Antiquarian Book Fair: a feast for bibliophiles

The Montreal Antiquarian Book Fair has become a Concordia affair. The 23rd annual edition takes place Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in the LB atrium.

Organizer Adrian King-Edwards, told the Journal, “This is our 11th year in the atrium. It is a spectacular space, and access through the loading dock is very smooth.”

The fair is now Canada’s largest and most important regional book fair. King-Edwards said the booksellers are keen to show their appreciation to the university.

“We are offering Concordia students admission to the fair for $1, and we are giving the food bank a $500 cheque. We are open to any other ideas of ways we can give back to the community.”

The fair, mounted by the Quebec Association of Anti-quarian Book Dealers (Confrérie de la Librairie Ancienne du Québec), now attracts internationally recognized dealers.

There will be about 10,000 collectible books at this year’s fair, ranging from $25 to $25,000. They will be primarily in English and French, but there will also be books in other languages.

“This year there will be art books, books on antiques, books on books, Canadiana, children’s books, cookbooks, literature, military history, Montreal history, books on music, natural history, oriental carpets, history of medicine, signed first editions, illustrated books, fine bindings and maps.

“High points include a Bible in Latin from 1593, Alexander Mackenzie’s Voyages from Montreal, 1801, several documents signed by Queen Victoria, a first edition of James Joyce’s Ulysses, published in London, an early edition of Darwin’s Voyage of the Beagle, 1860, a signed first edition of George Bernard Shaw’s The Intelligent Women’s Guide to Socialism and Capitalism, as well as (my favourite) a signed limited first edition of A House at Pooh Corner.”

Go to news.concordia.ca for details on hours and admission.