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

  • Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: ALDROVANDI, Ulisse (1522-1605) - [Opera omnia]. Bologna: Bellagamba, Benacci, Bonomi, Tebaldini, Ferroni, 1599-1668. €22.000-€28.000
    Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: [CANALETTO] - VISENTINI, Antonio (1688-1782) da Giovanni Antonio CANAL (1697-1768, detto 'Il Canaletto') - Urbis Venetiarum prospectus celebriores. Venezia: Giovanni Battista Pasquale, 1742-51. €7.000-€10.000
    Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: LA FONTAINE, Jean de (1621-1695) - Fables Choisies. Parigi: Claude Barbin, 1668. €7.000-€10.000
    Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: MERCATOR, Rumold (1545-1599) - [I continenti] - Europa; Africa; America Sive India Nova; Asia. Amsterdam: S.d. [ca. 1633]. €2.000-€3.000
  • Sotheby's
    Sell Your Fine Books & Manuscripts
    Sotheby’s: The Shem Tov Bible, 1312 | A Masterpiece from the Golden Age of Spain. Sold: 6,960,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: Ten Commandments Tablet, 300-800 CE | One of humanity's earliest and most enduring moral codes. Sold: 5,040,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: William Blake | Songs of Innocence and of Experience. Sold: 4,320,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: The Declaration of Independence | The Holt printing, the only copy in private hands. Sold: 3,360,000 USD
    Sotheby's
    Sell Your Fine Books & Manuscripts
    Sotheby’s: Thomas Taylor | The original cover art for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Sold: 1,920,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: Machiavelli | Il Principe, a previously unrecorded copy of the book where modern political thought began. Sold: 576,000 GBP
    Sotheby’s: Leonardo da Vinci | Trattato della pittura, ca. 1639, a very fine pre-publication manuscript. Sold: 381,000 GBP
    Sotheby’s: Henri Matisse | Jazz, Paris 1947, the complete portfolio. Sold: 312,000 EUR
  • Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 746. Speed's Dual Atlas of Britain & the World with 96 Maps (1676). Est. $70,000 - $85,000
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 9. Visscher's Superb Double-Hemisphere World Map with Representations of the Elements (1658). Est. $4,750 - $6,000
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 58. One of the Most Important 16th Century Maps of the New World (1554). Est. $5,000 - $6,000
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 745. A Complete Example of Ortelius' Atlas of Ancient Geography (1624). Est. $12,000 - $15,000
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 73. First English Map to Show California as an Island (1625). Est. $16,000 - $19,000
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 156. Bachmann's Dramatic View of the Mid-Atlantic Region (1861). Est. $1,800 - $2,200
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 741. Early Announcement of Continental Congress' Declaration of Independence (1776). Est. $9,000 - $11,000
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 695. The First Printed Map Devoted to the Pacific (1589). Est. $8,000 - $9,500
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 733. Superb Image of the Presentation of Jesus in Hand Color (1502). Est. $700 - $850
    Old World Auctions (Feb 12):
    Lot 52. Produced by the Psychological Warfare Branch to Encourage Surrender (1945). Est. $200 - $230

Article Search

Archived Articles

Ask Questions