Antiquarian Booksellers' Association

The London Antiquarian Book Fair Season 2012

07 May 2012

With the 55th London International Antiquarian Book Fair the oldest and one of the biggest and most important fairs worldwide will open its doors to visitors from 24th to 26th May 2012. This years Fair at the National Hall (Olympia) will be the best yet; with more exhibitors, more books, maps, prints, ephemera and manuscripts in a bigger and better hall providing more space on stands, wider aisles, ample space to sit and relax in three different cafes. Nearly 200 exhibitors from the UK and all over the world will offer highlights of the trade, from a hand-written account of Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens to a very rare signed limited issue of Ian Fleming's On Her Majesty's Secret Service to a signed expense account for The Sex Pistols. Whatever you collect, whatever your subject, curiosity or indulgence, you will find something to capture your imagination and interest at the Olympia Fair - and not only there. The 55th International Antiquarian Book Fair - organised by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association (ABA) - is the most outstanding in a series of book fairs held in London at the end of May. This is a short summary of all the fairs, with links to the official websites.

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Whatever you collect, whatever your subject, curiosity or indulgence, you will find something to capture your imagination and interest at the Olympia Fair - and not only there. The 55th International Antiquarian Book Fair - organised by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA) - is the most outstanding in a series of book fairs held in London at the end of May. This is a short summary of all the fairs, with links to the official websites.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

PBFA International London Book Fair

The first event worth visiting during the London book fair season 2012.

Russell Hotel - 11 am to 6 pm

>>> pbfalondonbookfair.co.uk/

Wednesday to Friday, May 23 to 25, 2012

The Book Fair at The Hand and Flower

A few steps away from the 55th London International Antiquarian Book Fair at Olympia: a fine selection of antiquarian, rare, collectable, and out of print books, prints and maps, offered by antiquarian booksellers from the UK and abroad.

The Hand and Flower (1 Hammersmith Road, opposite Olympia) - 2 am to 6 pm, 10 am to 8 pm, 10 am to 5 pm

>>> www.handandflowerbookfair.co.uk/

Thursday to Saturday, May 24 to 26, 2012

55th London International Antiquarian Book Fair

Olympia, National Hall

Preview on Thursday: 3 pm - 8.30 pm

Friday to Saturday: 11 am to 7 pm, 11 am to 5.30 pm

The oldest book fair in the world, and one of the biggest and best events in Europe today. The 55th London International Antiquarian Book Fair is the highlight of the London book fair season 2012, and one of the most important events of the international trade.

>>> www.olympiabookfair.com

Friday to Saturday, May 25 to 26, 2012

PBFA International London Book Fair

The PBFA Summer Book Fairs in London provide an excellent opportunity to browse and buy antiquarian, rare and second-hand books, manuscripts, ephemera and more from over a hundred dealers in the UK and beyond.

Novotel London West - 2 pm to 7 pm, 10 am to 4 pm

>>> pbfalondonbookfair.co.uk/

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Bloomsbury Summer Book Fair

Dealers from the UK and abroad offer fine bindings, antiquarian, illustrated books, travel, modern firsts, children’s books, maps, prints, and ephemera.

Royal National Hotel - 10 am to 4.30 pm

>>> www.etcfair.co.uk

Saturday to Sunday, June 16 to 17, 2012

London Map Fair

The largest antique map fair in Europe brings together around 40 of the leading national and international antiquarian map dealers as well as hundreds of visiting dealers, collectors, curators and map aficionados from all parts of the world.

Royal Geographical Society - 12 am to 7 pm, 10 am to 5 pm

>>> www.londonmapfairs.com