February 2013 | Rebecca Rego Barry

A Preview of the California Book Fair, Part II

Booksellers and book collectors are either in or flocking to California this week. And what treasures await? Last week, in Part I of this post, we featured some books from Simon Beattie, John Howell, Schubertiade Books & Music, and Eureka Books. Today we're taking a look at a few more CA International Antiquarian Book Fair offerings.

Sokol-Nuremberg.jpgHow's this for a highlight? London's Sokol Books will show a Nuremberg Chronicle. Yes, you read that right. Schedel's Liber Chronicarum, 1493, in its original Koberger pigskin, richly blind stamped over boards. Not only that, but this copy has been extensively annotated by Sebastian von Seyboldsdorff, a Bavarian knight who accompanied Breydenbach on his great pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The price is £87,500 ($138,000).

Reisler.jpgBookseller Jo Ann Reisler of Vienna, Virgina, is bringing this affable Dr. Seuss drawing. The 5" x 9" pen, ink, and watercolor has a personal connection, too. Seuss gave it to his longtime cook and housekeeper, Alberta Fouts. Color paintings from Seuss are scarce, and this one is so sweet. The price is $25,000.

Croft1.jpgIn his booth in San Francisco, UK bookseller Justin Croft will have many unique items. One is an extraordinary manuscript book of ink and watercolor drawings (seen here) done by one James Landon of England, 1790-91. The images depict comic figures--Dancing Dolly, Simon Swig Bottle--as well as flowers, natural curiosities, and a British Man-o'-War. The drawings are contained within a contemporary wallet-style leather binding. The price is $7,400. Croft's full fair list is here: http://www.justincroft.com/catalogues/Justin_Croft_Cali2013AWweb.pdf