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2014 Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair

By
Industry Observer with ARFCO Media

Like many here in the Rain, I love a good book. I look forward to Autumn because in early October I'll be going to the Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair.

2014 Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair, October 11 and 12, 2014. Books by Frank Herbert.

I’ve been a big fan of Frank Herbert and Tom Robbins for years. Both great writers and I’m sure part of the pull for me is the local connection. Frank was born in Tacoma, attended the University of Washington, lived in Seattle for a while and did a stint at the Seattle Star... I’ve read almost everything he ever wrote and of course loved the epic Dune series. Yet, one of my favorite stories is his 1972 novel, Soul Catcher.

Tom Robbins and I crossed paths in the early 80’s a few times in Seattle via the arts organization And/Or. He moved to Seattle in 1962 to attend the University of Washington. Later he worked at the Seattle Times as an art critic and at the public radio station KRAB-FM. I read his book, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues in 1977, then his first book, Another Roadside Attraction in 1979 and was hooked.

Tom Robbins, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, and Skinny Legs and All, at the Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair 2014.

2014 Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair, October 11 and 12, 2014.

This year was another great event. There were 88 exhibitors from 17 states, a few from Canada, Britain and Italy. I’ve noticed over the years though, the inventory is getting more esoteric and a lot more expensive! Rare beauties to be sure, but a little out of my price range.

2014 Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair on October 12th.

I really enjoyed seeing this one! Of Time and the River, by Thomas Wolfe. It’s a first edition of his sequel to Look Homeward, Angel, published in 1935. ($6,500)

And this check for $50.00 to Paul W. Pfeiffer, signed Ernest Hemingway, October 20, 1932. ($1,750)

Of Time and the River, Thomas Wolfe, 1935

Now wouldn’t this be the ultimate treasure in my library! Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell... First edition, signed, 1936. ($5,000) It was in totally mint condition.

Ernest Hemingway, a check for $50 from 1932.

Last but not least... Seattle & the Charmed Land by Almira Bailey. She wrote several travel guidebooks about Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and San Francisco during the 1920s. I love the cover on this one. That’s the Smith Tower in the lower right.

Seattle & The Charmed Land... A travel guide by Almira Bailey from 1920.

I really enjoyed the 2014 Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair this year. My good friend Dave Hoskin shares a passion for books and we had a great day together. There’s nothing like sharing some old books with an old friend. Another reason I love to attend the fair is I’ve been an avid book collector for many years and once again I got a pretty good idea what several of my first edition copies are worth.

Posted by

René Fabre

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

Please Note - The views expressed herein reflect only the individual’s personal views and are not the views of the author’s employer.

The Blackberry Chronicles, a blog by Rene Fabre and his travels around the Greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. Connect w/ Rene Fabre on Google+. Rene Fabre on Twitter. Rene Fabre writes reviews on Yelp. Rene Fabre on Linkedin.com The Audiorium YouTube Channel by Rene Fabre. Facebook.com/renefabre Rene Fabre loves digital photography and here are his shares on Flickr. Rene Fabre is a musician and composer and shares some of his orginal music and recordings on Soundcloud. Rene Fabre shares his interests on Pinterest.

Comments(7)

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Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

René - wow I see a signed copy of Gone with the Wind.  Sounds like a book fair worth visiting.

Oct 18, 2014 06:18 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Wow at some of the finds there.  My husband is a huge Frank Herbert fan too.  I'm always looking in used book stores and book sales for ones he doesn't have.

Oct 18, 2014 07:06 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Grant... The Fair had so many gems! I could have spent my life savings! :O)

Tammy... Love Frank Herbert! His first editions are rising in value!

Oct 18, 2014 08:28 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

My wife, Dolores, would love this event. This makes me want to check some of our old books!

Oct 21, 2014 05:52 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks Roy... I went through mine and happy to report a few are doing better than my 401k investment picks! :O)

Oct 22, 2014 10:21 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Hello Rene.  You lead a very interesting life young man.  By coincidence your top photo shows one of my all time favorite series as well.  "Dune"  Thank you for your continued interesting posts.  Mark

Oct 27, 2014 05:48 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks, Mark! I'm a super fan of the Dune series and pretty much everything that Frank Herbert ever wrote.

Oct 27, 2014 07:42 AM