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Articles - March - 2025 Issue

The New York ABAA Book Fair April 3-6: the official announcement

- by Announcement, Rare Book Hub staff

You won't be alone!

You won't be alone!

If its April, it’s time to plan to be In New York for the ABAA Book Fair April 3-6

 

The ABAA New York Antiquarian Book Fair Celebrates 65 Years of Literary Treasures – April 3-6, 2025

NEW YORK CITY (January 2025): The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) - officially sanctioned by Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and produced and managed by Sanford L. Smith + Associates - is set to return to the iconic Park Avenue Armory in New York City from April 3-6, 2025, celebrating its 65th Edition.

The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) stands as one of New York’s cultural cornerstones, returning to the city as a must-see event of the Spring season. Known as the world’s premier antiquarian book fair, this year’s edition will showcase more than 200 exhibitors from across the globe and cementing its status as an internationally renowned event. With its unique blend of history, literature and art, the fair attracts a diverse mix of collectors, from seasoned bibliophiles and literary icons to new enthusiasts and young collectors eager to discover rare and accessible treasures. Prices for items at the fair range from modest finds starting at $50 to multimillion-dollar rarities.

The 65th edition of the NYIABF will offer an impressive range of collectibles across various disciplines, including art, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, first editions, Americana, philosophy, children’s books and much more. Whether you’re drawn to reli- gious texts, historical manuscripts, groundbreaking scientific works, or rare illustrated editions, the fair’s selection spans every conceivable subject and genre, representing the full breadth of human knowledge and culture.

In celebration of its 65th edition, NYIABF is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Ambassador Program, welcoming a diverse group of passionate collectors, influencers, and industry lead- ers from across various fields, including rare books, ephemera, jewelry and watches, design, and more. This exclusive program invites individuals who are committed to celebrating the rich world of antiquarian books and collectibles to help promote and elevate the fair’s legacy. Ambassadors will play an essential role in spreading the word about the fair, helping to engage new audiences and raise awareness among collectors, curators, and enthusiasts alike. Members will be officially announced closer to the fair,

The fair will proudly host exhibitors from 14 countries, including Argentina, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States. This diverse global presence underscores the fair’s reputation as a truly international event. U.S. exhibitors highlight the incredible range of rare material avail- able domestically.

Bringing together a dynamic mix of participants, this year's fair features both new and returning dealers bringing fresh perspectives and exciting selections. New participants, as well as those re- turning after a hiatus, include notable names such as Nick Aretakis - Americana, Auger Down Books, Back in Time Rare Books, Division Leap, Librairie Pierre Coumans, De Simone Com- pany, Dungeness Books, Nudelman Rare Books, Pingel Rare Books, Langdon Manor Books, Seth Kaller, Hyraxia Books, Champion Christophe Gilles Georges, and Fugitive Materials.

Exhibitors

In its 65th edition, the NYIABF continues to uphold the distinguished tradition of showcasing exceptional material from both American and international antiquarian booksellers. This year, the fair features 106 U.S. booksellers alongside strong global participation, with exhibitors coming from the United Kingdom (35), France (17), Italy (4), Germany (5), Netherlands (6), Austria (3), Denmark (2), Spain (1), Switzerland (1), Argentina (1), Hungary (1), Belgium (1), and Japan (1). The lineup also includes booksellers from one country making their debut at the fair, further enriching the diversity and international appeal of the event.

A full list of exhibitors may be found here: https://www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com/dealers

 

Location

Park Avenue Armory
643 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065 www.armoryonpark.org

Preview: $75 (Includes one daily re-admis- sion)
Single-Day Admission: $32
Students: $10 (with valid ID - at the door only)

Run of Show: $65

 

ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com
Facebook @nybookfair | Instagram @nybookfair | Twitter @nybookfair
Tag us on social media: #NYIABF25 #NYIABF
Produced by Sanford L. Smith + Associates | www.sanfordsmith.com | (212) 777-5218

Media Contacts

Andrey & Melissa, LLC [email protected]

About Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA)

The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America was founded in 1949 to promote interest in rare and antiquarian books and book collecting, and to foster collegial relations. We strive to main- tain the highest standards in the trade. All members agree to abide by the ABAA's Code of Ethics. While our members sell, buy, and appraise books and printed matter, our staff can assist you with finding a bookseller and with other trade-related matters.

