Rare Book Monthly

Articles - July - 2026 Issue

Summer Fun: July Book Festivals & Exhibits

Free and ticketed July book fairs and exhibits

Free and ticketed July book fairs and exhibits

(July through September - NY, NY) The Declaration of Independence & Rare Americana at the Morgan Library & Museum: This exhibit displays rare foundational texts and Americana from its extensive collections, including original drafts and early prints of the Declaration of Independence. https://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/declaration-of-independence There is an admission charge that varies. See Visit the Morgan for specifics. 

(July 3 - Gettysburg, PA) Civil War Book Sale and Author Signing: This is a free event where history buffs can browse hundreds of new and used Civil War books and meet authors like Jeff Shaara and Garry Adelman. https://celebrategettysburg.com/event/civil-war-book-sale-and-author-signings/

(Ends July 4 - Washington, DC) The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution Hosted at the Library of Congress: It features original papers of George Washington and King George III, bringing together royal and revolutionary texts side-by-side.  This landmark exhibit is ongoing. It closes July 4, 2026. There is no admission charge to view exhibits at LOC, but some require timed entry. https://www.loc.gov/exhibitions/two-georges/about-this-exhibition/

(July 10-12 - Brooklyn, NY) Brooklyn Art Book Fair: A free, volunteer-run event with many exhibitors spotlighting independent presses, ‘zine culture, and rare artist monographs. No fee, donations accepted. https://www.bkabf.info/

(July 11-12Columbus, OH) The Columbus Book Festival: A free in-person literary gathering featuring author readings, panel discussions, and book vendors at the Main Library. Also includes a self-guided driving tour to area bookstores. https://www.columbusbookfestival.org/

(July 12Middletown, NY) Thrills & Chills Book Fair: A regional book fair focused on dark romance, horror, and thrillers, hosted at Aspire Brewing. It combines indie bookstore pop-ups, author signings, and craft beers. https://www.wellwornbooks.com/thrills-chills This is a ticketed event with entry starting at $20, higher for early admission.

(July 18 - Mammoth Lakes, CA) Eastern Sierra Book Festival: A free one day outdoor/indoor celebration of books, reading and writing at the Hayden Cabin combined with book sale, variety show, vendors booths and more. https://www.visitmammoth.com/events/eastern-sierra-book-festival-3/

(July 18 - Payson AZ) Payson Book Fair: Free admission, numerous Arizona authors, family friendly. https://paysonbookfestival.org

(July 19 - Detroit MI) Detroit Book Festival: A large annual free event based a Eastern Market with a diverse program and many vendors. Related activities includes a self-guided bookstore tour of Metro Detroit area shops. https://detroitbookfest.com

(July 23 -26 - San Diego, CA) San Diego Comic Con:  A monster event for comic fans that draws a huge crowd. Check the site for particulars including registration and fees. Big, BIG! https://www.comic-con.org/

(July 25 - Seattle, WA) The Readers & Writers Author Event: A place for fans to meet, interact with, and get books signed by over 80 published authors in a fan-focused environment. This is a ticketed event with admission starting at $15, additional fees for early admission and special programs. https://readerswritersevents.com/

(Opened in April - ongoing through July 26 - San Francisco, CA) Futurity Library: Disobedient Artists' Books: An exhibit at the San Francisco Center for the Book examines the book as an evolutionary object, showcasing how artists are pushing the boundaries of book structures and conventions. https://www.sfcb.org/exhibitions-archive/futurity-library

(July 30 - Aug. 2 - Pittsburgh, PA) Pulp Fest: A long running festival focused on Mystery, Adventure and Science Fiction. A summer pulp tradition since 1972. It features an auction and a diverse program of related activities. This is a ticketed event requiring pre-registration, costs vary depending if booked in conjunction with the festival hotel. See site for additional details  https://pulpfest.com

