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May Brown Bag

By Rich Rennicks

Join the Gender Equity Initiative for our May Brown Bag Lunch Series with Lyudmyla Babadzhanova of Bua Conservation LLC for her talk on What Not to Do in Book and Paper Conservation on Tuesday, May 27, at 2 pm ET. Lyudmyla Babadzhanova, professional conservator and founder of Bua Conservation LLC, will lead a practical and engaging session on common mistakes to avoid when handling, storing, and attempting to repair rare books and paper materials. This talk will highlight irreversible treatments, environmental hazards, and well-meaning but damaging DIY fixes. Whether you're a collector, librarian, or simply curious about preservation, you'll leave with a better understanding of how to protect and care for historic paper-based treasures. What Not to Do in Book and Paper Conservation Tuesday, May 27, at 2 pm ET. REGISTER FOR THE TALK HERE... Lyudmyla Babadzhanova is a professional Book and Paper Conservator and the founder of Bua Conservation LLC, a private conservation studio dedicated to the care and preservation of rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials. With over a decade of experience in the field, Lyudmyla brings a deep respect for historical craftsmanship and a scientific approach to the treatment of treasured collections. Her work supports libraries, collectors, and cultural institutions in maintaining the integrity and longevity of their holdings. At Bua Conservation, she offers tailored conservation treatments, condition assessments, and preventive care soluti... [more May Brown Bag]

Hobbit-First-American

Weekly Highlights

By Rich Rennicks

Our members list new acquisitions and recently cataloged items almost every day of the year. Below, you'll find a few highlights from these recent additions... East of the Sun, West of the Moon by and ; Nielsen, Kay : Hodder & Stoughton, 1914. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good. Nielsen, Kay. First trade edition, quarto size, 207 pp. Kay Rasmus Nielsen (1886-1957), was born in Denmark hearing the traditional Norse fairy tales related by his mother, studied art in Paris, and moved to London in1911. His artwork brought immediate critical acclaim with his first illustrated book, "In Powder and Crinoline" being published in 1913. However, it was this work, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon", which, "y general consent, most spectacular and celebrated." One of his admirers, Martin Birnbaum, wrote of this book: "His most intricate inventions never seem laboured. Controlled in a measure by Norse ornamental traditions, he reaches an absolute equality with the poetical text..." (Dalby, p. 90). Nielsen's style was heavily influenced by Japanese art, and his artwork "unite strong linearity with delicate colouring. For example, the heroine of 'Prince Lindworm'...kneels in a perfect arc of physiologically impossible grace before a tree whose weeping branches echo her curves." (Zipes, p. 341). Sadly, Nielsen's later years were marked with poverty, as his artwork was no longer in demand after WWII. If only he could know what a great gift his talents have given, and what joy his art has bro... [more Weekly Highlights]

Browse the latest catalogs, newsletters, and e-lists of rare books, fine bindings, incunabula, print ephemera, and much more from the members of the ABAA below. (Also includes podcasts, blog posts, and other digital formats.) *New* indicates any catalogs brought to our attention since early-March 2025. AARDVARK BOOKS/EZRA TISHMAN BOOK APPRAISALS SABF 2024 Highlights 16 Recent Aardvarkian Acquisitions ABACUS BOOKS Ophthalmology Part One 1791-1898 *New* Modern Poetry ABRAHAM LINCOLN BOOK SHOP July Book List: The Virginia Regimental History Series January Book List CHARLES AGVENT Poetry *New* STRUGGLE RESISTANCE REVOLUTION *New* ANDERSON BUTLER RARE BOOKS Americana April Miscellany ANTIPODEAN BOOKS, MAPS, PRINTS E-list #44 ~ W.W.I., Americana, Australia, Photographs, Maps, Ephemera E-list #43 ~ Antipodean Books at the Brooklyn Virtual Book Fair NICK ARETAKIS - AMERICANA New York Book Fair 2025 *New* January 2025 New Acquisitions ARGONAUT BOOK SHOP Holiday Miscellany Recent Acquisitions & Selections from Stock (Summer 2024) JAMES ARSENAULT & COMPANY Maps & Views, April 2025 *New* African Americana, February 2025 ARS LIBRI LTD. Electronic List 148: A Holiday Selection Artists' Books and Exhibition Catalogues: Electronic List 146 ATHENA RARE BOOKS Charles Sanders Peirce Catalog EVOLVING HISTORY of IDEAS (New York Book Fair) AUGER DOWN BOOKS E-List 28: Spring 2025 *New* E-List 27: Winter 2025 B&B RARE BOOKS New Arrivals / Gifts for Mothers' Day BACK CREEK BOOKS E-list #60 *New* Radi... [more Latest Catalogs of Rare Books]

