8 Treasures at the New York Antiquarian Book Fair

Every year, the arrival of the Armory Show sets New York City buzzing with satellite fairs, art parties, events, and more. Among the shows not to miss is the New York Antiquarian Book Fair, a celebration where bibliophiles and avid collectors can browse a vast selection of rare books, photographs, maps, manuscripts, letters, first editions, and other treasures at the Park Avenue Armory. The subject matter is diverse, featuring a broad array of topics including medicine, art, literature, Americana, photography, and autographs. The fair is sanctioned by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, meaning you can trust that each item has been carefully vetted for authenticity and completeness. Now in its 59th year, the fair is produced by Sanford L. Smith & Associates, and is open to the public fromMarch 8 through March 10. Herewith, AD highlights some of the most exciting items for art, architecture, and design lovers to check out.

Die Bühne im Bauhaus by Oskar Schlemmer, László Moholy-Nagy, and Farkas Molnár

Oskar Schlemmer / [László] Moholy-Nagy (et al.): Die Bühne im Bauhaus. [The Stage at the Bauhaus]. (Bauhausbücher 4). München, Albert Langen (1924). 84 pages, 2 leaves, one folding colour plate ("Partiturskizze zu einer mechanischen Exzentrik"), as well as another unnumbered leaf between pp. 60 and 61 (printed on transparent paper). Original publisher's wrappers with dust jacket. 18.5 x 23 cm. Housed in a modern acrylic glass slipcase.

Image courtesy of the New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

Price upon request
Exhibitor: Daniela Kromp Rare and Unique Books

Just in time for the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus, Daniela Kromp Rare and Unique Books presents Carl "Casca" Schlemmer's working copy of Die Bühne im Bauhaus, dedicated to him with an inscription by his brother, Oscar.

The Colossus by Sylvia Plath

A close-up of Plath's inscription.

Image courtesy of The New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

$40,000
Exhibitor: Jonkers Rare Books

A rare first edition of Sylvia Plath's The Colossus, the only book of her poems to be published while she was alive, with an inscription dedicated to Ted Hughes's aunt Hilda.

Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States

Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States by the National American Woman Suffrage Association [Anthony & Stanton] (First edition, 1876).

Image courtesy of The New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

$37,500 Exhibitor: Whitmore Rare Books

This is the only copy to ever come into private hands.

Signed letter by John F. Kennedy

TLS. 1 pg. 6 ¾” x 9”. October 8, 1962. The White House. A typed letter signed “John Kennedy” as President on “The White House” letterhead.

Image courtesy of The New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

$7,500
Exhibitor: Stuart Lutz Historic Documents

This letter, sent to Congresswoman Corrine B. Riley of South Carolina, is the only known letter where President Kennedy mentions his Catholic faith.

Das Kapital by Karl Marx

Hamburg, Otto Meisner, 1867. 8vo. Nice contemporary blackhalf calf with gilt spine. Minor wear to hinges and capitals, which have tiny, barely noticeable professional restorations. Inner hinges re-enforced. Contemporary owner's names (Emil Kirchner and Karl Kirchner (1887)) to front free end-paper. Contemporary book-plate to inside of front board (Ernst Ferdinand Kirchner). A very nice copy with just the slightest of occasional brown spotting. Housed in a very nice custom-made black full morocco box with gilt lettering to spine. XII, 784 pp.

Image courtesy of The New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

$175,000
Exhibitor: Herman H.J. Lynge & Son

A rare first edition of Marx's revolutionary work that reveals and criticizes the exploitation of labor in capitalism.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter Thompson cover illustration

Steadman, Ralph [Thompson, Hunter]. Bats Over Barstow. [Lexington, KY]: [Petro III Graphics], [1994]. First Edition. Copy #24 of only 77 signed by Steadman of this large (26" x 40" framed to an overall size of 36" x 50") color silkscreen print, a redrawn version of the illustration for the cover of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Image courtesy of The New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

$18,500
Exhibitor: Charles Agvent

Instantly recognizable as the cover of Hunter S. Thompson's autobiographical novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the print captures the book's disorienting nature and references the opening sentence.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Octavo (214 x 164mm). Publisher's original half morocco, marbled edges, marbled end papers, re-backed with original spine laid down. Custom red morocco-backed slipcase and chemise.

Image courtesy of The New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

$194,929.50
Exhibitor: Peter Harrington

This is the first copy that Mark Twain ever laid eyes on, and features an inscription to Major J.B. Pond.

Signed pointe shoe by Vaslav Nijinsky

The shoe was signed in 1914.

Image courtesy of The New York Antiquarian Book Fair.

$29,500
Exhibitor: Tamino Autographs

The shoe is signed by Russian ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, who is cited as one of the best male dancers of the 20th century.