62nd Annual New York International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Park Avenue Armory
- by Bruce E. McKinney
Hoping for the best!
The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America’s (ABAA) New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF), is to be presented April 21-24, 2022 by Sanford L. Smith + Associates.
At this juncture more than 200 exhibitors have signed up to present examples of the greatest rare books, maps, manuscripts, incunabula, fine bindings, illustrations, historical documents, prints and print ephemera. Think of this show as visiting a museum that includes exhibits with prices.
As to what you’ll likely find, the fair’s participating dealers’ specialties encompass art, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, first editions, Americana, philosophy, children’s books and much more. From the historic and academic, the religious and spiritual—to the bedrock of secular culture, finance, and politics—the fair boasts offerings in almost every conceivable genre and subject. More or less, it is a show of high points given that costs of exhibiting are substantial.
Nevertheless, the ABAA has also long emphasized inexpensive material be included to appeal to new collectors. Experience has long shown that if, when young and bite the forbidden fruit, such collectors often become lifers, even in some cases to become ABAA dealers themselves in the decades ahead. They explain it this way, one of a kind offerings at entry-level price-points but what they really are The forbidden fruit and it’s fun. When there, take a bite.
For those interested, whether they are looking for museum quality material or entry-level bites, this fair is also providing a link to join their mailing list. After which, you’ll learn about the show’s plans as they are announced. It’s a way to understand how the upper echelon of dealers worldwide do their business.
If interested, click this link to their website: mailing list
As well, the ABAA will be providing an associated Electronic Book Fair. During the pandemic, such fairs saved book dealers worldwide. How such EBFs will fit into the post-pandemic world is yet to be understood.
This book fair is officially sanctioned by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers.
As a side note, for serious collectors it’s always a good idea to visit the first day as the best material tends to sell quickly.
High Bids Win Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines and Machine Manuals December 24 to January 9
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Ellis Smith Prints unsigned. 20” by 16”.
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: United typothetae of America presidents. Pictures of 37 UTA presidents 46th annual convention United typothetae of America Cincinnati 1932.
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec signed Paper Impressionism Art Prints. MayMilton 9 1/2” by 13” Reine de Joie 9 1/2” by 13”.
High Bids Win Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines and Machine Manuals December 24 to January 9
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Aberle’ Ballet editions. 108th triumph, American season spring and summer 1944.
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Puss ‘n Boots. 1994 Charles Perrult All four are signed by Andreas Deja
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Specimen book of type faces. Job composition department, Philadelphia gazette publishing company .
High Bids Win Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines and Machine Manuals December 24 to January 9
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: An exhibit of printed books, Bridwell library.
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur Court By Mark Twain 1889.
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: 1963 Philadelphia Eagles official program.
High Bids Win Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines and Machine Manuals December 24 to January 9
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: 8 - Esquire the magazine for men 1954.
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: The American printer, July 1910.
High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Leaves of grass 1855 by Walt Whitman.
Sotheby's Fine Books, Manuscripts & More Available for Immediate Purchase
Sotheby’s: William Shakespeare. The Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare, 1960. 7,210 USD
Sotheby’s: Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol, First Edition, 1843. 17,500 USD
Sotheby’s: William Golding. Lord of the Flies, First Edition, 1954. 5,400 USD
Sotheby's Fine Books, Manuscripts & More Available for Immediate Purchase
Sotheby’s: Lewis Carroll. Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, Inscribed First Edition, 1872. 25,000 USD
Sotheby’s: J.R.R. Tolkien. The Hobbit, First Edition, 1937. 12,000 USD
Sotheby’s: John Milton. Paradise Lost, 1759. 5,400 USD