The following is a guest post from Denise Lamott. I love history, and I love books, so what's not to like about old books?
The 52nd California International Antiquarian Book Fair, recognized as one of the world's largest and most prestigious exhibitions of antiquarian books, returns to Northern California, Friday, February 8 through Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Oakland Marriott City Center.
Sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and featuring the collections and rare treasures of nearly 200 booksellers from dealers from around the world, the three-day Book Fair offers a rich selection of manuscripts, early American and European literature, modern first editions, children's books, maps and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on history, science, law, architecture, cooking, wine and a wide range of other topics.
This year's Book Fair will include a special exhibit by the Book Club of California, an active association of over 800 major California collectors with interests in rare books and manuscripts of all types. Founded in 1912, the Club's library is dedicated to collecting and sharing works of California fine printers; resources on book making, book design, and book history; and books of historical significance. One side of this bi-faceted exhibit will display a selection of materials by California women printers and book artists, with a spotlight on Jane Grabhorn's test prints for the illustrations of the Grabhorn Press' Shakespeare plays. Also on display will be some of the Club's oldest and most sought-after publications.
Joel Harris, a local member of the International Wizard of Oz Club, will be loaning a portion of his collection for a curated exhibit of first edition books by L. Frank Baum and the subsequent authors of the "Wizard of Oz" series. The theme of a Saturday lecture jointly sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America and the Bibliographical Society of America will be Cyclone on the Prairies: The Magic of the Land of Oz.
Other highlights of the Book Fair include an interactive and entertaining exhibition that showcases local artists and organizations specializing in book arts. Calligraphers, bookbinders and a small press operator will once again be creating unique souvenirs for attendees to take home.
The Book Fair is the perfect introduction for those new to the world of rare books. Sunday, February 10, will present a variety of seminars and discussions. During Book Collecting 101, visitors can learn to create a strategy for collecting books, as well as how to spot a "first edition," judge a book's condition, and learn bookish terms and jargon. Presented by ABAA president Vic Zoschak, Jr., Tavistock Bookshop. During What's This Book Worth, Zoschak will discuss the primary factors that give books commercial and monetary value, as well as strategies for appraising and selling books. Discovery Day is the public's chance to discover if those old books gathering dust are worth something. The public will receive free, expert oral appraisals on up to three books. Appraisals are limited to a first come, first served basis – within the scheduled times.
Designed with the budding collector in mind, "Book Fair Finds" is a program in which dealers spotlight items priced at $100 or less. Visitors can look for the Book Fair Finds sign in participating booths.
For the full schedule, visit cabookfair.com and plan your visit today!
February 8th 3 - 8 | February 9th 11 - 7 | February 10th 11 - 5
Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA.
Tickets are available online or at the door. Friday admission tickets are $25; Saturday and Sunday tickets are $15 and all tickets allow return admission for the remainder of the fair. For more information about tickets or exhibiting, visit cabookfair.com.
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