The first major book fair of 2023 takes place February 10-12 as more than 120 exhibitors unite at the Pasadena Convention Center 55th California International Archaeological Book Fair. It is widely recognized as one of the largest and most prominent exhibitions of antique books for sale in the world Book Fair It features fascinating and rare materials from around the world, including manuscripts, first editions, children’s books, ephemera, maps, autographs, and more. tickets Available now.
In addition to the items for sale, this year’s fair includes a diverse mix of private collection exhibitions including:
● Helen Brown: bibliophile and champion of West Coast cuisine – This exhibit honors Helen Brown, inventor of “California Kitchen” and writer of the magazine’s first-ever column devoted solely to the ingredients, techniques, and philosophy that came to be known as California cuisine. An avid food book collector with her husband, their collection has grown to 15,000 volumes over the course of 27 years. Highlights of the exhibition include Brown’s etchings and correspondence with fellow noted food writer M.F.K. Fisher; copies of the California Journal featuring Brown’s column; The books given to Helen Brown were engraved by James Beard, Elizabeth David, and Alice B. Toklas and other food celebrities.
● Game progress: Sherlock Holmes collection – Ned Gaymon’s collection of mystery and detective novels at Occidental College is one of the world’s largest in this genre; The exhibition will focus on the holdings of the Sherlock Holmes Collection, with first edition books, magazines and wonderful rare items.
● What is harp literature? – This exhibition will attempt to answer that question by showcasing 170 years of books and ephemera dealing with the diminutive machine from its little-known Madeira roots to its present status as an international institution.
phenomenon. The ukulele has a long history of not being taken seriously: it’s small, toy-like, high-pitched, and has always been full of comedic potential. As a simple Cleveland merchant once remarked: “The unity of the harp seems to be one of the pillars on which our modern civilization is built.” However, he has caught the attention of a surprising number of famous authors including Rudyard Kipling, Jack London, Sinclair Lewis, PJ Woodhouse, Agatha Christie, and Thomas Pynchon, among others.
● Pushing the envelope: Southern California bookmakers Asking the question “What are books?” Curated by noted book industry expert and artist Katie Marryat, this exhibition showcases books by women of Southern California.
Letterpress printers, calligraphers and folders.
● California Young Book Collector’s Award Details of the competition winners and their groups will be announced soon.
“Whether you’re a music lover, food connoisseur, or mystery enthusiast – seasoned collector or novice – we guarantee our fair will have something for everyone,” said Carol Sandberg, Vice President, Book Fair. “We are excited to bring enthusiasts together again to not only display items one might see in a private collections museum or library but also to have the opportunity to
Browse, touch, and maybe even go home with rare collectibles. “
Featuring booksellers from around the world incl Antique Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and the International Antique Booksellers Association (ILAB), the book fair displays volumes from six centuries of printing, as well as original pre-Gutenberg manuscripts. Historical books, maps, and documents cover every field imaginable–from the history of travel and exploration to early science and medicine to classic literature, first editions, autographs, children’s books, and illustrations. Prices range from a few dollars to just six figures.
The Book Fair takes place at the Pasadena Convention Center at 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, California. Ticket prices are as follows:
● Friday, February 10, 2023 (3pm-8pm) – $25 VIP tickets
● Saturday, February 11, 2023 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) – $15
● Sunday, February 12, 2023 (11am-4pm) – $10
VIP tickets provide re-admission for the duration of the exhibition. Saturday tickets provide readmission on Sunday. Free admission is available to students with a valid student ID and to children 12 years of age or younger. In addition, free admission is available to librarians, curators, and staff of related non-profit cultural institutions who register in advance (here) with a valid email address for the institution (such as email@institution.edu or email@institution.org).
For more information visit abaa.org/cabookfair.