Organized by Mr. Mitsuo Nitta from Yushodo in Tokyo, Mr. Paul Feain from Cornstalk Bookshop in Sydney and Mr. Chris Li from Hong Kong Book Centre in Hong Kong, the Fourth International Antiquarian Bookfair will be held at the Pacific Place Conference Centre from December 3-5, 2010.
With its phenomenal success for the past three years, the Fourth International Antiquarian Bookfair provides an excellent opportunity for book lovers and collectors to browse, explore and discover Eastern and Western antiquarian books. This year, there will be over 40 top antiquarian book dealers around the world (Australia, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United States) attending the exhibition.
The International Antiquarian Bookfair brings visitors one of the world's finest collection of antiquarian and rare books, maps, atlases, prints, photos, posters, autographs, manuscripts, memorabilia and related items pricing from a few hundred to over 33 million Hong Kong dollars.
Highlights from the Bookfair:
1. Das Kapital by Karl Marx, Hamburg, Otto Meissner, 1867 (HK$4,250,000)
This is a rare first edition of the first volume of Das Kapital and the only one to appear in Marx's lifetime, one of 1,000 copies printed. This copy was inscribed in Marx's distinctive hand, on the verso of the title-page "To Professor E. S. Beesly Lond. 18 Sept. 1867. Karl Marx". This is a presentation copy, one of a handful of copies inscribed by Marx just four days after publication, probably upon receipt from the publisher.
2. Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens, First Edition, London: Chapman and Hall, 1839 (HK$1,440,000)
This is a rare first edition presentation copy inscribed to one of Dickens closest personal life-long friends: J. P. Harley. On the front title page, Dickens boldly inscribed: "To J. P. Harley Esquire/ - From his faithfully/ Charles Dickens. Only 4 inscribed copies of Nicholas Nickleby as having been sold in the last 35 years can be traced.
3. A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson, first edition, 1755
Published on 15 April 1755 and written by Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language is among the most influential dictionaries in the history of the English language. This first edition of the dictionary contained a 42,773 word list. An important innovation of Johnson's was to illustrate the meanings of his words by literary quotation, of which there are around 114,000. The authors most frequently cited by Johnson include Shakespeare, Milton and Dryden.
4. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, first edition, London: Chapman and Hall, 1861 (HK$160,000)
This is a finely bound first edition of one of Charles Dickens' greatest books. In three volumes as issued and bounded in full leather, this is a rare find.
5. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, first edition by Jonathan Cape 1953 (HK$300,000)
Casino Royale is the first James Bond novel and this is the hardcover edition by publishers Jonathan Cape first released in 1953. This is considered to be a very fine copy of the first edition in dustwrapper.
6. Confucius, 1687 (HK$280,000), see attached photo
This is the first edition of the first Western translation of Confucius published in 1687. The three volumes are bound into one large volume and it is bound in 17th Century and is a very good copy of a rare book.
Many more rare treasures will be found in the Bookfair, stay tuned!!
Details of the International Antiquarian Bookfair:
Date: December 3-5, 2010 (Friday - Sunday)
Venue: Pacific Place Conference Centre, Level 5, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
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Issued by: The International Antiquarian Bookfair
Through: SAGE Communications Co. Ltd.
For enquiries, please contact:
SAGE Communications Co., Ltd.
Maria Lai/ Virginia Wong/Anitta Lee
Tel: 852-2801 5311
Fax: 852-2801 7110
Email:mlai@sagecom.com.hk/vwong@sagecom.com.hk/alee@sagecom.com.hk