For lovers of literature and those with a passion for the past, the 55th California International Antiquarian Book Fair is an event not to be missed.
Over the course of three days, from Feb. 10 to 12, the Pasadena Convention Center will be transformed into a bibliophile’s paradise as 120 exhibitors gather to showcase their rare and exceptional collections. From first editions to manuscripts, maps, children’s books, and more, attendees will have the chance to see, touch, and even take home a piece of history.
As Greg Krisilas, chair of the California International Antiquarian Book Fair, puts it, “This is an opportunity to view items typically found only in museums and special collections libraries, and the chance to own a piece of rare collectibles.
An exhibition titled “Helen Evans Brown: Bibliophile and Champion of West Coast Cuisine” pays homage to the Pasadena native, regarded as the inventor of “California Cuisine.”
“Brown was the writer of the first-ever magazine column solely dedicated to the ingredients, techniques, and philosophy that have come to be known as California Cuisine,” Krisilas said.
The world’s most popular detective also features in the Antiquarian Book Fair.
“The Sherlock Holmes exhibition on view features first editions from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock canon of 56 short stories and four novels, including “A Study in Scarlet,” published in 1887,” Krisilas said about the Sherlock Holmes exhibition.
For those looking for a unique experience, the James Bond film memorabilia collection is the most comprehensive ever assembled. This collection includes the first draft of the script from the first Bond film, 1962’s Dr. No, starring Sean Connery and the final version of the screenplay from Daniel Craig’s second appearance as 007 in Spectre, released in 2014. All of this for a price of $450,000, Krisilas said.
Speaking about Pasadena as a location for the Antiquarian Book Fair, Krisilas said the city’s history and culture combined with its easy accessibility make it a great choice.
“Pasadena is a great location because it’s a dynamic city with history and culture and easily accessible to the greater Los Angeles area. The fair is only a short distance away from the Huntington Library, the largest rare book library on the West Coast and one of our cultural sponsors. There is also plenty of fine dining within walking distance of the venue.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase unique and out of print books from highly knowledgeable dealers and specialists. The rare and collectible books being offered come from all over the world.
“More than 120 exhibitors will be participating, including international booksellers from Argentina, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, England, Germany, and the Netherlands.”
The second day of the fair will feature a special panel discussion entitled, “California Collects” on important materials collected by notable Californians.
Moderated by journalist Patt Morrison, the talk will cover the materials and significance of collections highlighted in the Fair’s special exhibits from Occidental College, Women Book Artists, and the winner of the California Young Book Collector’s Prize. Panelists include Kitty Maryatt (Two Hands Press), Whitney Milam (Young Book Collector’s Prize Winner), Helena de Remos (Occidental College), Randall Tarpey-Schwed (Collector), and James Tranquada (Occidental College).
The fair is sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America, a professional organization of antiquarian book dealers in the United States.
“This is the largest, most prestigious fair of the year held in California, West of New York,” Krisilas said.
Whether attendees are looking for a specific item or just browsing for something interesting, the 55th California International Antiquarian Book Fair is sure to be a book lover’s paradise.
For tickets, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/california-international-antiquarian-book-fair-tickets-362349987567
