How many ancient books do you think survived the test of time? It may surprise you to learn that there are enough ancient book still in existence for us to organise a special auction dedicated to them. Not only are we offering a special auction that will run through the 19th of November (2017), we're also partnering with an ancient books fair in Italy and giving the visitors of the fair the chance to receive a free book valuation. Read on to learn more about this unique opportunity and discover some of the literary works from the past that will be available on our special Italian Book Fair auction.
A Breathtaking Fair
"C’era una volta il libro" is the market exhibition dedicated to ancient books scheduled at Cesena Fiera on Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of November. Collectors and enthusiasts along with anyone curious are invited to admire and buy rare manuscripts, books and precious prints. Catawiki will be a partner of the fair where more than 80 sellers will offer books that are very difficult to find in the market. Our expert of ancient books, Francesco Magnani, will be giving free valuations of ancient books at the Catawiki stand. Everyone is welcome! And if you're not able to visit the fair, you will still be able to see some of the most interesting works that Francesco Magnani has selected in a special Antique Books auction dedicated to the event.
Francesco says that all of us should prove the opportunity to observe and buy such precious items: "We are pleased to be the flagship of this sector digitalisation that has been happening for some years here and that will give everyone the opportunity to approach the incredible world of texts of the past ".
Are you curious to see some books?
Browsing the Past
Let's start with one of the most valuable pieces of the auction: a rare edition of Opuscola Sancti Thome by St. Thomas Aquinas. This book is comprised of an incunabulum from 1498 and an post-incunabulum from 1515 and features 16th century monastic binding. Other lots from this auction include a 16th century antiphonary work adorned by 240 magnificent woodcuts. This liturgical book features a full parchment binding and is filled with choral music.
In the auction you will also find the most complete volume of the 16th century on fish made up of 400 wood engravings and 16 copper plates depicting fish and mammals. The two parts are bound in a single volume. Concluding this quick overview, another remarkable piece among the many in the auction is this very rare, single edition of the greatest book dedicated to the city of Urbino.
This is just a taste of the books that will be present at the fair; we hope you can come and visit us! If that's not possible, then we hope you will pay a visit to our special Book Fair auction for your chance to add one of these magnificent works to your own personal library!