Collector's Corner: Rare and Exciting Finds at Mark Twain Library's 55th Annual Book Fair

The Mark Twain Library Book Fair sprawls throughout the Redding Community Center each Labor Day, but there is one relatively small room that gets a higher volume of traffic –it is known as the Collector’s Corner.  The Collector’s Corner houses rare and valuable treasures for sale, and that room has some special offerings this year, including rare signed editions, an 1889 World Atlas, and a cook book from 1758.

“We’ve had lots of great surprises this year,” said Paul Weissman, the book expert who prices this category. “We received a large baseball collection -- hundreds of books, from the 1950's to the current day. Also, a large collection of Horatio Alger and other 19th & 20th century juvenile series books and a large collection of Heritage Press books -- fine literature, and in great condition.”

For four days over Labor Day weekend, from Friday, September 4 to Monday, September 7, the Mark Twain Library holds its annual Book Fair at the Redding Community Center on Lonetown Road. An army of volunteers works to organize and sell bargain-priced books, with miles of items – nearly 60,000 – all organized and categorized for convenient shopping.

The baseball collection will be in a special section in the gym, but the Collector’s Corner will be in One edition that may be of interest to history buffs is a signed 1922 edition of Hiram Bingham’s “Inca Land, Explorations in the Highlands of Peru,” which recounts the Yale professor’s efforts to uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu. The inscription reads: “To John L. Tilson with all good wishes, Hiram Bingham, Dec. 25, ‘22” This copy will be on sale for $50.

Another interesting offering is a 1758 edition of “Thaker’s Cookery” which states on the title page: “Containing Above Six Hundred and Fifty of the most approv’d RECEIPTS heretofore published…” The 257-year-old book is worn, but provides a peak into the past with headings such as: “Tarts, Pyes, Soops, Made-Wines,” etc. It will be on sale for $250.

The two highest priced books, priced at $1000 each, include a rare hand-colored edition of an 1892 book titled “Cranford,” by Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell and a 1958 limited edition of “The Seven Deadly Sins” by Anthony Hecht and Leonard Baskin.

For the map collector, there will be an 1889 “Bradley’s Atlas of the World” for sale for $450. The maps are in fine condition and all 75 maps are present. This atlas is rarely found intact.

This is just a sampling of a few highlights and there are hundreds more quality books for sale in Collector’s Corner. This year there will be over 100 Heritage Press titles and a large collection of vintage “Juvenile Series” books, especially Horatio Alger and baseball stories.

“First edition books signed by the author are coveted by the book dealers, but also make very special gifts,” said Beth Dominianni, director of the Library.

Opening day is Friday, September 4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  During the first hour, (from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.), there is a $15 admission charge and tickets for that hour will be available starting at 7 a.m. (Book dealers start lining up the night before for the opportunity to get first dibs!). There will also be a special afterschool “Children’s Event” that afternoon from 2:30 to 6 p.m. On Saturday, September 5 the Fair will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 6, will be “Half-Price Day” and the Fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  On Monday, September 7, the Fair will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday will be “Boxing Day” and items will be sold for $10 a box.

Refreshments, provided by Uncle Leo’s “Not Just” Coffee and Donuts Bakery, will be available for sale, there is plenty of free parking, and credit cards are welcomed. There will be donation basket at the entrance of the Book Fair to collect food staples for the Redding Food Pantry. All proceeds from the Book Fair benefit the Mark Twain Library. The Mark Twain Library is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association.  It was founded in 1908 by Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain himself – one of Redding’s most celebrated residents.  

 

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Submitted by Redding, CT

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