65th New York International Antiquarian Book Fair Enjoys Record Year

The ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) has returned to the Park Avenue Armory for its 65th edition in New York City to set various new records.
 
More than 1,900 visitors were on hand for the Opening Preview evening to enjoy offerings from 183 exhibitors from around the world. Organizers reported a 17% increase in attendance compared to 2024, making the 65th edition of the NYIABF the most successful in its history, both in terms of sales and visitor turnout.


There was also a notable rise in younger dealers, collectors and attendees, along with guests from a broad range of disciplines, including interior designers, musicians, chefs, museum directors and more, underscoring the fair’s wide-reaching cultural appeal.

In celebration of its 65th edition, NYIABF introduced its Ambassador Program, welcoming a diverse group of collectors, influencers, and industry leaders from across various fields, including rare books, ephemera, jewelry and watches, and design. Ambassadors for 2025 include Alex Assouline, Isabella Boylston, Meredith Graves, Levi Higgs, Connor Holloway, Sarah Hoover, Karah Preiss, Emma Roberts and Jesse Paris Smith.


The NYIABF cited major sales from various dealers during opening night. Imperial Fine Books reported a few sales with visits from many clients, while Michael Brenner of Brenner’s Collectable Books said it was “the best opening I’ve ever had in both sales and crowd.” Liber Antiquus noted excellent sales, as did Ben Kinmont Rare Books. James Goldwasser also noted a few sales and Biblioctopus reported $100,000 worth of sales. Peter Harrington Rare Books sold Logrono: Miguel de Aguia, 1529, by Marco Polo to an out-of-town buyer. Honey and Wax Books sold an early 19th century transparent celestial atlas, designed to show the constellations through the punched stars when the lithographic plates are held up to the light.