Rare Book Hub - Rare Books, Book Auctions, Antiquarian Book Collecting

49th California International Antiquarian Book Fair February 12-14

- by Bruce E. McKinney

Over the weekend of February 12-14 more than 200 ABAA and ILAB dealers will converge on Pasadena for the 49^th ABAA California Book Fair. In even numbered years the fair takes place in Southern California; in odd numbered years it takes place in the Bay Area. Recently the Pasadena Convention Center became the fair’s new home and exhibitors since have been praising their experience. The ample well-lit space, easy parking, plentiful hotel rooms and restaurants make the trip very pleasant.

To encourage “newbies” select exhibitors will provide interesting but less expensive material priced at $100.- or less and identify such material as such. The field thrives on serious collectors and also recognizes that such shows are good opportunities to introduce the emerging next generation of collectors to the trade, the buyers of hundred dollar books today that may someday buy the greatest treasures known. It’s a challenge and the incubation can be long but as Mao said, every “journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The fair takes this admonition seriously. As the fair is also very large wear comfortable shoes.

At ABAA fairs there are often many events to broaden the book buying / book selling experience. In Pasadena this year the 3 day schedule is packed.

Special Exhibits

Book Fair Finds

The show organizers are excited to announce the addition of a new feature to the California Book Fair: the "Book Fair Finds" program. This optional program is intended to encourage younger attendees and beginning collectors by offering a selection of more affordable books. Participating dealers will exhibit a selection of items priced at $100 or less in one part of their booth, which will be designated by a small sign to make them easy to spot. Exhibitor participation will also be indicated by a symbol in the Fair Directory. Then post your #bookfairfinds on social media!

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, February 13

1:00 pm - Talk: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: How One Small Girl Changed the World. An Illustrated Talk by Chris Loker, presented by the BSA.

On February 13th the Bibliographical Society of America will host Chris Loker as she talks about the landmark book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, celebrated for the past 150 years as an iconic achievement in literature for both children and adults. Chris will complement her talk with numerous photographs showing how Alice, one of the most enduring characters of our time, has indelibly marked children's literature, illustration and popular culture.

Chris Loker is an author of children's books and books about children's literature, including One Hundred Books Famous in Children's Literature. She can be reached at her antiquarian bookshop:

Children's Book Gallery
49 Geary Street, Suite 233
San Francisco. CA 94108. USA
Tel: (415) 986-5826
Fax: (415) 986-5827
Web: www.childrensbookgallery.net

3:00 pm - Panel: A discussion on collecting Alice in Wonderland.
Participants to be confirmed, moderated by Patt Morrison

Sunday, February 14

12:00 pm - Seminar: Rare Books 101
Presented by Katy Carter, Brad Johnson and Carol Sandberg.

Noted rare booksellers will provide a speed course on the essentials you need to know to start collecting. This seminar will provide the following overview on getting started in rare book collecting:

What makes a book rare?

The different areas of collecting

Internet as a research tool for shopping

How to care for your books

1:30 - 3:00 pm: Seminar: Discovery Day
Discovery Day is open to the public, free with paid admission. Exhibitors will offer interested individuals an opportunity to receive free appraisals

Get ready for 'A Wonderland of Books'

We are delighted to announce the special exhibit for the 49th California International Antiquarian Book Fair celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first official publication of Lewis Carroll's timeless children's classic, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Thanks to the support of the University of Southern California Doheny Memorial Library Department of Special Collections, rare and unique items from the Cassady Lewis Carroll Collection are being showcased during the book fair. The Cassady collection includes more than 3,000 rare books, manuscripts and objects created by or about beloved children's literature author, mathematician and writer Charles Dodgson, better known by his pen name, Lewis Carroll. Donated by USC alum Dr. George Cassady, the impressive collection includes first editions, works in translation, artist books, illustrated editions of the 'Alice' books by famous artists like Salvador Dali, Barry Moser & Ralph Steadman, stage and film adaptations, Victorian-era playing cards, pop-up books, letters and manuscripts, critical and reference works on Lewis Carroll, and more.

We are currently planning a schedule of engaging seminars for the public around the enduring appeal of Alice in Wonderland. Keep checking back for more updates to the schedule of events!

Book Arts
We are working with local "book art" artists and organizations to create an interactive, informative, and entertaining area at the Fair. Local libraries and universities will be exhibiting one-of-a-kind works from their collections.

Calligraphers, bookbinders and a small press operator will once again be creating unique souvenirs for attendees to take home. Fun for all ages!

List of participants as of 11/10/2016:
American Printing History Association - Southern California Chapter
The Book Club of California
Guild of Book Workers - CA
Society for Calligraphy
UCLA Rare Book School

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