The local ABA organiser at this fair is Alan Grant of Edinburgh bookshop Grant and Shaw, while Larry Hutchison of Dunfermline, who specialises in Scottish material, organises the PBFA dealers.
Mr Hutchison said: "We have around 80 joint dealers this year and I'm very optimistic about the trade. The web offers immediacy for book buyers but nothing replaces the serendipity of a book fair; people's natural love of browsing; and as a meeting place to find books and talk to booksellers. There's always such a buzz."
Alan Grant is a happy man as he was the vendor of the 16th century map which made £19,000 at Lyon & Turnbull's auction in Edinburgh earlier this year. Reported by Ian Mackay in ATG No 1775, February 3, the map is said to be the oldest accurate chart of Scotland. This set of sailing directions was made by Nicholas de Nicolay from a voyage which King James V took around Scotland in 1540 to subdue the unruly lords of the Western Isles.
Tel: Alan Grant on 0131 332 8088 or Larry Hutchison on 01383 725566.
BY JOAN PORTER
