Pasadena: The California Antiquarian Book Fair Returns
- by Bruce E. McKinney
The California International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to Pasadena February 10-12 and many are grateful that the collectible paper field is returning to form. Collectors and institutions and, not to mention dealers themselves, have been getting by joining electronic bookfairs, but were always wistful for their great experiences in person and now everyone is elated. Close to 200 dealers will be exhibiting fresh material.
Beyond Covid, structural changes have been making the field challenging for many years and the ABAA’s decision to prioritize health and safety over business has been the past three years particularly difficult. But, when it has all been said and done, they saved lives and the field, and by all reports, have seen their sales restored to their previous robust levels by relying on online sales.
While the numbers are adding up, because nothing stays the same, ephemera and images have seen their profiles rising. Twenty years ago the field was called rare books for a reason. Today collectible paper is almost a new game and this fair will show this transition.
For those who are committed to the field, how else better can acquirers take the pulse of the field than by slowly, methodically, stopping by each booth to hear about what dealers value. During those discussions, you’ll better understand the underlying logic of the field and they’ll better understand your collecting ambitions. These dealers are the mavens and stand ready to assist.
To prepare, click on the show’s website. Then look for the list of exhibitors and spend some time to plan your visit. You may have thought an hour or two will be enough but think about it this way. Yes there are some California dealers but the majority hail from other states and countries. By coming together here you can find them.
If you are going to do the soup to nuts approach, expect to spend a full day. Dealers are going to want to know you. Collections are endlessly complex and when they understand what logically fits into your ambitions they can immeasurably enhance your efficiency and satisfaction.
Net-net, your show experience will be a success even if you don’t complete an immediate transaction BUT don’t be surprised if you bring home some gems. When you acquire something that matters to it’s very satisfying.
Friday, February 10, 2023 • 3 pm to 8 pm / VIP Ticket $25 Saturday, February 11, 2023 • 11 am to 7 pm / $15 Sunday, February 12, 2023 • 11 am to 4 pm / $10
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