Bound to please: London’s Rare Book Fair

Posted on May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 by Jenny Serra

Every May, London becomes a magnet for book lovers, collectors, and the curious and this year Firsts London Rare Book Fair is set to feel especially electric. Taking place at the Saatchi Gallery in London’s Chelsea from 14 to 17 May, this year’s book fair revolves around the powerful and wide-reaching theme of “Revolution.”

At first glance, a rare book fair might sound like a quiet, scholarly affair, but Firsts London is anything but. It’s a place where history comes alive through objects you can actually see and hold and where the stories behind them are often as dramatic as any novel. This year, around 100 booksellers from across the globe will gather to offer remarkable works that chart moments when the world changed course.

The theme of revolution is explored in all its forms from political and cultural, to scientific and social. This year some of the most stand-out highlights connect to the American Revolution, which is no accident, as 2026 marks 250 years since the American Declaration of Independence.

Among the high spots is a rare letter by one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Thomas Paine (1737-1809) which will be offered by Shapero Rare Books. Paine was a French Revolutionary, inventor, political philosopher and statesman, whose writings helped inspire a nation, and this personal letter, written in 1797, offers a glimpse into his thoughts at a critical moment in history.

But it’s not just about famous names, it’s about the atmosphere of change. Visitors to the book fair will be able to see maps from the Revolutionary War, including on Daniel Crouch’s stand a Plan of Boston and its Environs drawn by an engineer in Boston in October 1775 which “reflects the true situation of His Majesty’s Army and also those of the Rebels”. Alongside maps there will be early editions of key political texts, and beautifully preserved works that have helped shape modern democracy. These aren’t just relics, rather pieces of the story of how the world we know today came into being.

The French Revolution also takes centre stage, bringing with it drama, intrigue, and human stories. A handwritten letter from a British spy describes the tension on the streets of Paris, while a first edition of Mary Wollstonecraft’s account of the revolution reveals how hope turned into horror during the Reign of Terror. Through these items, visitors can see how revolutions are not just about ideas, but about real people living through extraordinary times.

And the journey doesn’t stop in the 18th century. The fair stretches across history and across the globe, featuring items from the Russian and Chinese revolutions, including striking propaganda pieces and rare publications that were once suppressed. There’s even a signed book linked to Fidel Castro, offering a personal connection to one of the 20th century’s most recognisable revolutionary figures.

What makes Firsts London particularly engaging for general visitors is how it connects these political shifts with wider cultural change. For example, a bold protest flag inspired by a satirical essay from Mark Twain reflects anti-war sentiment in the 1960s, while original artwork for Jimi Hendrix’s iconic Electric Ladyland album captures a revolution in music and creativity.

Perhaps most surprising of all is how far back the idea of “revolution” can go. One of the oldest items on display is an ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead scroll, dating back around 3,500 years. It’s a reminder that humanity has always been grappling with big questions and that every era has its own kind of transformation.

This year’s fair partner is Senate House Library, which will bring its own collection of revolutionary material, from civil wars to the suffragette movement.

Historian Mary Beard sums it up perfectly: “Revolutionary texts don’t just record history, they help create it.”

Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who loves a good story, Firsts London Rare Book Fair offers something rare: a chance to stand face-to-face with the moments that changed the world. And in doing so, it reminds us that behind every revolution, there are words: written, printed, and preserved, that made it possible.

To arrange a valuation of your items, call us on 01883 722736 or email us at [email protected]

From Harry Potter to the Gutenberg Bible: A Valuer’s Perspective on Rare Books

Posted on July 31, 2025February 5, 2026 by Jenny Serra

We sat down with Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Consultant Specialist Richard Fattorini to talk about the world of rare book valuations. From surprising discoveries to shifting market trends, Richard shares what collectors need to know, common misconceptions, and why keeping valuations up to date is essential.

What types of items do you most enjoy valuing?

I most enjoy valuing rare books with historical significance or fascinating provenance: first editions, signed copies, or books with annotations by notable figures. There’s something deeply rewarding about uncovering the story behind a unique book.

How do you stay up to date with current market trends?

I keep an eye on auction results from the international auction houses Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Bonhams, together with the leading UK book auctioneers; I read publications including the Antiques Trade Gazette (which I write for) The Book Collector, and Fine Books & Collections, I also attend antiquarian book fairs, and maintain close contact with dealers and collectors. Online resources like Vialibri and RareBookHub are also essential for tracking real-time market shifts.

What’s something most people misunderstand about valuations?

People often assume that older books are always more valuable. In fact, rarity, condition, desirability, provenance, and whether it’s a true first edition or the presence of a dust-jacket or a fine binding often have a greater impact on value than age alone.

Have you noticed any recent trends in the market for rare books?

