Under the Auspices of ILAB â International Antiquarian Book Fairs Across the World
Over the year and on all continents, there is an exquisite selection of antiquarian book fairs, where book collectors and the world’s leading experts share their passion for the printed book and our written heritage. Under the auspices of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and organized by ILAB’s member associations amazing book fairs are held in Europe and America, Asia and Australia, from London and Paris to New York and California, Tokyo and Melbourne. The exhibitors are ILAB affiliates who guarantee high professional standards, high quality offers, the authenticity of the books, prints, autographs and ephemera for sale which are exactly described and accurately priced. On all these fairs, officially supported by ILAB, there is more than just the fascination of rare books: Here you can buy with confidence and trust in the expertise of the exhibitors.
After Melbourne Rare Book Week in July 2016 the series of ILAB fairs continues with the biggest event of the year: the first ever ILAB International Antiquarian Book Fair in Budapest from 24 to 25 September 2016, held in the spectacular venue of the Vigadó and preceeded by the 42nd ILAB Congress from 21 to 23 September which will gather the world’s leading book experts in Hungary’s amazing capital. Have you already registered for the ILAB Congress and/or the ILAB Fair in Budapest? This is your chance to do so!
Whether you already have your own personal library or would like to dive into the world of collecting, take the opportunity to explore the world of books with the leading experts in their fields. Whether you are an experienced or novice book collector, a librarian or an archivist, a scholar or an academic, or are simply interested in books and the book arts in general, the ILAB books fairs are the places where you will find something to your taste. And be sure:
If you have once experienced the fascinating feeling of finding a book, you have never thought you were looking for, you will never be able to stop again.
Save the dates in your calendar!
ILAB International Antiquarian Book Fair
September 24-25, 2016
Vigadó, Budapest (Hungary)
In Hungary, this will be the very first time that antiquarian booksellers have the opportunity to present their rare books, manuscripts and other documents at such a large-scale exhibition. The ILAB Fair will follow the 42th ILAB Congress which is to welcome booksellers and collectors from over the world.
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Hungary, MAE
More information: http://ilab2016.com/en/
Amsterdam International Antiquarian Book Fair
October 1-2, 2016
Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
From Budapest to Amsterdam - this major two-day event is the largest and most prestigious antiquarian book fair of the Low Countries, showcasing rare, unique and unusual items from 55 Dutch and international dealers, held at a new location in the heart of the book-loving city of Amsterdam.
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of the Netherlands, NVvA
More information: https://amsterdambookfair.net/
Toronto International Antiquarian Book Fair
November 4-6, 2016
Baillie Court at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto (Canada)
The Toronto International Antiquarian Book Fair (TIABF) is the only international antiquarian and collectible book fair in Canada. Rare book dealers from across Europe and North America will bring a wide ranging selection of books, maps, prints and manuscripts - including travel and exploration, natural history, science and technology, children’s and illustrated, fine press and limited editions, modern first editions and signed volumes.
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Canada, ABAC
More information: www.torontoantiquarianbookfair.com
40th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair
October 28-30, 2016
Hynes Convention Center, Boston (United States)
The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is one of the oldest and most respected antiquarian book shows in the United States. Rare book dealers from the United States, England, Germany and The Netherlands offer rare, collectible and antiquarian books, modern first editions, manuscripts, autographs, maps, atlases, and a plethora of other literary ephemera.
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America, ABAA
More information: www.bostonbookfair.com
26th Chelsea Antiquarian Book Fair
November 4-5, 2016
Chelsea Old Town Hall, London (United Kingdom)
The friendliest and most approachable event of the antiquarian book fair calendar: Over its life, the Chelsea Antiquarian Book Fair has become a fixture for collectors and dealers from Britain, Europe and America. Book collectors love the fair, dealers have time to talk. ‘See you at Chelsea’ has become a phrase familiar to everyone in the British rare book trade. With Christmas around the corner, are you looking for an unusual and memorable present? Or is there a subject, author or period of history that especially attracts you? If so, then Chelsea is the right place for you to meet and talk to antiquarian booksellers!
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association, ABA
More information: www.chelseabookfair.com
56th Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair
January 27-29, 2017
Württembergischer Kunstverein, Stuttgart (Germany)
Always the first event of a new bibliophile year: For more than 50 years the Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair attracts dealers and collectors from all over the world. Exhibitors from Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Austria, France and the Netherlands show rare and valuable medieval manuscripts, books, autographs, and modern prints. Four weeks before the fair a Book Fair Catalogue is published featuring the highlights of the 2016 offers.
