Actualités 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 very good tool for supporting young, interested people who we absolutely need for the continued existence of our profession. One of my very young employees regularly writes articles in our own magazine, which unfortunately has recently only been published online.
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, built by Adolf Loos and closed for a longer perioud, 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. Also 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: