If you collect paper, plan to be in the Big Apple
As of February 25th, 182 rare book and collectible paper dealers are signed up to participate at the upcoming New York Book Fair. It’s the most important book fair year after year worldwide. What does that mean and why does it matter? Where and when?
The New York International Book Fair
Park Avenue Armory
643 Park Avenue
New York, N. Y.
There are tens of thousands of bookdealers worldwide. A few have shops, while most post their stock on line. A very rare few follow the worldwide collectible paper show circuit, exhibiting in places like Hong Kong, at Pasadena or San Francisco on the American west coast, in New York, London, Paris and on and on. The dealers exhibiting in New York are the prestige folks. They handle superb copies, speak in many languages, and live and breathe old, rare and collectible paper. Their top people, even their owners, can be found in deep discussion with the field’s cognoscenti during the New York show. Think of it as a Vatican enclave. The Bishops are there. This is why, if you’re serious, you go.
Of course rare books are far more than Gutenberg Bibles. These days the patrician and plebian are found in the same rows in the New York show. Rare photography are remarkable objects to be found, so too are important letters. All kinds of ephemera is emerging. And there are many specialists in categories. For that you’ll need to click on the show program. If you are a poet at heart, son of a gun, you can plan to meet dealers who have the same affliction. Look ‘em up.
Walk up to them offering, -
“Oh, for a nook and a storybook. With tales both new and old. For a jolly good book whereon to look. Is better to me than gold.”— Old English Song.
Or
There is no Frigate like a Book
By Emily Dickinson
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry.
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll;
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul!
You find smiles and kindred spirits.
And be aware, about half these dealers started as collectors, just like you. If you feel that you might want to get serious, New York is the serious place.
Here are links to the show’s web site. https://www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com/
Here is another to view who is exhibiting. https://www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com/exhibitors
Open Hours and Tickets https://www.nyantiquarianbookfair.com/visitor-info