Welcome to the London International Antiquarian Book Fair, Olympia 2013

This major three-day event is one of the highlights in the world for book lovers and collectors – and centrepiece of London International Antiquarian Book Fair Week. In the light and airy National Hall at Olympia, you will find thousands of rare, unusual and unique items offered for sale by 180 leading UK and international dealers.

At the Fair you can view, handle and buy books, maps, prints, photographs, manuscripts, ephemera and original art work spanning the centuries, many items of museum quality. All items are freely available for inspection before purchase and in contrast to the e-book or downloaded text, here you may hold a remarkable piece of history in your hand. You can purchase a text as it first came off the printing press and bound by a craftsman hundreds of years ago - or the very latest collectable author’s first editions.

Organised by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association, the fair, now in its 56th year attracts nearly 200 of the world’s best dealers offering a range of fascinating books, maps and ephemera including historical items from the early days of printing to modern first editions: a must for all lovers of history and the written word. Our exhibitors welcome you to browse (and buy!) their highlights on this website and encourage you to visit their own web-sites and to get in touch prior to the Fair. They will be happy to bring specific items for your inspection and this is an excellent opportunity to make new contacts. So whatever you are looking for, or interested in, get in touch.

‘LIVE! at the Antiquarian Book Fair’

LIVE! at the Antiquarian Book Fair is just that - LIVE! A small but select group of specialists related in some way to the world of antiquarian and collectable books will be exhibiting within the Ancillary Area of the Fair. Headed up by our Official Charity Partner for this year, the St. Bride Foundation, the majority of LIVE! exhibitors will run a variety of fascinating demonstrations, workshops, classes and seminars on a whole host of book-related subjects, services and crafts. In addition to these activities, the Fair is also staging: 

• LIVE! Themed Tours around the fair led by specialists in their field
• LIVE! Lectures given by the Rare Book School and other experts
• and the LIVE! Exhibition: Books NOT Books. This intriguing exhibition of objects and art in book form (but not books!) from boxes to works of art, is not to be missed!

Some of the activities and classes are suitable for children (if accompanied by an adult) so check out the list and be sure to book / arrive early to secure your place.

We look forward to seeing you at the Fair, and also in LIVE!