Rare Book Monthly

Articles - February - 2025 Issue

Tropic Bound, the International Biennial Artists' Book Fair, Will Take Place in Miami February 6-9

There are the books arts, books as art, art books, artist's books... Those two words have long had a love affair. Their intersection will be found in Miami from February 6-9. That's when Tropic Bound: International Biennial Artists' Book Fair will take place. Over 90 exhibitors from 12 countries will be there displaying those hybrid works that can go by either name. You won't hang them on a wall like a painting, or buy a paperback or electronic copy to place in your e-reader like a book. What you can do is marvel at their beauty and creativity.

 

This is the second edition of this unique fair following its initial appearance in 2023. Exhibitors include artists, collectives, universities, publishers, fine art presses, book dealers, and more. In addition to the display hall, there will be artist talks, a symposium, welcome party, and shuttle tours. This is the place to learn about this unique form of art, or type of book, take your pick. Admission to the display hall is free while there is a charge for special events. Residents of northern climes now have a second reason to visit Miami in February. Fair organizers recommend bringing sunscreen or a hat and sunglasses for time spent outside. Miami is the land of endless summer.

 

We now turn this page over to the fair organizers who can better explain what will be going on at the fair:

 

The Miami Design District will once again host the highly anticipated Tropic Bound: International Biennial Artists' Book Fair from February 6-9, 2025. Taking place in two stunning rooftop venues within the District — Paradise Plaza and Palm Court Plaza — Tropic Bound celebrates the intricate world of artists' books, showcasing unique, handmade creations that bridge the gap between fine art, craft, and literature.

 

Now in its second edition, Tropic Bound continues to grow its international influence and reputation, bringing together 90+ exhibitors from 12 countries and over 725 artist works.

 

One of the key highlights this year is the Addendum section at Palm Court Plaza, which will focus on the intersection of independent publishers, art books and visual culture. This dynamic addition brings a fresh perspective, celebrating publications and photo art books from leading international print-based exhibitors.

 

Stephanie Stillo, Chief of Rare Book and Special Collections at the U.S. Library of Congress, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Tropic Bound Symposium.

 

Tropic Bound 2025 at a Glance:

 

90+ International Exhibitors from 12 countries

725+ Artists’ Works on display

Addendum section highlighting independent publishers and photo art books

Keynote Speaker: Stephanie Stillo, U.S. Library of Congress

4 Artists in Panel Discussions + 7 Artists/Publishers in Conversation

Over 20 Artist Talks and Symposiums

Fair Dates: February 6-9, 2025

Venues: Paradise Plaza & Palm Court, Miami Design District

This year, Tropic Bound will also offer a rich program of shuttle tours, artist talks, and a symposium, including a Welcome Party on Thursday, February 6, to connect artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.

 

The fair is open to the public, with prices for items ranging from under $100 to over $10,000.

 

You can find more details on the exhibition and arrangements for attending on the Tropic Bound website.

 

Rare Book Monthly

  • Sotheby's Fine Books & Manuscripts
    Available for Immediate Purchase
    Sotheby’s: Balthus, Emily Brontë. Wuthering Heights, New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1993. 6,600 USD.
    Sotheby’s: Charles Dickens. Complete Works, Philadelphia & London: J.B. Lippincott Company & Chapman & Hall, LD, 1850. Limited Edition set of 30 volumes. 7,500 USD.
    Sotheby’s: John Lennon, Yoko Ono. Handwritten Letter from John Lennon and Yoko Ono to their Chauffer. 1971. 32,500 USD.
    Sotheby’s: Winston Churchill. First edition of War Speeches, Cassell and Company, Ltd., 1941. Set of 7 volumes. 5,500 USD.
    Sotheby’s: Andy Warhol, Julia Warhola. Holy Cats First Edition, Signed by Andy Warhol. 1954. 30,000 USD.
  • Forum Auctions
    Online: India
    Ends 19th February 2026
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 40
    Ramasvami (Kavali Venkata). A Digest of the Different Castes of India, 83 charming hand-coloured lithographed plates, Madras, 1837. £5,000-7,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 50
    Watson (John Forbes) & John William Kaye. The People of India: A Series of Photographic Illustrations...of the Races and Tribes of Hindustan, 8 vol., 480 mounted albumen prints, 1868-75. £4,000-6,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 53
    Afghanistan.- Elphinstone (Hon. Mountstuart). An Account of the Kingdom of Caubul, first edition, hand-coloured aquatint plates, a fine copy, 1815. £2,000-3,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 57
    [Album and Treatise on Hinduism], manuscript treatise on Hinduism in French, 31 watercolours of Hindu deities, Pondicherry, 1865. £3,000-4,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 62 Allan (Capt. Alexander). Views in the Mysore Country, [1794]. £2,000-3,000
    Forum Auctions
    Online: India
    Ends 19th February 2026
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 76
    Bird (James). Historical Researches on the Origin and Principles of the Bauddha and Jaina Religions..., first edition, lithographed plates, Bombay, American Mission Press, 1847. £3,000-4,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 100
    Ceylon.- Daniell (Samuel). A Picturesque Illustration of the scenery, animals, and native inhabitants, of the Island of Ceylon: in twelve plates, 1808. £5,000-7,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 123
    D'Oyly (Charles). Behar Amateur Lithographic Scrap Book, lithographed throughout with title and 55 plates mounted on 43 paper leaves, [Patna], [1828]. £3,000-5,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 139
    Gandhi (known as Mahatma Gandhi,) Fine Autograph Letter signed to Jawaharlal Nehru, Sevagram, Wardha, 1942, emphasising the importance of education in rural communities. £10,000-15,000
    Forum Auctions
    Online: India
    Ends 19th February 2026
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 140
    Gantz (John). Indian Microcosm, first edition, Madras, John Gantz & Son, 1827. £10,000-15,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 146
    Grierson (Sir George Abraham). Linguistic Survey of India, 11 vol. in 20, folding maps, original cloth, Calcutta, Superintendent Government Printing, 1903-28. £2,000-3,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 195
    Madras.- Fort St. George Gazette (The), No.276-331, pp.493-936 and Index to all of 1834 at end, modern half calf, Madras, 2nd July - 31st December 1834. £2,000-3,000
    Forum, Feb. 19: Lot 205
    Marshall (Sir John) and Alfred Foucher. The Monuments of Sanchi, 3 vol., first edition, 141 plates, most photogravure, [Calcutta], [1940]. £3,000-4,000
  • Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: HAMILTON, Sir William (1730-1803) - Campi Phlegraei. Napoli: [Pietro Fabris], 1776, 1779. € 30.000 - 50.000
    Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: [MORTIER] - BLAEU, Joannes (1596-1673) - Het Nieuw Stede Boek van Italie. Amsterdam: Pieter Mortier, 1704-1705. € 15.000 - 25.000
    Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: TULLIO D'ALBISOLA (1899-1971) - Bruno MUNARI (1907-1998) - L'Anguria lirica (lungo poema passionale). Roma e Savona: Edizioni Futuriste di Poesia, senza data [ma 1933?]. € 20.000 - 30.000
    Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: IL MANOSCRITTO RITROVATO DI IPPOLITA MARIA SFORZA. TITO LIVIO - Ab Urbe Condita. Prima Decade. Manoscritto miniato su pergamena, metà XV secolo. € 280.000 - 350.000

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