About International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB)

Established in 1949, the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) is a global net- work of 22 national antiquarian booksellers' associations, representing over 1600 affiliated rare booksellers based in 37 countries worldwide. ILAB affiliated businesses share a worldwide reputation for high quality, knowledge, expertise, and experience and adhere to ILAB's Code of Usages and Customs. All exhibitors at an ILAB-sanctioned fair are affiliated to the League. ILAB strives to uphold and improve professional standards in the trade, to promote honorable conduct in busi- ness, and to contribute in various ways to a broader appreciation of the history and art of the book. ILAB, whose official languages are English and French, is a registered Company Limited by Guarantee in the United Kingdom.

About Sanford L. Smith + Associates

For over 40 years, SLSA has been producing world-class fine and decorative art fairs and book fairs. SLSA's current portfolio includes renowned events such as Salon Art + Design, ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, The ADAA Art Show, ESA Ephemera Fair, and more. In 2024, after the retirement and passing of its founder, Sanford L. Smith, SLSA’s leadership mantle was passed to partners, Jennifer Stark (President & CEO), Nicky Dessources (Vice President & Executive Director of Salon), and Jill Bokor (Chairwoman Emeritus), who will see the company and brands it represents into the future. They look forward to continuing Sanford Smith’s legacy and taking the company into new and exciting territory in the coming years.

