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Blog posts by Jen Johnson

Jen Johnson is an ABAA Member and an owner of johnson rare books & archives in Covina, CA.



The Image of Suffrage

By Jen Johnson

In commemoration of the centennial of the 19th Amendment, the 53rd California International Antiquarian Book Fair, February 7-9, 2020 in Pasadena, will feature a special exhibit and panel discussions on the women's suffrage movement. This celebration will highlight the contributions of successive generations of women, from protofeminists like Mary Wollstonecraft, to the abolitionists and the temperance movement, through pioneering crusaders Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the suffragettes who eventually won the vote, as well as those activists who have continued the fight for equal rights in the 21st century. Among these women is the California artist whose iconic artwork adorns the book fair's poster. Bertha Margaret Boye (1883–1931) was born in Oakland, the daughter of German immigrants. Her father was a cabinet maker... [more The Image of Suffrage]

Nearly a century ago, women in the United States earned the right to vote. The road to universal suffrage was long and filled with many obstacles and more than a few setbacks, but through the resiliency and perseverance of the women who championed the cause of equal rights, this milestone was achieved. In celebration of the centennial anniversary, the 53rd California International Antiquarian Book Fair (February 7-9, 2020) is counting down the days to the book fair with profiles of 100 pioneering women who made #herstory and forever changed the world. Along with this social media celebration, the book fair will be hosting a special exhibit and panel discussions. Learn more at www.cabookfair.com... “The process for narrowing down the women being profiled to just 100 was arduous, but we feel they are representative of the many women who a... [more California Book Fair Celebrates 100 Pioneering Women]

Imagine walking through the California International Antiquarian Book Fair with some of the foremost experts in a collecting field, listening as they discuss the significance of items offered for sale. Now, this will be possible when you join one of the free virtual tours happening live during the California Virtual Book Fair, March 4-6. Tours will center around three subjects: Californiana, Cookery, and materials documenting LGBTQ+ history. All you will need is an Internet connection to follow along. During each of the tours, our experts will comment live while sharing their computer screens and scrolling instead of strolling through the book fair. Once they've had a chance to share a few of their favorite things, they will answer your questions. Tour participants are also invited to comment in chat as the tour moves through the fair. Th... [more California Book Fair Virtual Tours]

2018 marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The novel remains a staple on high school reading lists, while Hollywood versions of this timeless tale have made Frankenstein an icon of modern culture. To mark this literary milestone, the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America is hosting a special exhibit and panel discussion about the enduring legacy of Frankenstein during the 51st California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to view a true first edition of Frankenstein alongside reinterpretations of the work, which will be on loan from Occidental College and the University of California, Riverside. In anticipation of this event, here are a few things about the novel you might not know: Frankenstein is the name of the scientist, not ... [more Five Things You Might Not Know About Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein]


Alice at 150

By Jen Johnson

Alice is 150 years old, so of course, she deserves to be celebrated all over the world. Among the fetes is a special exhibit at the 49th California International Antiquarian Book Fair in Pasadena, CA (February 12-14, 2016). Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is arguably one of the most-influential children's books. It certainly has inspired a diverse group of writers, artists, filmmakers, collectors, and the like. Among those collectors are Dr. George Cassady and his wife Linda, who donated and endow The G. Edward Cassady, M.D., and Margaret Elizabeth Cassady, R.N., Lewis Carroll Collection at the University of Southern California. Named for his parents, the collection includes more than 3,000 rare books, manuscripts and objects created by or about beloved children's author, mathematician, and writer Charles Dodgson (1832-98... [more Alice at 150]