Rare Book Monthly

  • Heritage Auctions, Oct. 14: Bible, in English. Fine restoration binding in the style of the Queen’s binders.
    Heritage Auctions, Oct. 14: Magnus Hundt, the elder. First edition of one of the earliest printed books with anatomical illustrations.
    Heritage Auctions, Oct. 14: Agatha Christie. Cards on the Table. First edition.
    Heritage Auctions, Oct. 14: F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Beautiful and Damned. First edition, first printing.
    Heritage Auctions, Oct. 14: Isaac Asimov. I, Robot. First edition, presentation copy.
    Heritage Auctions, Oct. 14: Bible, in English. Geneva-Tomson-Junius. London: Robert Barker, [colophon 1612]/1611.
  • Sotheby’s
    Original Film Posters
    10 September 2026
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: The Invisible Man (1933). Extremely Rare US Leader Press One Sheet. £20,000 to £26,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: You Only Live Twice (1967). Italian Advance Quattro Fogli. £10,000 to £15,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: A Dog's Life (1918). Extremely Rare US One Sheet. £50,000 to £70,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: La Belle et la Bête/Beauty and the Beast (1946). French Style A Grande. £12,000 to £18,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). US Lenticular Prototype One Sheet. £10,000 to £15,000.
    Sotheby’s, Sep. 10: Théâtre d’Ombres (1897). Exceptionally Rare French Poster. £8,000 to £12,000.
  • Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 11. Blaeu's Superb World Map on a Polar Projection (1695) Est. $5,500 - $7,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 702. Munster's Largest 16th Century Edition, with Over 220 Woodcut Maps (1598) Est. $18,000 - $20,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 101. Rare Jo Mora "Carte" Showing a NYC-to-Seattle Route through Panama Canal (1933) Est. $900 - $1,100
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 65. The Waldseemuller/Fries "Admiral's Map" (1541) Est. $8,000 - $9,500
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 46. Contains all 30 Plates from Atlas Coelestis in Full Original Color (1742) Est. $16,000 - $18,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 129. The First Map to Name New Scotland and Cape Cod (1625) Est. $8,000 - $9,500
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 663. The First Printed Map Devoted to the Pacific in Full Contemporary Color (1589) Est. $7,500 - $9,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 629. De Jode's Rare Map of Eastern Asia (1593) Est. $7,500 - $9,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 171. De Bry's Influential Map of Colonial North America (1591) Est. $11,000 - $13,000
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 691. Superb Hand-Colored Image of the Holy Trinity (1502) Est. $800 - $950
    Old World Auctions (Sept 16):
    Lot 606. Important, Early Atlas of Japan with 75 Woodcut Maps in Printed Color (1837) Est. $2,000 - $2,300
  • Koller, Sep. 16: FRANZÖSISCHE REVOLUTION - ASSEMBLÉE NATIONALE - Extrait des Procès-Verbaux de L'Assemblée Nationale, Des 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 Août & premier Octobre 1789.
    Koller, Sep. 16: MOURADJA D'OHSSON, IGNACE. Tableau général de l'Empire Othoman, divisé en deux parties dont l'une comprend la Législation Mahométane, l'autre l'histoire de l'Empire Othoman [... ]
    Koller, Sep. 16: BOTANIK - Blackwell, Elisabeth. A curious herbal, containig five hundred cuts, of the most useful plants, which are now used in the practice of physick.
    Koller, Sep. 16: SCHEUCHZER, JOHANN JAKOB. Physica Sacra. Iconibus Aeneis illustrata procurante & sumtus suppeditante.
    Koller, Sep. 16: HAIMONSKINDER – Eyn schön lustig Geschicht, wie Keyser Carle der groß, vier gebrüder, Hertzog Aymont von Dordons Süne [...]
    Koller, Sep. 16: KRÄUTERBÜCHER - HORTUS SANITATIS - [H]ortus Sanitatis. De herbis et plantis. De animalibus et reptilibus. De avibus et volatilibus. De piscibus et natalibus…
    Koller, Sep. 16: GAUGUIN, PAUL, MALER (1848-1903). Eigenhändiger Brief mit Unterschrift und Couvert. An den Künstler und Freund Daniel de Monfreid in Paris.
  • Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: A Plan of the Cities of London and Westminster and Borough of Southwark, 1746 [bound with] A Plan of the Cities of London and Westminster, [c.1755]. £30,000 - £50,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Gafurius (Franchinus). De Harmonia Musicorum Instrumentorum Opus, first edition, Milan, Gotarto da Ponte, 1518. £20,000 - £30,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Tolkien (J.R.R.) The Hobbit, first edition, first impression, 1937. £10,000 - £15,000
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: Stackelberg (Otto Magnus v). Costumes et Usages des Peuples de la Grece Moderne, first edition, Rome, 1825. £15,000 - £20,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Piranesi (Giovanni Battista). Le Antichita Romane, 4 vol., Rome, Bouchard and Gravier, 1756. £10,000 - £15,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Henry VIII's Primer.- Church of England.- The Primer, set foorth by the Kynges maiestie and his clergie…,, first edition, by Richard Grafton printer to the Princes grace, 1545; bound with 2 others, similar. £10,000 - £15,000
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: Darwin (Charles). On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, fifth edition, ink inscription in the author's hand laid down to half-title, 1869. £6,000 - £8,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Siebold (P.F. von) J.G. Zuccarini and F.A.W. Miquel. Flora Japonica, 2 vol., first edition, Leiden, for the author, 1835-70. £6,000 - £8,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Illuminated manuscript facsimile.- Constitution Of India (The), Dehra Dun, Survey of India Offices, [c. 1950]. £3,500 - £5,000
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    24th September 2026
    Forum, Sep. 24: Mao Tse-tung. Quotations of Chairman Mao, prototype edition, Shenyang, compiled and printed by the Political Department, Air Force Division of Shenyang Military Region, 1963. £3,000 - £4,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Richardson (John). Fauna Boreali-Americana; or the Zoology of the Northern Parts of British America, 4 vol., first edition, Norwich, Josiah Fletcher, 1829-37. £4,000 - £6,000
    Forum, Sep. 24: Mite (The), the printer/publisher's own copy with the original type and printing blocks for all three of its editions (1891, 1893 & 1896), Grimsby, Ernest A. Robinson, 1891. £3,000 - £4,000.

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