Rare Book Monthly

Articles - March - 2025 Issue

The New York ABAA Book Fair April 3-6: the official announcement

You won't be alone!

You won't be alone!

If its April, it’s time to plan to be In New York for the ABAA Book Fair April 3-6

 

The ABAA New York Antiquarian Book Fair Celebrates 65 Years of Literary Treasures – April 3-6, 2025

NEW YORK CITY (January 2025): The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) - officially sanctioned by Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and produced and managed by Sanford L. Smith + Associates - is set to return to the iconic Park Avenue Armory in New York City from April 3-6, 2025, celebrating its 65th Edition.

The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) stands as one of New York’s cultural cornerstones, returning to the city as a must-see event of the Spring season. Known as the world’s premier antiquarian book fair, this year’s edition will showcase more than 200 exhibitors from across the globe and cementing its status as an internationally renowned event. With its unique blend of history, literature and art, the fair attracts a diverse mix of collectors, from seasoned bibliophiles and literary icons to new enthusiasts and young collectors eager to discover rare and accessible treasures. Prices for items at the fair range from modest finds starting at $50 to multimillion-dollar rarities.

The 65th edition of the NYIABF will offer an impressive range of collectibles across various disciplines, including art, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, first editions, Americana, philosophy, children’s books and much more. Whether you’re drawn to reli- gious texts, historical manuscripts, groundbreaking scientific works, or rare illustrated editions, the fair’s selection spans every conceivable subject and genre, representing the full breadth of human knowledge and culture.

In celebration of its 65th edition, NYIABF is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Ambassador Program, welcoming a diverse group of passionate collectors, influencers, and industry lead- ers from across various fields, including rare books, ephemera, jewelry and watches, design, and more. This exclusive program invites individuals who are committed to celebrating the rich world of antiquarian books and collectibles to help promote and elevate the fair’s legacy. Ambassadors will play an essential role in spreading the word about the fair, helping to engage new audiences and raise awareness among collectors, curators, and enthusiasts alike. Members will be officially announced closer to the fair,

The fair will proudly host exhibitors from 14 countries, including Argentina, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States. This diverse global presence underscores the fair’s reputation as a truly international event. U.S. exhibitors highlight the incredible range of rare material avail- able domestically.

Bringing together a dynamic mix of participants, this year's fair features both new and returning dealers bringing fresh perspectives and exciting selections. New participants, as well as those re- turning after a hiatus, include notable names such as Nick Aretakis - Americana, Auger Down Books, Back in Time Rare Books, Division Leap, Librairie Pierre Coumans, De Simone Com- pany, Dungeness Books, Nudelman Rare Books, Pingel Rare Books, Langdon Manor Books, Seth Kaller, Hyraxia Books, Champion Christophe Gilles Georges, and Fugitive Materials.

Exhibitors

In its 65th edition, the NYIABF continues to uphold the distinguished tradition of showcasing exceptional material from both American and international antiquarian booksellers. This year, the fair features 106 U.S. booksellers alongside strong global participation, with exhibitors coming from the United Kingdom (35), France (17), Italy (4), Germany (5), Netherlands (6), Austria (3), Denmark (2), Spain (1), Switzerland (1), Argentina (1), Hungary (1), Belgium (1), and Japan (1). The lineup also includes booksellers from one country making their debut at the fair, further enriching the diversity and international appeal of the event.

A full list of exhibitors may be found here: https://www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com/dealers

 

Location

Park Avenue Armory
643 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065 www.armoryonpark.org

Preview: $75 (Includes one daily re-admis- sion)
Single-Day Admission: $32
Students: $10 (with valid ID - at the door only)

Run of Show: $65

 

ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com
Facebook @nybookfair | Instagram @nybookfair | Twitter @nybookfair
Tag us on social media: #NYIABF25 #NYIABF
Produced by Sanford L. Smith + Associates | www.sanfordsmith.com | (212) 777-5218

Media Contacts

Andrey & Melissa, LLC nybookfair@andreyandmelissa.com

About Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA)

The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America was founded in 1949 to promote interest in rare and antiquarian books and book collecting, and to foster collegial relations. We strive to main- tain the highest standards in the trade. All members agree to abide by the ABAA's Code of Ethics. While our members sell, buy, and appraise books and printed matter, our staff can assist you with finding a bookseller and with other trade-related matters.

