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue, New York City Opening Hours: Friday, March 6, noon-8pm Saturday, March 7, noon-7pm Sunday, March 8, noon-5pm Admission: Preview Night: Thursday, March 5, 5pm-9pm $60 Admission — Includes one daily re-admission Weekend: $25 General $10 Students (w... [more 2020 New York Book Fair]
The New York Antiquarian Book Fair celebrates its 58th year in 2018. From March 8-11, 2018 book lovers will find a fascinating treasure trove at the Park Avenue Armory. Over 200 American and international dealers will exhibit at The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, bringing a vast selection of rare books, maps, manuscripts, illuminated manuscripts and ephemera. The diversity of specialties includes art, medicine, literature, photography, autographs, first editions, Americana, and much more. “The best book fair in the world.” – Andy Rooney This book fair is officially sanctioned by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers. This means that the consumer can rely upon the experience and professionalism of participating dealers and the authenticity of the items available for purchase. Simply stated, all books, manuscripts and related material have been carefully examined for completeness and bibliographic accuracy. New York Antiquarian Book Fair When: Thursday, March 8 (5-9pm) — Preview Night! Friday, March 9 (noon-8pm) Saturday, March 10 (noon-7pm) Sunday, March 11 (noon-5pm) Events: Discovery Day, Sunday (1pm-3pm) Bring a treasure to be evaluated by our experts! Free with paid admission to the Fair. Tickets: Preview Pass (Good for the weekend) — $60 (includes one re-admission daily) Daily Admission: $25 Students: $10 (with valid ID) Run of Show: $45 (Student and Run of Show tickets onl... [more New York Antiquarian Book Fair 2018]
Pardon the pun, but the 51st California International Antiquarian Book Fair is going to be a monster event! Not only are about 200 rare book dealers from around the world bringing the cream of their respective crops to Pasadena, but it's also the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, and there's going to be a huge exhibit to celebrate the classic book. From the organizers: From February 9-11, 2018, Southern California hosts the nation's largest rare book exhibition as thousands of book lovers, booksellers, and scholars converge at the 51st California International Antiquarian Book Fair. The 2018 Book Fair also celebrates the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus with a special exhibit spotlighting holdings from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Occidental College Library's Ned Guymon Mystery and Detective Fiction Collection, University of California Riverside Library's Eaton Collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy, and Sara Karloff, the daughter of Boris Karloff. Recognized as one of the world's pre-eminent exhibitions of antiquarian books, this eagerly anticipated bi-annual fair gives visitors the opportunity to see, learn about and purchase the finest in rare books, manuscripts, autographs, graphics, photographs and more. Featuring over 200 booksellers from the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), ... [more California Book Fair 2018]
It's time for another batch of rare books and print ephemera that our members will be bringing to the 51st California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena, CA next weekend. (You'll find the first batch here...) Stoker, Bram, DRACULA'S GUEST AND OTHER WEIRD STORIES London, George Routledge & Sons, 1914. First edition. 12mo. 200pp. With "First Published in 1914" on the copyright page. Publisher's linen-textured red cloth blocked in blind on the spine and upper board, and with a gilt spine title. We note some foxing on the edges of the textblock, a tiny spot on the upper board, and oiffset on the free endpapers where the dustwrapper ended. Otherwise this is a very nice copy. Neat ownership name on the front pastedown dated July, 1914. In scarce, full color dustwrapper with art by Handforth. The dustwrapper bears the "2/- net" sticker on the spine and so is second state. There is a trace of roughness along the edges but it is in near fine condition.'Dracula's Guest' is a previously unpublished episode from an early draft of Dracula and is published here with eight other stories by Stoker. (Offered by Thorn Books) Pynchon, Thomas. Gravity's Rainbow New York: The Viking Press, (1973). First edition. 760 pp. Price of $15.00 on front flap of jacket. Nominated for the 1973 Nebula Award for Best Novel and winner of the National Book Award in 1974. Just about Fine in a like dust jacket that is bright, unfaded, and clean. A beautiful copy of Pynchon's masterpiece, a landmark w... [more 2018 California Book Fair Preview (Part 2)]
