First-Ever Transatlantic Book Fair in July Will Unite Rare Book Sellers from North America and Europe

Following the successes of the ABA Firsts Online fairs and the ABAA Virtual California Book Fair, The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA) and The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) have joined forces to create The Transatlantic Book Fair, which will run from the 22^nd -27^th July 2021.

Exhibitors from 15 countries will present a carefully curated collection of more than 5000 books, maps, manuscripts, photographs, and rare historical artifacts online during the online fair, which will be the first to unite North American and European book dealers on a single digital fair platform.

The opportunity to exhibit at this online book fair is open to all members of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).

Over the past year and a half, virtual book fairs have been welcomed for their ability to keep booksellers, collectors, scholars, librarians, writers and artists connected during a difficult year, while also showcasing a diverse array of fine books and other important works on paper. The online fair model has worked very well over the past year and particularly well during traditional quiet periods such as summer when many collectors have more time to peruse books they find personally interesting. We see the Transatlantic Fair having long-term appeal, and it’s something we hope to make a summer tradition,” says Pom Harrington, President of the ABA.

While the fair website will operate in English, fair selections will be multilingual. “The event will run continuously over five days and feature booksellers not only from the Americas and Europe, but also Asia and Australia. In other words, the sun won’t set on the Transatlantic Book Fair!,” says Brad Johnson, President of the ABAA.

The Transatlantic Book Fair will bring together over 150 rare book dealers who will showcase hundreds of unique and rare works on paper. Hosted on a dedicated website, the online fair will allow visitors to browse, enquire and purchase directly through the site which uses a secure e-commerce platform.

A stimulating program of specialist talks on topics as diverse as the worldwide appeal of Ian Fleming’s James Bond and the history of fashion in print will be held during the fair. A selection of virtual guided tours is also being offered. The full schedule will be publicly available shortly on www.transatlanticbookfair.com

The Transatlantic Book Fair opens at 2pm Mid-Atlantic Standard Time on July 22^nd, with the “doors” remaining open continuously until the event’s closing on July 27^th at 8pm Mid-Atlantic Standard Time.

Be sure to bookmark www.transatlanticbookfair.com so you're ready to visit the fair at opening and sign up for email alerts to receive updates about special programming and more.

For a PDF version of this press release, please click here.