About International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB)

Established in 1949, the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) is a global net- work of 22 national antiquarian booksellers' associations, representing over 1600 affiliated rare booksellers based in 37 countries worldwide. ILAB affiliated businesses share a worldwide reputation for high quality, knowledge, expertise, and experience and adhere to ILAB's Code of Usages and Customs. All exhibitors at an ILAB-sanctioned fair are affiliated to the League. ILAB strives to uphold and improve professional standards in the trade, to promote honorable conduct in busi- ness, and to contribute in various ways to a broader appreciation of the history and art of the book. ILAB, whose official languages are English and French, is a registered Company Limited by Guarantee in the United Kingdom.

About Sanford L. Smith + Associates

For over 40 years, SLSA has been producing world-class fine and decorative art fairs and book fairs. SLSA's current portfolio includes renowned events such as Salon Art + Design, ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, The ADAA Art Show, ESA Ephemera Fair, and more. In 2024, after the retirement and passing of its founder, Sanford L. Smith, SLSA’s leadership mantle was passed to partners, Jennifer Stark (President & CEO), Nicky Dessources (Vice President & Executive Director of Salon), and Jill Bokor (Chairwoman Emeritus), who will see the company and brands it represents into the future. They look forward to continuing Sanford Smith’s legacy and taking the company into new and exciting territory in the coming years.

Rare Book Monthly

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    Sotheby’s: Henri Matisse | Jazz, Paris 1947, the complete portfolio. Sold: 312,000 EUR
  • Fonsie Mealy’s
    Rare Books & Collectors’ Sale
    April 30th & May 1st
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Taylor (Geo.) & Skinner (A.) Maps of the Roads of Ireland, Surveyed 1777. Lond. & Dublin 1778. €500 to €750.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Messingham (Thos.) Florilegium Insulae Sanctorum seu Vitae et Acta Sanctorum Hibernia, Paris 1624. €350 to €500.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Heaney (Seamus). The Haw Lantern, L. (Faber & Faber) 1987, First Edn., Signed and dated. €225 to €350.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Valencey (Lt. Col. Chas.) Collectanea de Rebus Hibernicis, Vols. I-IV, 4 vols. Dublin 1786. €400 to €600.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Powerscourt (Viscount). A Description and History of Powerscourt, Lond. 1903. €350 to €500.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Moryson (Fynes). An Itinerary ... Containing His Ten Yeeres Travel Through the Twelve Dominions of Germany, Bohermerland, Sweitzerland…, Lond. (John Beale) 1617. €700 to €1,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: After Buffon, Birds of Europe, c. 1820. Approx. 120 fine hd. cold. plts., mor. backed boards. €125 to €250.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Dunlevy (Andrew). An Teagasg Criosduidhe De Reir Ceasda agus Freagartha... The Catechism or Christian Doctrine by Way of Question and Answer, Paris (James Guerin) 1742. €400 to €700.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: The Georgian Society Records of Eighteen-Century Domestic Architecture in Dublin, 5 vols. Complete, Dublin 1909-1913. €500 to €750.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: Scale (Bernard). An Hibernian Atlas or General Description of the Kingdom of Ireland, L. (Robert Sayer & John Bennet) 1776. €625 to €850.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Apr 30-May 1: [Johnson (Rev. Samuel)]. Julian the Apostate Being a Short Account of his Life, together with a Comparison of Popery and Paganism,L. (Langley Curtis) 1682. €300 to €400.
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    Bonhams, Apr. 21-29: FIRST EDITION OF ANDERSEN'S FAIRY TALES IN ENGLISH. Wonderful Stories for Children. London, 1846.
    Bonhams, Apr. 21-29: ANDERSEN ON MEETING CHARLES DICKENS. Autograph Letter Signed ("H.C. Andersen") in English to William Jerdan, July 20, 1847.
    Bonhams, Apr. 21-29: PRESENTATION COPY FOR EDGAR COLLIN. Nye Eventyr og Historier. Anden Raekke. 1861.
    Bonhams, Apr. 21-29: DOLL HOUSE FURNITURE BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON, DECORATED WITH FANTASTICAL CUT-OUTS, for the children of Jonna Stampe (née Drewsen), his godchildren.
    Bonhams, Apr. 21-29: PRESENTATION COPY FOR GEORG BRANDES. Dryaden. Et Eventyr fra Udstillingstiden i Paris 1867. 1868.

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