A special exhibit celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is among the many highlights of the 51st California International Antiquarian Book Fair. The display will include cornerstone works of Gothic literature, including the scarce 1818 first edition of Frankenstein, as well illustrated editions, graphic novels, and film stills from The Bride of Frankenstein and other cinematic interpretations. It will also include a selection of albums with music inspired in whole or in part by Frankenstein's monster. Frankenstein was first set to music in Presumption; or the Fate of Frankenstein (1823), a three-act play by Richard Brinsley Peake (Mary Shelley attended the play in London during its original run). This was followed many years later by Frankenstein, or The Vampire's Victim (1887), a musical burlesque composed by Meyer Lutz and written by Richard Henry. Another 50 years would pass before this classic tale was reanimated with musical accompaniment, first in the creepy title sequence of James Whale's iconic 1931 film adaptation and then in Franz Waxman's lush score for The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). A generation later, Universal Studios released their catalog of classic horror films to television, sparking a monster boom among children coming of age during the late 1950s and early '60s. Several novelty records were targeted at these “Monster Kids,” some of whom would go on to compose Frankenstein songs of their own. Many of underlying themes in Sh... [more In a laboratory once upon a time…]
ABAA members will be exhibiting any number of rare and highly sought-after items at the 51st annual California International Antiquarian Book Fair (Feb. 9-11, 2018) in Pasadena, CA next month. Here is a small sampling to whet the appetite. Ward, Lynd. Signed block print from Gods' Man , . An original print from Ward's first and most famous wordless novel. Printed from the original woodblock on Japanese paper, the image measures 10 cm x 13 cm. Signed in pencil by Ward under the image in the right corner, with "Gods' Man" printed in pencil opposite. Fine. (Offered by Ken Sanders Rare Books) The Best Edition of the Poetical and Prose Works of Shelley, in a Superb Cosway-Style Binding by Bayntun (Rivière) SHELLEY, Percy Bysshe. The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Edited by Harry Buxton Forman. In Four Volumes. London: Reeves and Turner, 1876-1877. SHELLEY, Percy Bysshe. The Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Edited by Harry Buxton Forman. In Four Volumes. London: Reeves and Turner, 1880. First edition edited by H. Buxton Forman. Together eight octavo volumes (8 7/16 x 5 3/8 inches; 214 x 136 mm.). Frontispieces and plates. Uniformly bound by Bayntun (Rivière) of Bath (stamp-signed in gilt on front turn-in) in mid twentieth-century dark brown crushed levant morocco. Covers with gilt triple fillet border, spines decoratively ruled and lettered in gilt in compartments with five raised bands, board edges with gilt-dotted rule, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all ... [more 2018 California Book Fair: Preview (Part 1)]
ABAA members will be exhibiting at the upcoming Brooklyn Book Fair in Greenpoint, September 8-10, 2017. Although not sponsored by the ABAA, this is a fast-growing book fair which attracts an eclectic range of active collectors. This year, ABAA associate member Rebecca Romney (you might know her from the History Channel's “Pawn Stars”) will give a talk on “The ABC's of Starting a Rare Book Collection," and will sign copies of her newly published book, Printer's Error: Irreverent Stories from Book History. Some of the highlights ABAA members are bringing** to the fair include: One of the Largest Private Collections of Vintage Luggage Labels Sheryl Jaeger (Eclectibles) will be showcasing labels from the private collection of Jane Goodrich, world traveler and co-founder of Spectrum Publishing. This collection of 3,550 labels, dating from the 1920s to World War II, includes colorful labels from such wonderful old hotels as the Luna House in Venice, the Grand Continental Hotel in Cairo, the Mayfair Hotel in London, and many, many more. “The Black Album” — Powerful and evocative postcard images of Nazi war crimes “The Black Album” is a very rare booklet, published in Tel Aviv by the Anti-Nazi League of Palestine in April, 1940, six months after the Nazi invasion of Poland. Its goal was to make public the already great extent of Nazi crimes in Europe -- particularly in Poland, only a few months after the country's brutal and total conquest. Taken by anonymous individu... [more Featured Items: What ABAA Members are Taking to Brooklyn]
The ABAA co-sponsors the three largest annual antiquarian book fairs in North America, the Boston, California, and New York Antiquarian Book Fairs. Antiquarian book fairs are the high points of the book collector's year, representing an unmissable chance to connect with other collectors and rare book experts from top libraries, universities, and other institutions, expand your knowledge of both your chosen areas of interest and rare books in general, as well as an opportunity to get to know the booksellers personally, and insure they know your interests and what items are top of your wish list! Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair November 10-12, 2017 Boston, MA In November, the first fair of the season takes place in Boston, MA. Dealers from all over the world will rendezvous at the Hynes Convention Center for three days to display the best the rare book market has to offer. From early manuscripts and rare print ephemera to association copies inscribed by famous modern authors, the Boston exhibitors will have something for every taste and pocket book. More details about exhibits, lectures, and discovery day will be announced closer to the date. Bookmark http://bostonbookfair.com/ for future reference. California International Antiquarian Book Fair February 9-11, 2018 Pasadena, CA Recognized as one of the world's largest and most prestigious exhibitions of antiquarian books, the California International Antiquarian Book Fair is co-sponsored by the ABAA and the Internati... [more Biggest Book Fairs of the Year]