Under a clear sky and with sunlight illuminating the roofs of the Recoletos walka new edition of the old and occasion book Fair in Madrid started a few days ago.
At 11:00 in the morningwhen the booths opened their blinds, the first visitors already gathered in front of the exhibitors, including curious, collectors and lovers of the letter.
The fair, a tradition for bibliophiles and booksellers from all over the country, offered a unique exhibition of literary jewels, first editions and collection specimens.
Among the More than forty boothsthree libraries stood out for rarity and the historical value of their pieces: Arenal 21 Librería, Bohemian and Library Lights Memories.
In the booth of Arenal Library 21the books of cartoons and multilingual editions became protagonists. One of the titles that most captured the attention in this house was L’instant fatala collaboration between the painter Greco-Turco-French Mario Prassinosknown for their relationship with figures such as Picassoand the French writer Raymond Queneau.
The book combines six poems with original Prasssinos illustrations, and belongs to a limited edition of the Art Editorial The calligrapherwhich makes it a very coveted piece by artist book collectors.
In Bohemia lightsthe prominence was for poetry. The most notable specimen was a special edition of the Gypsy Romancero of Federico García Lorca.
This luxury edition, printed on Italy admission paper, includes a limited circulation to 100 copies: 90 numbered and 10 out of commerce. All are signed by the author. The inscription that appears inside confirms its authenticity and exclusivity.
Although the head of the stand preferred not to indicate a price, searches in specialized libraries reveal that their value can exceed the 7.000 euros.
A visitor consults a copy of the old book Fair of MadridEuropa Press
Finally, in Library Memoriesa more relaxed and open atmosphere was breathed. The bookseller did not hesitate to show the most valuable pieces of his collection. Among them, a 1645 book entitled Eastern history of pilgrimages of Fernan Mendez Pinto.
The work tells the experiences of the Portuguese author in Asia, during the years of colonization in the Pacific, and is considered a unique chronicle of the Portuguese expansion in the East.
Its state of conservation and seniority justify the estimated price: around 2.500 euros. In addition, this booth kept numerous first editions, signed copies and other books difficult to find in the commercial circuit.
Throughout the route, the interest in the material and symbolic value of the books was evident.
Some visitors were looking for a specific title; Others simply got carried away by intuition, leafing through literary leather works, aging pages that evoke other times.
In many cases, the value of books was not measured only in the price, but in personal stories, editorial oddities or the emotion of an unexpected discovery.
The Madrid Book Fair continues to the public for the next few days, Until May 18with parallel activities and guided tours. For the most demanding collectors and the most curious readers, it is still an unrepeatable opportunity to discover and acquire a piece of literary history.
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