The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair will return to the Hynes Convention Center in downtown Boston from October 27th to the 29th, 2023. Celebrating its 45th year, this three-day event will feature fine and rare printed materials from around the world, including illuminated manuscripts, modern first editions, children’s books, ephemera, photographs, maps and autographs, together with antiquarian books on a vast array of topics.

More than 100 rare book dealers from Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, the UK, and the US will exhibit an alluring treasure trove for seasoned bibliomaniacs and first-time attendees. Prices range from the millions to the eminently affordable. Each item on view, whether immaculately preserved or intriguingly weathered, tells its own story. The booksellers hold a seemingly bottomless wealth of knowledge, both artistically and historically, about the items in their collections.  

“This is one of the most important annual events in the country for rare book enthusiasts,” said Julie Roper, CEO of Capricorn Event Management, LLC, who has managed the Boston Book Fair since 2015. “After the height of the pandemic, we are seeing a resurgent demand for in-person fairs, where a global community of the top dealers offer the most sought-after collections of books, maps, illustrations, and ephemera on the market.”

Whether browsing or buying, the Fair will offer something for every taste and budget — books on art, politics, travel, gastronomy, science, sport, natural history, first editions, Americana, fashion, music, children’s books, and more, all 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 reflects every conceivable genre and subject. Attendees will have a unique chance to view rare and historic museum-quality items, offered by some of the most prestigious members of the trade.

In recent years, the Fair has increasingly captured the attention of novice and young collectors seeking one-of-a-kind offerings at more accessible price levels. For attendees wanting to start a collection without breaking the budget, there will be dealers offering “Discovery” items priced at $100 or less. Special events at this year’s fair will include in-person talks and presentations that will be announced in early fall.

The Boston Book Fair is sanctioned by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). The hours on the Friday October 27th opening night are 4pm to 8pm (Tickets $25 available online or at the box office); Saturday, October 28th, 12pm to 7pm (free admission); Sunday, October 29th, 12pm to 5pm (free admission). For more information, visit www.bostonbookfair.com or call 617-938-8879