Firsts

Event generates decent sales and a lively atmosphere during a busy weekend overall for collectors and dealers

Books fair 'Firsts' got under way on May 15 with around 100 dealers exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

It took 16 years to compile the first great German florilegium, an edition of which can be seen – and purchased – at the Firsts London book fair running from May 15-18 at the Saatchi Gallery.

Our look ahead at fairs coming up in the capital, including the Firsts and PBFA events held a short hop apart on the same weekend

Inscriptions and annotations can make a massive difference to value

It’s probably no surprise that, even in the days of digital first, printed catalogues are still loved by rare book collectors.

An 18th century folio bible in mosaic binding was among the notable sales at the recent Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair.

A book elaborately illustrated with needle-work samples and commemorating Queen Victoria’s first trip to Ireland as monarch was one of the standout sales as 'Firsts London’s Rare Book Fair' opened.

A wide range of dealers are set to offer a variety of items at upcoming fairs

London dealership AntikBar brings a major collection of pieces relating to Intourist, the 20th century USSR travel company, to 'Firsts London' book fair.

Peter Harrington Rare Books has sold a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio with an asking price of £6.25m.

Australian dealer coming to the UK for Firsts describes the attractions of the Chelsea event

'Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair' is returning to its usual May schedule this year and is committed to a spring date.

A first edition of 'Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith was one of the star sales at Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair, which was back up to full power for its second staging at the Saatchi Gallery.

Major sales marked the opening days of two London fairs, Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair and Tribal Art London.