Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America
Attention Bibliophiles: Worlds Largest Rare Book Fair Returns to San Francisco
44th California International Antiquarian Book Fair, February 11-13, 2011
Thousands of book lovers, buyers, browsers and sellers will come together in San Francisco at the 44th California International Antiquarian Book Fair from February 11 through Sunday, February 13.
With collections and rare treasures offered by more than 200 booksellers from the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), the world's largest rare book fair is a bibliophile's delight, featuring a rich selection of books, manuscripts, maps and other printed materials, including incunabula, fine bindings, first editions, children's and illustrated books, ephemera, and antiquarian books on all subject areas one can conceivably imagine, such as: books on the history of music, travel and exploration (including maps), early science and medicine, technology and manufacture, law and commerce, American history of California and the West, literature and the arts. There will be first editions of 20th century literature, complete with dust jackets, superb illustrated books in fine condition, with remarkable typography, original engravings and prints by renowned masters like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Miró. In San Francisco, rare book dealers showcase what is rare and beautiful: from medieval illuminated manuscripts to a 20th century Jack Kerouac novel.
In addition to book-related lectures and seminars, the 44th Book Fair features a special music theme, including a stunning special exhibit of rare musical books and manuscripts dating back as far as the 1300’s from the Jean Gray Hargrove Music Library of the University of California at Berkeley. All exhibiting booksellers will be encouraged to showcase their collections related to music.
Events
The Promise and Peril of a Universal Library
A discussion by Adrian Johns, professor in the Department of History, chair of the Committee on Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science at the University of Chicago, and author of Piracy: The Intellectual Property Wars from Gutenberg to Gates
Saturday, February 12, 1 pm
The Abduction from the Scenario
A special lecture on collecting early music and musical autographs, by Donald W. Krummel, one of the world’s authorities on the subject and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois.
Saturday, February 12, 3 pm
Benefit Reception for the San Francisco Early Music Society and the 2012 Berkeley Music Festival
The reception, hosted by SFEMS Board of Directors and John Shepard (Head Librarian of the Jean Gray Hargrove Music Library) will include a private viewing of the special exhibit of rare musical books and manuscripts from the Jean Gray Hargrove Music Library, wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as early music provided by noted early musicians of SFEMS, Shira Kammen, David Morris, Yuko Tanaka and Voices of Music and more.
Saturday, February 12, 4 – 6 pm
Book Collecting 101
Topics include: What to collect and collecting strategies, what is a "first edition", how to judge a book's condition, bookish terms and jargon, where to buy books and where to find additional information.
Sunday, February 13, 12 pm
What’s This Book Worth?
Two questions will be addressed by a long-time ABAA member: 1. "I have this old book. Is it worth anything?" And 2. "I have this rare book. What's it worth?" Expanding on the context of these two questions, he will discuss the primary 4 factors that give books commercial and monetary value. Finally, strategies and venues for selling books will be offered, as well as when and how to get books professionally appraised.
Sunday, February 13, 12.45 pm
Discovery Day
As in past years, the 44th California International Antiquarian Book Fair will offer a Discovery Day, open to the public, free with paid admission. Exhibitors will offer interested individuals an opportunity to receive free oral appraisals on up to three books.
Sunday, February 13, 1.30 – 3.00 pm
The 44th California International Antiquarian Book Fair
February 11-13, 2011, at the Concourse Exhibition Center
Opening hours
Friday 3 pm - 8 pm
Saturday 11 am - 7 pm
Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
>>> 44th California International Antiquarian Book Fair, February 11-13, 2011