The Annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair Set for Nov. 14-16
- by Michael Stillman
The annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to the Hynes Convention Center on November 14-16 this year. This ABAA sponsored show is likely the biggest such attraction on the east coast other than the spring fair the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America puts on in New York. The fair brings in not just sellers from New England and the Northeast, but all across the country and around the world. We note this year a dealer coming all the way from Moscow to display. It will be much easier for most Americans to meet these experts in Boston than traveling to their hometowns.
The fair hours are:
Friday Nov. 14: 5:00-9:00 pm.
Saturday Nov. 15: 12:00-7:00 pm.
Sunday Nov. 16: 12:00-5:00 pm.
You may purchase tickets for the entire run, including the Friday evening preview, or just for Saturday or Sunday for half the price. Tickets can be purchased on the fair's website (see link at the end of this article).
The main attraction, naturally enough, is the booksellers' displays, and the opportunity to meet and discuss your interests with some of the greatest experts in the field. However, the fair always provides additional events and programs for attendees who want to get more deeply into the resources available. Here are some events on tap for this year's fair.
Michael Volmer, Chief Curator of the Fruitlands Museum, this year celebrating its 100th anniversary, describes material in the transcendentalist manuscript collection. Saturday 12:30.
The Ticknor Society hosts a roundtable discussion on ephemera. Saturday 2:00.
A panel discussion on starting a collection is on the schedule. If you are considering beginning a collection, you should come to the fair for this. Additionally, “Discovery” exhibitors are ready to help you learn more about collecting and show more affordable logical items for those just starting out. Saturday 3:30.
Free expert appraisals will be provided for books, maps, and ephemera. Bring yours along to see if they're valuable. Sunday 1:00-3:00.
Peter Drummey of the Massachusetts Historical Society presents material related to Benjamin Franklin's early career in the newspaper field in Boston before he moved to Philadelphia.
To learn more about the Boston Book Fair, and purchase your tickets, click here now.