The following materials were stolen from a FedEx truck on February 14th. 2025. The independent insurance loss adjuster with the reporting supplied with the following information. If the books appears or offered, please contact: Rich Mancuso, Smith Associates | rmancuso@gjsmithassociates.com | 212-300-6378. Stultifera navis Sebastian Brant, 149 BRANT, Sebastian (1457–1521). Das Narrenschiff, in Latin: Stultifera navis. Translated from German by Jacobus Locher Philomusus. – JACOBUS LOCHER PHILOMUSUS And LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed as President ("A. Lincoln") to Secretary of the Interior Caleb B. Smith, Executive Mansion, 17 June 1861. One page, bifolium, 128 x 202mm., docketed by Smith on the verso (light mailing folds, small spots of soiling). [more Reported Stolen In Transit on February 14th. 2025]

The ABAA is accepting entries for the 2025 National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest where more than $6,000 in prizes will be awarded to student collectors. The contest is open to all prizewinners of college contests, whether or not first prize, and to interested students whose institutions do not offer contests. More information can be found here... All entries should be submitted here by June 9, 2025. The National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest is jointly administered by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA), the Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies (FABS), the Grolier Club, and the Center for the Book and the Rare Books and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress. For more information on the contest, please visit contest.abaa.org. Read more about last year's winners here... [more 2025 National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest]

The following book disappeared from a NYC residence and is the subject of an insurance claim. Title: "POLYCRONICON" 1482 William Caxton, Printer Higden Ranulph, Author John Trevisa also known as John de Trevisa, Translator The book is without 4 blanks (a1, 1.1, x2, 55.8) and 7 other leaves (a2, a3, a6, a8, c4, 54.8, 54.7) included here in very fine manuscript facsimile accomplished probably in the 19th century. Leaves a4, a5 and b1 are possibly provided from another copy with remargining accomplished skillfully. Leaves CLXIX to CLXXVI, provided herein are probably from another copy and have restoration or remargining in the border areas of the page. Some remargining at the end of the book. In a handsome late 18th century binding of maroon calf, decorated in gold on the spine and covers. Here is the census information: “The copy is #13 in De Ricci's Census of Caxtons (The Landaff House Copy, sold in 1871, then to Jonathan Peckover (his signature on the flyleaf), and by descent to Lord Peckover of Wisbech.” Page numbers in Roman are at top right of page. The marginalia written by hand is unique to the copy and will not be in any other copy of the book. So, this marginalia will be the best way to identify the missing copy. Please contact James Wynne if you know the whereabouts of this item: James P. Wynne Cell: 347-820-0840 Email: jim@artrisk.com [more Missing: Caxton Polycronicon]

The ABAA is proud to announce the ABAA Mentorship Program sponsored by the Gender Equity Initiative, welcoming all early-career participants in the rare book trade. The program is aimed at furthering the ABAA's mission to promote ethical standards and professionalism in the antiquarian book trade, encourage the collecting and preservation of rare and antiquarian books and related materials, and facilitate collegial relations within the trade. GOALS Further the mission of the ABAA. Provide dealers early in their careers with the opportunity to advance their professional development. Build a recruitment pipeline for the Association that enhances the number of qualified applicants to expand the scope of new members. Allow mentees to build a relationship with an ABAA member. Educate potential candidates about a career in the trade (for example, graduate students looking for a profession outside of academia). STRUCTURE Mentors and mentees will be paired with consideration of various factors such as specific requests, specialization/area of focus, and business structure. Location could also be a point of consideration. Once paired, mentors and mentees will commence a one year period of mentorship (May 15, 2025-May 1, 2026). Over the course of the year, mentors and mentees are required to have face-to-face communication for a minimum of 1-2 hours each month (this could be completed electronically). The schedule structure to meet this requirement will be determined by the pair. We en... [more ABAA Mentorship Program 2025]

