News & Updates Verband der Antiquare Österreichs Burgverlag
"Dealing with exceptional books and prints has always been a motivation to keep going"
Robert, after many years on the board of the Austrian association and also on the board of ILAB until 2022, congratulations on your election as the new President of the Verband der Antiquare Österreichs! Many colleagues will know you from the various international fairs you participate in around the world. But for those who don't know you yet, may we ask you to introduce yourself a little?
Thanks for the congratulations. I started working as an antiquarian bookseller in 1980. I have been running my own business since 1996. Since my childhood I have loved old books, anything printed or drawn on paper. I have never had another job.
What was it that sparked your interest in entering the world of antiquarian books?
It was fascinating from the start to meet interesting, unique and sometimes quite quirky people who turned out to be collectors and colleagues. Dealing with exceptional books and prints has always been a motivation to keep going.
You must own and run one of the most beautiful antiquarian bookshops in the world, and anyone visiting the cultural city of Vienna should not miss a visit. We know that the shop is regularly booked by film crews. Given that Vienna has lost so many rare bookshops in recent decades, what makes this place so special?
Yes, the shop was founded in 1920 and still looks the same as it did back then. The store is located close to where Alma Mahler, Franz Werfel, Adele Bloch-Bauer, Arthur Schnitzler and other famous people lived. It is one of the few remaining old bookshops in Vienna. Unfortunately, more and more Instagram tourists come here just to take photos. Film shoots by an Oscar-winning director will soon be taking place here again.
Every year, the Austrian antiquarian booksellers' association has a joint stand at BUCH WIEN, one of Europe's largest cultural and literary events, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors. What do you take home with you after that busy weekend every November? Do modern book buyers stop by the antiquarian showcases?
This is one of the few opportunities for our association to attract the attention of a wider audience. Last year there were 60,000 visitors. That’s why we are participating in this book trade fair with a larger joint stand. Colleagues from other countries are cordially invited to participate.
We know that you have been a mentor in the ILAB Mentoring Programme and we have seen that you support every initiative that supports early career booksellers. How do you see our profession developing?
The ILAB Mentoring Programme is a great way to support young people who are interested in the antiquarian book trade. Bringing in new talent and fresh ideas is essential for the future of our profession, so it’s important to provide guidance and opportunities for those just starting out.
From my own experience, I’ve seen how valuable it is to help young booksellers get involved beyond the daily work of the trade. One of my very young employees, for instance, regularly writes articles for our magazine. Although it’s now only published online, it remains an important way to share knowledge and perspectives. Encouraging this kind of engagement helps early-career booksellers grow and also benefits the wider bookselling community.
Last but not least, please share with us three places a booklover should not miss in Vienna?
Places book lovers should definitely visit in Vienna are:
The Literaturmuseum, a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts, offering fascinating insights into Austrian literary history. It showcases original manuscripts, letters, and interactive exhibitions that bring the works of Austrian authors to life.
https://www.onb.ac.at/museen/l...
The library in the Josephinum, closed for a longer period, this stunning historical library has finally reopened. Housed in the Josephinum, which was originally built as a medical-surgical academy, the library features breathtaking architecture and an impressive collection of medical and scientific works from past centuries.
https://www.josephinum.ac.at/s...
Vienna is of course famous for its cafe houses and I would recommend visiting the Café Museum. Designed by the renowned architect Adolf Loos, this historic café has long been a favourite meeting place for writers, artists, and intellectuals. It even has a dedicated library room, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a good book or listen to an author while enjoying the literary atmosphere.
https://www.cafemuseum.at/de/c...
To contact Robert Schoisengeier and the Verband der Antiquare Österreichs, please follow those links: