47th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair
The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair celebrates its 47th year at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay, November 7-9, 2025. This annual fall event features top international rare book dealers offering the most sought-after collections of fine and rare books, maps, illustrations, and ephemera available on the global market.
Sanctioned by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers,
the fair’s specialties encompass art, design, music, science, medicine, literature, history, gastronomy, fashion, philosophy, and more. For more information, visit www.abaa.org/bostonbookfair or call (617) 938-8879.
More than 100 booksellers from Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Serbia, and 22 U.S. states will exhibit a treasure trove for seasoned bibliophiles and first-time attendees, with prices ranging from the millions to the eminently affordable. Whether immaculately preserved or with the patina of age, each item tells its own story. Booksellers hold a wealth of knowledge, both artistically and historically, about items in their collections. A complete list of exhibitors can be found at https://www.abaa.org/bostonbookfair/exhibitor-list. (Image courtesy of Imperial Fine Books).
Whether browsing or buying, the Fair will offer something for every taste and budget — books on art, science, fashion, politics, travel, cooking, sport, natural history, first editions, Americana, music, children’s books, and more — appealing to a range of collectors and casual browsers. From the historic and academic to the religious and spiritual, from the exotic to everyday — the Fair represents every conceivable genre and subject and attendees will have the chance to view and buy rare and historic museum-quality items, offered by some of the most prestigious members of the trade. The event features fine and rare printed materials from around the world, including illuminated manuscripts, modern first editions, ephemera, photographs, maps, and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on a vast array of topics.
“Rare book collecting is taking on new life among younger audiences, drawing everyone from rare book collectors to new audiences intrigued by the power of the printed word and image,” says Julie Roper, CEO of Capricorn Event Management, who has managed the Fair since 2015. “Younger collectors are redefining the concept of collecting and rare books as a whole. What once catered largely to scholarly circles has grown into a full-fledged cultural showcase, elevating itself well beyond a bibliophile’s paradise—this is an event where literary collectibles, academic, and high-end art sensibilities converge.”
For those wanting to start a collection within a budget, there will be dealers offering “Discovery” items priced at $100 or less. Remarkable finds remind us that at the Boston Book Fair, serendipity is half the thrill.
A weekend of special programs will kick off with an Opening Night celebration on Friday, November 7, from 4 to 8pm, and featuring in-person talks all weekend. For a complete list, visit www.abaa.org/bostonbookfair/speakers-and-programming.
Hours are Friday, November 7, (opening night), from 4pm to 8pm. Tickets: $25, available online or at the box office; Saturday, November 8, 12pm to 7pm (free admission; Sunday, November November 9, 11am to 4pm (free admission)
The Hynes Convention Center (Hall A) is located at 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02115 and the event is sponsored by the New England Chapter of the ABAA.
