Welcome to the Antiquarian Book Fair, 2015 

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 Olympia National, 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 58th 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! is the part of the antiquarian book fair where the world of the book comes intriguingly to life. LIVE! is a carefully selected blend of businesses, organisations and crafts people offering book-related products and services of interest to the antiquarian book trade, seasoned bibliophiles and collectors alike. Professional artisans will stage fascinating demonstrations of their work and skills, some will also run workshops offering visitors a truly unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of books, both old and new. Some of the proposed activities such as printing, calligraphy, bookbinding etc, are suitable for young and old alike.  Click here for a list of all 2014 activities.  (2015 activities will be uploaded to this page by the end of February.)

In addition to the events taking place in LIVE! there will also be themed guided tours of the Fair on Saturday led by several of our expert exhibitors, offering a deeper look at the Fair’s many treasures, rarities and curiosities. Details of the 2014 tours are here.  (2015 tours will be uploaded to this site by end of March.)