Book Fairs | November 18, 2011

California Antiquarian Book Fair 2012

PASADENA, Calif. -- From February 10 - 12, 2012, Southern California will become the rare book capital of the world as thousands of book lovers, U.S. and international dealers and scholars converge for the 45th California International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Pasadena Convention Center.  Recognized as one of the world's largest and most prestigious exhibitions of antiquarian books, the Book Fair gives visitors the opportunity to see, learn about and purchase the finest in rare and valuable books, manuscripts, autographs, graphics, prints, maps, photographs and more.

Featuring the collections and rare treasures of more than 200 booksellers from the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), the Book Fair will feature volumes from five centuries of printing, as well as original manuscripts that predate Gutenberg.  Books will cover every imaginable area of interest -- from the history of travel and exploration, early science and medicine to classic literature, modern first editions, children's and illustrated books, and the arts. Items range in price from a few dollars to more than six figures.

"It's impossible to walk through the aisles of the Book Fair without being wowed by the visual beauty and cultural significance of the volumes on display," said Michael R. Thompson, Book Fair Chair of the Southern California Chapter of the ABAA, which organizes the event.  "First time visitors are amazed that they can browse, touch and even go home with items that they imagine could only be found in a museum or special collections library."

The Book Fair will feature a special exhibit entitled "A Love Affair with Books: Personal Stories of Noted Collectors."  This colorful, wide-ranging exhibit examines the avid pursuits of rare book collectors past and present-- from legendary library builders to Southern California book lovers like actress Sarah Michelle Gellar. The Book Fair also includes seminars on the basics of collecting as well as various themed topics.  Sunday, February 12 is Discovery Day, which gives attendees the opportunity to present up to three items to experts for free examination.
 
Book Fair hours are Friday, February 10 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center, located at 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA.    Tickets on Friday, February 10 are $25 and provide three-day admission.  Proceeds from Friday tickets will benefit the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Tickets purchased on Saturday or Sunday are $15 and include return entry throughout the remainder of the Book Fair.

For more information, visit www.labookfair.com or call 800-454-6401. Connect with the Book Fair at http://twitter.com/labookfair or http://www.facebook.com/LABookFair.

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