Rare Book Monthly

  • Sotheby’s
    Shelf Life: Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper from the Library of Stanley J. Seeger and Christopher Cone
    25 June – July 7
    Sotheby’s, July 7: Ludwig van Beethoven. Autograph sketches for the overture "Die Weihe des Hauses", op.124, [1822], UNPUBLISHED. £150,000 to £200,000.
    Sotheby’s, July 7: Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice, 1813, first edition, 3 volumes, contemporary half calf. £50,000 to £70,000.
    Sotheby’s, July 7: Walt Whitman. Leaves of Grass, Brooklyn, 1855, first edition, first issue, original green cloth, the Doheny copy. £50,000 to £70,000.
    Sotheby’s, July 7: Binding—Sangorski & Sutcliffe—Omar Khayyam. Rubaiyat, London, 1872, third edition, in a magnificent jewelled Peacock binding. £15,000 to £20,000.
    Sotheby’s, July 7: George Eliot. Middlemarch, Edinburgh and London, 1871, first edition in the original parts. £20,000 to £30,000.
  • Forum Auctions
    The Private Library:
    Fine Printing & Private Press books, the collection of the late David Chambers
    July 9, 2026
    Forum, July 9: Hassall (Joan) A large collection of over 300 original woodblocks of engravings for various books, v.d., with Hassall's engraver's glass water-globe (Qty) - Est. £10,000-15,000
    Forum, July 9: Eragny Press.- [Bradley (Katherine Harris) & Edith Emma Cooper], "Michael Field." Whym Chow, Flame of Love, one of only 27 copies, inscribed by Bradley, the rarest book from the press, 1914. - Est. £3,000-4,000
    Forum, July 9: [Moore (Thomas Sturge)] [Wood Engravings], 71 wood-engravings printed by David Chambers from the original blocks, the only set on Japanese Hosho paper, from an edition of 5 sets, [1970]. - Est. £3,000-4,000
    Forum Auctions
    The Private Library:
    Fine Printing & Private Press books, the collection of the late David Chambers
    July 9, 2026
    Forum, July 9: La Fontaine (Jean de) Contes et Nouvelles en vers, 2 vol., engraved plates after Eisen, fine early 19th century blue morocco, gilt, by Bradel l'ainé, Amsterdam [Paris], 1762. - Est. £2,000-3,000
    Forum, July 9: Erotica.- Prostitution.- Pretty Women of Paris (The); Their Names and Addresses, Qualities and Faults..., [Paris], privately printed at the Press of the Prefecture de Police, 1883. - Est. £3,000-4,000
    Forum, July 9: Vale Press.- Ricketts (Charles) & Lucien Pissarro. De la Typographie et de l'Harmonie de la Page Imprimée…, [one of 216 copies], bound in dark blue morocco tooled in gilt, by Sarah T.Prideaux, 1898. - Est. £1,000-1,500
    Forum Auctions
    The Private Library:
    Fine Printing & Private Press books, the collection of the late David Chambers
    July 9, 2026
    Forum, July 9: Martin (John) Illustrations of the Bible, complete set of 20 mezzotints, good impressions, rarely found in early states, [c.1831-1835]. - Est. £1,000-1,500
    Forum, July 9: Golden Cockerel Press.- Four Gospels of the Lord Jesus Christ (The), one of 500 copies, Mary Gill's copy, Waltham St. Lawrence, 1931 with a signed proof of engraving on japon numbered 10/10 (2) - Est. £5,000-7,000
    Forum, July 9: Boccaccio (Giovanni) The Decameron, 3 vol., vol.1 extra-illustrated by John Buckland Wright with c.150 erotic original drawings in pen & ink and pencil, 1886 [extra-illustrated c.1940]. - Est. £10,000-15,000
    Forum Auctions
    The Private Library:
    Fine Printing & Private Press books, the collection of the late David Chambers
    July 9, 2026
    Forum, July 9: Cox (Morris) Collection of Gogmagog Press Books, 35 vol., rare complete collection of printed books issued by the press, limited editions, most signed by Cox, 1957-83. - Est. £10,000-15,000
    Forum, July 9: Wynkyn de Worde.- [Terentius Afer (Publius)] [Comedie...], [Paris, Josse Badius: sold in London by Wynkyn de Worde, & others], [15 July 1504]. - Est. £4,000-6,000
    Forum, July 9: Mosley (James) Ornamented Types. Twenty-Three Alphabets from the Foundry of Louis John Pouchée, 2 vol., one of 10 copies for presentation, from an edition of 210, 1992-93. - Est. £1,000-2,000
  • Freeman’s, June 30. Thomas Jefferson’s “Birth of the New Nation” letter, carried to Paris with the Treaty of Peace, by a Jewish patriot. $100,000-200,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. “The rockets’ red glare.” A British midshipman’s log recording the bombardment of Fort McHenry. $60,000-80,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. The Critical Promotion of a Naval Hero, Oliver Hazard Perry Commission signed by James Madison, 1812. $40,000-60,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Born in the USA: First Day of Printing in the United States, July 4, 1776. $15,000-25,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. One of the Earliest Printed Announcements of American Independence, in the Exceedingly Rare Original Wrappers, 1776. $10,000-15,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. "The Two Big Guns of the N.Y. Yanks": A Striking Type 1 Press Photograph of Lou Gehrig's Hands. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. A Unique Contemporary Manuscript Account of Joseph Smith's Final Words to His Followers, the Day Before his Violent Death. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. The State of Minnesota Officially Certifies the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution Of the United States. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Extraordinarily Large Manuscript Petition Signed by a Who's Who of Colonial New York to Queen Anne from the Colony of New York. $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Mickey Mantle's First Cover: The Earliest Front-Page Newspaper Image of Mickey Mantle, "Something Good from Joplin". $8,000-12,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. A Call to Arms in the Months Following the Declaration of Independence: An Early Continental Army Recruitment Poster. $6,000-9,000.
    Freeman’s, June 30. Samuel Jones, the Statesman Behind the Newly Discovered "Jones Declaration": His Annotated Set Used in His Working Law Library. $6,000-9,000.

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