Firsts

Firsts is an annual rare book fair that takes place in London.

The flagship event of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association which has run for decades, it was rebranded as Firsts in 2019. Having previously taken place at Battersea Evolution, it moved to Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery in 2020.


First Folio

Is this a First Folio that I see before me sold at £6.25m?

29 May 2023

Peter Harrington Rare Books has sold a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio with an asking price of £6.25m.

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Firsts fair commits to spring slot in future

08 May 2023

'Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair' is returning to its usual May schedule this year and is committed to a spring date.

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Fair previews: Up to London from Down Under

08 May 2023

Australian dealer coming to the UK for Firsts describes the attractions of the Chelsea event

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Firsts finds its feet at the Saatchi Gallery

10 October 2022

A first edition of 'Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith was one of the star sales at Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair, which was back up to full power for its second staging at the Saatchi Gallery.

Dubliners

Big sales as Firsts and Tribal Art Fair open in London

19 September 2022

Major sales marked the opening days of two London fairs, Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair and Tribal Art London.

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Fair Preview: Banned books is the theme of this year’s Firsts

12 September 2022

A copy of 'Howl' signed by leading lights of the Beat literature scene in New York is on offer at 'Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair', where this year the theme is banned books.

La fête de l’amitie

Firsts book fair racks up many extra dealers

15 August 2022

Firsts: London’s Rare Books Fair has added an impressive 49 dealers to the roster for its 65th edition thanks to an influx of international traders.

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Firsts Online offers collectors a spot of armchair travelling

25 February 2022

From an 18th century bestseller to a 20th century modern fantasy first edition, the Antiquarian Booksellers Association’s fair offers buyers a chance to snap up antiquarian and rare books from the comfort of their homes this weekend.

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Contemporary gallery rebooked as Firsts fair enters new chapter

08 November 2021

For just a few short days in October, the white-walled contemporary space of the Saatchi Gallery was transformed into a veritable feast of rare and sought-after first-edition books, prints and posters.

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London rare book fair 'Firsts' cancelled and digital event to be launched

05 May 2020

'Firsts, London’s Rare Book Fair 2020', has been cancelled for the summer and will instead be replaced with a digital version.

Prints ‘fair’ within Firsts London in 2020

02 December 2019

A print fair is being launched within next year’s Firsts London rare book fair.

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Four London book fairs will go into one week in June

21 May 2019

For the first time this year, the four fairs that make London a destination for bibliophiles in June will be held side-by-side across the space of just four days. ATG looks at the personality of each event.

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Faces from Firsts: Interviews with three exhibitors at the upcoming book fair in the capital

21 May 2019

A trio of exhibitors at London’s rare book fair 'Firsts' ponder the market, their motivations – plus flooded shops and heavy metal.

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