The 39th annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair takes place in Boston, MA from November 13 to 15.
The leaves are falling, Maine is experiencing its first snowfall, and the world series is upon us; It must be nearly time for the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair. 2015 marks the 39th annual antiquarian book fair in Boston, MA, and more than 120 dealers from around the world will rendevous at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay over the November 13-15 weekend.
Special Events
Special events at this year’s Boston Book Fair include a talk by Peter Sokolowski, editor-at-large for Merriam-Webster, about the 19th century dictionary wars; a behind-the-scenes look at Antiques Roadshow with the show’s executive producer Marsha Bemko; the annual Ticknor Society Roundtable, a panel discussion of books collectors talking about their collections; and, the Boston debut of the Typewriter Rodeo, a group of poets who create custom poems on vintage typewriters -- you’ll have to see it to believe it!
Featured Items
One of the oldest and most respected antiquarian book shows in the country, the Boston Book Fair is an event that offers the ‘crème de la crème’ of items that are available on the international literary market. This year’s featured items includes rare and first editions of works by Erasmus, Ezra Pound, Winston Churchill, Aimé Césaire, Philip Levine, and J. M Barrie; an inscribed first-edition of Clement Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas; signed letters from Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock; and a unique version of the 18th century French classic Fables of the Fontaine that might just be the longest book ever brought to the Fair!
Discovery Track: For New Collectors
Dealers will come prepared for collectors of all levels of experience, from veteran to brand new. A selection of “Discovery” items priced at or below $100 will be provided to help beginning collectors kickstart their collections. Also, an expert panel will present a discussion about book collection and the challenges inherent in starting a new collection on Saturday. Finally, on Sunday attendees are invited to bring a book or two in for a free appraisal. Perhaps some exquisite rare books or other items will be discovered? The Boston Book Fair is a great opportunity to get advice from experts and perhaps expand your collection.
Opening Hours & Tickets
Friday, November 13 5:00-9:00pm Tickets: $20.00 - Opening Night
(tickets valid throughout the weekend)
Saturday, November 14 12:00-7:00pm Tickets: $10.00
Sunday, November 15 12:00-5:00pm Tickets: $10.00; free with a valid student I.D.
The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Boston Public Library and the American Antiquarian Society.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bostonbookfair.com.
(Next week, we will begin profiling some of the featured items ABAA dealers will be bringing to the fair.)