After 8 years in business, it appears Choosebooks will soon disappear.
Why did AbeBooks choose to purchase ZVAB? We asked whether this was a strategic decision by AbeBooks, or merely the result of Mediantis wishing to get out of the business, as Choosebooks previous ownership had wished/needed half a dozen years ago. Mr. Davies responded that AbeBooks had led the acquisition because they believe that ZVAB, with its own "wealth of experience" in selling used, rare and antiquarian books on the internet, will complement its business.
As to the impact of the combination, Mr. Davies stated, "We are convinced that this acquisition will benefit both buyers and sellers. ZVAB.com has been very successful working with booksellers in German-speaking markets and, like AbeBooks, is committed to providing exceptional service. Both AbeBooks and ZVAB.com will benefit from sharing knowledge and experience in helping booksellers and book-buyers."
Oh, one more thing. Just what does ZVAB stand for anyway? The answer is a mouthful: Zentrales Verzeichnis Antiquarischer Bücher. No wonder they went by the initials. That translates to Central Index of Antiquarian Books. Not, perhaps, the sexiest name in either language, but then again Abe was once known as "Advanced Book Exchange." "Abe" and "ZVAB" are a little easier to remember.
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary pair of books from George Washington’s field library, marking the conjunction of Robert Rogers, George Washington, and Henry Knox. $1,200,000 to $1,800,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: An extraordinary letter marking the conjunction of George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Benjamin Franklin. $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: Virginia House of Delegates. The genesis of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. $350,000 to $500,000.
Sotheby’s Fine Manuscript and Printed Americana 27 January 2026
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: (Gettysburg). “Genl. Doubleday has taken charge of the battle”: Autograph witness to the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, illustrated by fourteen maps and plans. $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: President Lincoln thanks a schoolboy on behalf of "all the children of the nation for his efforts to ensure "that this war shall be successful, and the Union be maintained and perpetuated." $200,000 to $300,000.
Sotheby’s, Jan. 27: [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.
![<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.](https://ae-files.s3.amazonaws.com/AdvertisementPhotos/9d2762bc-9f26-47ef-96de-1c28070e19f6.png "<b>Sotheby’s, Jan. 27:</b> [World War II]. An archive of maps and files documenting the allied campaign in Europe, from the early stages of planning for D-Day and Operation Overlord, to Germany’s surrender. $200,000 to $300,000.")