Want to see a souvenir score card from the 1915 World Series between the Red Sox and the Phillies? How about first editions by Lewis Carroll, Stephen King, Jonathan Swift, Sylvia Plath, or Toni Morrison? A signed photograph of Harry Houdini? A book printed from wood blocks in 1250? An illustrated Japanese edition of Don Quixote? Not only will all of this and much more be on exhibit, it is all for sale.
This weekend, October 28 to 30, is the 40th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Hynes Convention Center. This is one of the three major book fairs held in the country (New 
York and California being the others) and is hosted by the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America. One hundred and twenty dealers from around the world will be exhibiting books, manuscripts, maps, prints, and ephemera for sale. In addition there will be an exhibition on the Boston Music Scene 1976-2016, a Typewriter Rodeo where poets will write custom poems on vintage typewriters, a talk by Paul Lewis on Edgar Allen Poe, and a round-table discussion of librarians talking about what they collect (hosted by the Ticknor Society).
And while you are there, visit the American Antiquarian Society booth on Cultural Row (Booth #626). Throughout the weekend various curators and staff will be at the booth promoting the society and answering any questions you have about our collections and activities. AAS President Ellen Dunlap will be there Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Stop by for a visit and pick up one of our commemorative chocolate coins.
The fair is open:
Friday, Oct. 28, 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 29, 12–7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 30, 12-5 p.m.
Admission is $20 on Friday. Because it is their 40th fair, ABAA is giving free admission on Saturday and Sunday.
