The 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to San Francisco February 9-11, 2024 One of the world’s largest exhibitions of antiquarian books for sale will take place at Pier 27 the Embarcadero on S.F.’s waterfront.
San Francisco, Calif.
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January 09, 2024 09:10 AM Pacific Standard Time
The 56th CA International Antiquarian Book Fair is making its in-person return to San Francisco next month. The fair, sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), takes place February 9-11, 2024, at Pier 27 (cruise ship terminal). Widely recognized as one of the world's largest exhibitions of antiquarian books for sale, more than 100 exhibitors from around the world will present rare books, maps, illustrations, historical documents, and ephemera on a vast array of subjects and genres.
The fair boasts offerings in every conceivable genre including the first-ever catalog on the history of artificial intelligence (AI) from Novato book dealer and ABAA member Jeremy Norman. Part of this timely collection is an extremely rare, first edition pamphlet published in 1832 by Russian statistician and inventor Semyon Korsakov on what is believed to be one of the first machine-learning devices. Korsakov was a pioneer in the concept of “mechanized thought,” or artificial intelligence. The nearly 200-year-old AI print ephemera will be on exhibit and offered at the purchase price of $35,000.
The fair’s specialties encompass art, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, first editions, Americana, philosophy, children’s books and much more. As highlighted in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, rare books and other objects have increasingly captured the attention of young collectors seeking one-of-a-kind offerings at more accessible price points. Book fair prices range from $100 to millions.
This year, the fair welcomes international exhibitors from 9 different countries including the UK, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and The Netherlands.
An impressive number of US exhibitors also highlight the wealth of material available stateside. Exhibitors will present a vast treasure trove of items: rare books, maps, manuscripts, fine bindings, illustrations, historical documents, prints and print ephemera. One of the rare maps up for purchase is Augustus Chevalier's stunning large-scale 1911 map of San Francisco, the premier map of the city following the San Francisco Earthquake and one of the most impressive and beautiful urban plans in the history of American mapmaking. The purchase price is $45,000 from S.F. Bay Area-based ABAA dealer, Neatline Antique Maps.
Another extraordinary find is a piece of LGBTQ+ science fiction history discovered at an estate sale in Oakland, California – the original cover art for Ursula K. Le Guin’s groundbreaking “The Left Hand of Darkness.”
The novel was one of the first examinations of androgyny in science fiction and explored the effect of sex and gender on society. Mark Funke, Novato book dealer and ABAA member, will exhibit the illustration art at the San Francisco fair. The purchase price is $20,000.
“This is one of the most important events in the country for rare book enthusiasts, and we are thrilled to return to San Francisco after enjoying nearly a decade of success in Oakland,” says Julie Roper, Director of the 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair. “Post-pandemic, we are seeing resurgent demand for in-person fairs, where a global community of the top dealers offers the most sought-after collections of books, maps, illustrations, and ephemera. The experience of attending in person is like no other – it’s a real-life treasure hunt.”
The Book Fair takes place from February 9-11, 2024. Tickets may be purchased in advance here or at the door, and a full list of exhibitors can be found here.
MEDIA NOTE: Media preview hours are Friday, February 9, from 4-5p.
Media kit with high-resolution images is available here.
Please contact Liza Batallones at ABAA@landispr.com for b roll.
QUICK FACTS
The 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair will open Friday, Friday, February 9, 2024: Media Preview is 4pm to 5pm; Opening Night 5pm to 8pm (Opening Night is open to the public with the purchase of a Friday ticket and includes complimentary sparkling wine plus a first glimpse and opportunity to purchase.) $25 ticket also includes Saturday & Sunday admission; Saturday, February 10, 2024- Noon to 7pm • $15 ticket includes Sunday admission and Sunday, February 11, 2024 from Noon to 5pm • $10 ticket
Location: Pier 27, The Embarcadero in San Francisco [map]
The three-day event features the collections and rare treasures of booksellers from around the globe, including manuscripts, modern first editions, children’s books, ephemera, maps, and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on a vast array of topics. Prices range from $100 to millions.
The book fair is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees, with more than 120 sellers from 10 different countries.
The book fair returns to San Francisco after a decade of success in Oakland.
The influx of attendees is expected to generate $2.1 million in revenue for San Francisco restaurants and merchants over a 3-day period. Source: SF Travel
The book fair is easily accessible by BART, ferry, or Muni, and offers over 100 free parking spots for attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be food, wine, beer, and liquor available for purchase daily.
The fair is open to the public, and tickets range from $10.00 to $25.00. Available for purchase here.
Admission is free for librarians, curators, and related non-profit cultural institution workers who register in advance, in addition to students with valid current school ID and children 12 years of age and under. Details available here.
ABOUT THE ABAA
The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) was founded in 1949 to promote interest in rare and antiquarian books and book collecting, and to foster collegial relations. We strive to maintain 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.
Contact Details
Landis Communications, Inc.
Liza Batallones
+1 415-766-0846
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