Organized by the German Antiquarian Booksellers' Association, VDA
More information: www.stuttgarter-antiquariatsmesse.de
50th California International Antiquarian Book Fair
February 10-12, 2017
Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland CA (United States)
"Even if you are not a collector, if you have ever read a book, it's a place to go to find out what you haven't read, or just what you haven't seen or didn't know exists" - Tony Bill
The California three-day event is the largest antiquarian book fair in the world and will offer something exciting for every book lover and collector. Among the exhibited materials of over 200 American and international dealers, visitors can purchase rare items from medieval manuscripts to collectible editions of authors into the 21st century. There will be unusual books on travel and exploration (including maps), literature, the arts, science and medicine, children's books, law and commerce, ephemera, Americana, and history in all eras and geographical areas. First, signed, and limited editions of many important authors will be present, plus collections of original photographs, prints by renowned artists from the 16th to the 21st century, and remarkable examples of book making, binding, and typography from throughout the world.
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America, ABAA
More information: www.cabookfair.com
New York Antiquarian Book Fair
March 9-12, 2017
The Park Avenue Armory, New York (United States)
"The best book fair in the world." - Andy Rooney
“It is exciting in a way you probably don't expect when you just hear the word Book Fair. Well, to me it is just as exciting as sitting in the dark of the theatre and watch a horror film! This experience is not horror. But it's just as exciting!” - Yoko Ono
Book lovers will find a fascinating treasure trove at the Park Avenue Armory. Over 200 American and international dealers will exhibit at The New York Antiquarian Book Fair, bringing a vast selection of rare books, maps, manuscripts, illuminated manuscripts and ephemera.
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America, ABAA
More information: http://nyantiquarianbookfair.com
Libri Antichi e di Pregio a Milano
March, 24-26, 2017
Salone dei Tessuti, Milan (Italy)
Young and exciting.
The 5th edition of the Milan International Antiquarian Book Fair will take place at the exciting Salone dei Tessuti situated in the city centre, just a five minute walk from the Central Railway Station. The building dates back to 1926 and is famous for its architectural details and elegance.
Organized by the Italian Antiquarian Booksellers' Association, Italy
More information: eventi.alai.it
Salon International du Livre rare, de l'Autographe, de l'Estampe et du Dessin
April 7-9, 2017
Nef du Grand Palais, Paris (France)
Most elegant.
One of the most prestigious fairs of its kind in the world, this annual event attracts both collectors and the curious. The Paris Fair offers its ever increasing number of visitors a panorama of the highlights of our written heritage, together with a selection of engravings and drawings, presented by leading professionals from around the world. Manuscripts, incunabula, exceptional bindings, early maps and photographs, autographs, old and contemporary prints and drawings, provide a fascinating pot-pourri of works for the collector and neophyte alike. Nearly 200 national and international dealers unveil thousands of exceptional documents, various exhibitions and animations are also scheduled during the event - a rich programme is guaranteed to charm the visitor to the fabulous glass-domed Grand-Palais.
Organized by the Syndicat National de la Librairie Ancienne et Moderne, SLAM
More information: www.salondulivreancienparis.fr
60th London International Antiquarian Book Fair
June 1-3, 2017
National Hall, Olympia, London (United Kingdom)
The oldest antiquarian book fair in the world.
This major three-day event is one of the highlights in the world for book lovers and collectors – and centrepiece of London International Antiquarian Book Fair Week. At the Fair you can view, handle and buy books, maps, prints, photographs, manuscripts, ephemera and original art work spanning the centuries, many items of museum quality. You can purchase a text as it first came off the printing press and bound by a craftsman hundreds of years ago - or the very latest collectable author’s first editions. The London International Antiquarian Book Fair welcomes nearly 200 of the world’s best dealers offering a wide range of fascinating books, maps and ephemera including historical items from the early days of printing to modern first editions: a must for all lovers of history and the written word.
Organized by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association, ABA
More information: www.olympiabookfair.com
The series of antiquarian book fairs, officially supported by ILAB, will continue. Stay tuned.
(Pictures: the organizers)
