The History of the Antiquarian Book Trade in Belgium A New Book by Piet J. Buijnsters
Nowhere in Europe you will find so many bibliophiles than in Belgium, and you will find no other place in Europe where all those stunning collections of rare books and manuscripts have more or less been kept in secret. Until now!
Piet J. Buijnster’s recently published book “Geschiedenis van antiquariaat en bibliofilie in België“ provides an overall view of the rare book trade in Belgium from the year 1830 up to 2012. After Buijnster’s studies on the history of bibliophily and antiquarian bookselling in the Netherlands, published in the years 2007 and 2010, this important work fills a gap in the research of the history of the book and the book trade in Europe. Part one of the “Geschiedenis” describes the origins and the development of bibliophily in general, while the latter part contains interviews with dealers and collectors who open their libraries to the readers and give a deep personal insight into the – exclusive – world of book collecting in Belgium.
Piet J. Buijnsters (1933) is Professor of 18th century literature at Radboud University in Nijmegen (Netherlands) and a well-known specialist in literature, bibliophily and the history of the antiquarian book trade. His new “Geschiedenis van antiquariaat en bibliofilie in België“ is both a groundbreaking study and a fascinating read for all book lovers.
For sure: The bibliophile world needs an English translation of this brilliant book, and, furthermore, many of such groundbreaking studies that explore book collecting in all countries, whether in Europe or elsewhere.
Piet J. Buijnsters: Geschiedenis van antiquariaat en bibliofilie in België (1830-2012). Nijmegen, Vantilt 2013. 432 pp. With illustrations. 16 x 24 cm. Hardcover. (29,95 € until June 2013, afterwards: 34,95 €)
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Piet J. Buijnsters: Geschiedenis van het nederlandse antiquariaat. Nijmegen, Vantilt 2007. 478 pp. With illustrations. 16 x 24 cm. Hardcover. (45 €)
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Piet J. Buijnsters: Geschiedenis van den nederlandse bibliofilie. Boek- en prentverzamelaars 1750-2010. Uitgave bij gelegenheid van het 75-jarig jubileum van de Nederlandsche Vereeniging van Antiquaren 1935-2010. Nijmegen, Vantilt, 2010. 511 pp. With illustrations. Hardcover. (45 €)
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