One of the world's largest exhibitions of antiquarian books, the California International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to the Oakland Marriott City Center, Feb. 10-12, for its 50th anniversary. This year's rare books and treasures include the world's first photographs of the American West, a rare author's copy of author Wallace Stegner's first book, and "an elaborately illustrated, 25-stanza rhyming paean to sobriety." We'll drink to that!
Sponsored by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and featuring treasures from nearly 200 booksellers from over 20 countries around the world, the three-day fair gives visitors the opportunity to learn about and purchase rare books, manuscripts, maps, autographs, graphics, photographs, fine bindings, children's and illustrated books. Some highlights, from press materials:
"Two Photos from The Cherokee Creek Boundary Survey Expedition of 1850: These are the earliest known photographs of the American West and are considered the most important daguerreotypes in a private collection. One image shows a covered wagon, mountain men and bowie knives that are part of a government expedition; and the second shows Dr. Woodhouse, a physician and naturalist accompanying the expedition. (Offered by the Abraham Lincoln Bookshop, Inc., $750,000.)
"The Tippler's Vow: Possibly the earliest 'Just Say No' campaign, written by Lee Fairchild and published in 1901, The Tippler's Vow is a 25-stanza rhyming poem warning against the dangers of indulging in wine and alcohol. The set includes beautifully bound books with original covers and 26 illustrations from Jean Paleologue . (Offered by Kline Books , $27,500.)
"Harvey Milk's First (failed) Campaign Poster : In 1973, a few months after moving to San Francisco, Harvey Milk ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. 'At last YOU have a candidate for Supervisor. Harvey Milk. Milk has something for everyone.' Milk lost this campaign, but eventually won in 1977. (Offered by Bolerium Books, $3,500.)
"Wallace Stegner's First Book: Stegner, the dean of Western writers, published his first book based on his thesis as a student at Iowa State University. Clarence Edward Dutton, An Appraisal, written in 1935, reflects Stegner's admiration for the noted geologist who studied the American West. (Offered by James M. Dourgarian, $15,000.)
"Britain's Punk Scene: A colorful collection of rare photo books and magazines depicting the burgeoning punk scene in Britain. Features photos of early performances and articles about the Sex Pistols, Generation X, the Slits , Siouxsie and the Banshees , the Clash, the Buzzcocks, X-Ray Spex, the Damned and many others. (Offered by Janette Ray Booksellers.)
"Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathaniel West, 1933 : A high point for 20th century literature and inspiration for the 1958 film noir, this first edition is one of only 800 copies. (Offered by Royal Books, $125,000.)
"Book from Abraham Lincoln's Law Library - A very scarce item that is personally signed by Lincoln's law partner, William Herndon . (Offered by the Abraham Lincoln Bookshop , Inc., $25,000.)"
The 50th California International Antiquarian Book Fair will be held at the Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway in downtown Oakland, Feb. 10-12. Tickets are available online or at the door. Information: cabookfair.com.