Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair Will Celebrate Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America 75th Anniversary
The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair (BIABF) returns for its 46th iteration later this year and will welcome international dealers of fine and rare books, maps, illustrations, and ephemera to its prestigious three-day event.
In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), a series of special events and programs will be presented in Boston.
More than 100 rare book dealers from Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, the UK, and 19 U.S. states will exhibit at the at the Hynes Convention Center in Downtown Boston, November 8-10.
“We are thrilled to be capping off a year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the ABAA in Boston,” said Julie Roper, CEO of Capricorn Event Management, LLC, who has managed the Boston Book Fair since 2015. “This milestone year marks a significant evolution of the organization, characterized by a shift in the diversity of its membership and the material it promotes. Notably in Boston, there has been an increase in women ABAA dealers and a younger, more diverse audience at the Fair, reflecting an ongoing and longtime commitment to fostering growth.”
In recent years, the BIABF has increasingly aimed to capture the attention of novice and young collectors seeking one-of-a-kind offerings at more accessible price points. For those wanting to start a collection without breaking the bank, there will be dealers offering “Discovery” items priced at $100 and under.
“In 2024, we reflect on our 75 year history and the transformative changes that have shaped the antiquarian book trade,” said ABAA Executive Director Susan Benne. “Founded in the aftermath of World War II, the ABAA emerged as a beacon of international cooperation among booksellers, with its formation mirroring a broader collaborative spirit in the world. We continue to adapt and innovate, embrace new forms of material, and expand our reach to serve an evolving community of collectors and enthusiasts. With a rich history and forward-looking approach, we remain at the forefront of the trade, poised to shape its future for generations to come.”
The Boston Book Fair is sanctioned by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).