The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America is proud to announce another edition of the paid internship program co-sponsored by AbeBooks. We invite you to apply and share this opportunity with qualified applicants at your institution and beyond. This 10-week paid, hands-on, learning-oriented program seeks to provide an opportunity for individuals seeking to pursue a career in the antiquarian and rare book trade by offering tools, experiences, and exposures necessary to assist them in achieving their career goals. The intern will gain experience in research, cataloging, customer relations, and more with an ABAA member as host. Application Requirements Minimum requirement of a high school diploma, OR currently enrolled student in any degree program, OR recent graduate (< 1-year post-grad). Must be detail-oriented, have experience doing independent research, have strong writing skills and time management, and be comfortable working on solo and collaborative projects. Prior experience working in a bookstore, library, or customer service setting is a plus. Ability to secure summer housing independently and ability to coordinate commute if necessary. Ability to perform basic video recording and editing for internship projects. ABAA INTERNSHIP APPLICATION The application deadline is 2 PM ET on April 14, 2025 ABAA Headquarters will be available throughout the entire process, from applications to internship pairings through the completion of the program, to address any questio... [more ABAA Internship Program]

The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to the iconic Park Avenue Armory in New York City from April 3-6, 2025, celebrating its 65th Edition. Below are some highlights from among the many rare items the more-than 200 exhibitors will be bringing to New York from all over the world. (Tickets are available at this link...) FIVE DOLLAR BILL POSE--RARE IN THIS FULL-PLATE SIZE One Of The Most Sought-After And Iconic Poses Of Lincoln IN A SIZE THAT COMMANDS ATTENTION (Lincoln Photograph) Berger, Anthony Oval Sepia Albumen Photograph, on original card mount . . Original oval decorative wooden frame. 8”x6” (sight); 16-3.8” x 14-1/2” (frame). A fine and rare full-plate original print of the famous “$5bill” pose (only lately retired during currency redesign), taken by Anthony Berger at Mathew Brady's Washington gallery on 9 Feb. 1864. Robert Todd Lincoln called this “the most satisfactory likeness”of his father. It is one of several poses Berger took that day including the beautiful portrait of Lincoln and his son Tad viewing a photo album; that same album is quite visible, sitting on a table at Lincoln's right. Lincoln's watch fob is unusually distinct, as are his cheek bones and famous mole.I nterestingly, Lincoln's barber had parted his hair on the right side, whereas it was usually seen parted on his left side. Also quite distinct is the famous “Brady Chair” of carved oak made by Bembe & Kimbel and one of 262 chairs commissioned for the US H... [more New York Book Fair: Highlights]

Books are more than just stored knowledge—they are physical objects worthy of thoughtful and dynamic display. Whether for a temporary pop-up exhibition or a longer-term showcase under glass, displaying these heritage objects requires careful consideration of both aesthetics and preservation care. For March, the Brown Bag Lunch Series would like to invite you to join Natasha Herman of Redbone Bindery for her talk on The Display of Books in Exhibition Spaces on Tuesday, March 25, at 2 pm ET. This lecture will explore key principles of book display, including structural support, preventive conservation best practices, design and display contexts. By examining the intersection of physics, materials, and exhibition design, attendees will gain practical strategies for creating visually engaging yet preservation-conscious book displays. The Display of Books in Exhibition Spaces. Tuesday, March 25 @ 2 PM ET Register here... Natasha Herman Natasha Herman is founder and sole proprietor of Redbone Bindery, a book conservation studio focused on the care and preservation of antiquarian books. Concurrently, she directs the STILT project, where she brings her craft and engineering skills to the design, development and production of book support and exhibition products. Natasha has taught ethics and approaches to heritage conservation as guest lecturer at the National Library of Australia, the Auckland City Library in New Zealand, the Canadian Museum of History and National Gallery of Cana... [more March Brown Bag: Display of Books]