50th York Book Fair Attracts Bibliophiles with Rare Collectibles

The 50th York National Book Fair featured rare books like a £3,500 Shakespeare edition and historical cookery volumes, attracting collectors and enthusiasts.

on Sep 17, 2024

The York National Book Fair, one of the UK's most significant gatherings for rare and antiquarian book lovers, took place on Friday, September 13, and Saturday, September 14. Held at York Racecourse’s Knavesmire Suite, the event saw 178 exhibitors offering a wide range of signed editions, first prints, and rare literary treasures to collectors, dealers, and readers alike.

Among the standout items was a £3,500 edition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream sold by Jonkers Rare Books. This edition, featuring 40 watercolor illustrations by Arthur Rackham, commanded its high price due to a unique pen-and-ink drawing inside. The sketch, drawn by Rackham himself, depicts Bottom with an ass's head and Puck looking on, shrugging at the scene.

Christiaan Jonkers, of Jonkers Rare Books, noted the fair's importance, saying: "We've been attending this fair for around thirty years, and it’s always a great opportunity for us, especially for purchasing books from fellow sellers that we know our customers will love."

Meanwhile, The Idle Booksellers, based in Bradford, saw significant interest in their cookery and food history books. Among their collection was a rare volume printed in 1734, containing over 300 recipes (or “receipts,” as they were called), including liver pudding, hog’s pudding, and black-cherry-water cordial.

Their offerings also included books on York’s history, such as city records, a guide to the Mystery Plays, and a Pevsner architectural guide. The York National Book Fair is part of the Provincial Booksellers’ Fairs Association (PBFA), founded in 1974 by bookseller Gerry Mosdell.

For enthusiasts who missed the event, a special PBFA York One Day Book Fair is scheduled for January 11, 2025, at the same venue.