Yes, there’s increasing interest in 20th-century literature, especially first editions of modern classics by authors like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and J.R.R. Tolkien. There’s also growing recognition of works by women and authors from underrepresented backgrounds, which is influencing market demand.

What’s something you’ve seen increase in value unexpectedly?

Early Harry Potter editions have risen sharply in value. First printings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone are now highly sought-after collector’s items, especially those from the initial 500-copy print run. Also landmark works in the history of science and ideas.

Are there any types of items people often forget to insure or undervalue?

Inherited books or family heirlooms are frequently overlooked. People often don’t realise that an old leather-bound volume or signed classic sitting on their shelf could be worth thousands.

What’s the most unusual or interesting item you’ve valued?

A 17th-century manuscript herbal, hand-illustrated with detailed botanical drawings and marginal notes from generations of practitioners. It offered a remarkable window into the medical practices of the time.

Can you share a time when a valuation uncovered something surprising?

I once assessed a shelf of books that seemed fairly ordinary, only to find a signed first edition of The Great Gatsby hidden among them. The owner had no idea it was worth six figures!

What documents or information are most helpful for you when doing a valuation?

Any provenance: purchase receipts, previous valuations, or correspondence related to the book can be extremely helpful. Detailed photographs of the binding, dust jacket (if applicable), title page and any inscriptions are also valuable when assessing condition remotely.

Why is it important to keep valuations up to date?

The market for rare books is dynamic. A title that was modestly priced ten years ago might now be highly sought after, and vice versa. Regular valuations ensure accurate insurance coverage and informed decision-making for collectors.

What risks do people face if their insurance valuations are out of date?

They may find themselves underinsured. If a book is damaged, lost or stolen, an outdated valuation could result in a claim that doesn’t reflect the item’s true market value, leaving the owner significantly out of pocket.

What is one item you’d love to value?

I’d love to value a Gutenberg Bible. As the first substantial book printed with movable type in Europe, it represents the beginning of the printed word as we know it. Very few complete copies exist, and each has its own fascinating history. To examine and value such a culturally and historically significant object would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Firsts London 2025: A Rare Book Fair in Full Bloom

Posted on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 by Jenny Serra

The UK’s biggest international rare book fair, Firsts London, is returning to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea from 15 to 18 May 2025. This exciting annual event which is always a pleasure to visit takes place just before the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show and will bring together over 100 rare book dealers from around the world under one roof. They’ll be exhibiting a wide range of antiquarian and modern books, manuscripts, maps, and prints. It’s a brilliant opportunity to view, browse and buy books and works on paper from medieval manuscripts to modern first editions, and a great place to meet and chat with knowledgeable booksellers in person.

This year’s theme is ‘Books in Bloom’ and many dealers will highlight works that focus on flowers, plants, and gardens, from early herbals illustrated with woodcuts to contemporary art books. To celebrate this theme the bookfair has partnered with Chelsea Physic Garden who will have a presence throughout Firsts London, and visitors will be able to talk to members of their knowledgeable team about the Garden’s horticultural, educational, and research activities, as well as their collection of books of manuscripts.

A well-known supporter of Firsts London is gardener, author and bibliophile Alan Titchmarsh who, quoting Cicero, said ‘If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need’. Titchmarsh has been collecting gardening books for over 50 years and says the fair brings together some of his favourites. For him, the mix of beautiful bindings, fine printing, and plant knowledge makes these books irresistible.

The connection between plants and books goes back centuries. Early plant illustrations were used mainly as sources for medical use, but over time, they also became appreciated for their artistic beauty. As trade and exploration expanded from the 1400s, people discovered new plants from across the globe. This sparked a growing interest in botany, especially from the 1600s onwards and into the Victorian era, when fine hand-coloured natural history books were being made for both a scientific audience and sought after by bibliophiles for the beauty of their illustrations.

Books about gardens and plants have also shaped literature. From Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to children’s classics like Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, novels, plays and poems have celebrated the symbolism and beauty of plants and flowers. Books of pressed flowers and hand-made seaweed albums show how much people have loved preserving nature in books. With its mix of rare books, stunning art, and botanical treasures, Firsts London 2025 promises to be a unique and delightful experience for book lovers and plant enthusiasts alike. If botanical books are not your bag, fear not, there will be books on every subject under the sun on show, from travel and exploration, to Private Press books, poetry, literature, classical texts, fine bindings, history, children’s books, photographs, science fiction, fantasy and horror.

Alongside the fair there is an extensive Events programme aimed at new collectors and book lovers of all ages. The talks include ‘Provenance and Book Collecting’ with David Pearson, a leading expert on the history of books; ‘The Book Collector’ in conversation with three prominent young book dealers Tom Lintern-Mole, Jess Starr and Tom Ayling; ‘Gnome Kings, Fairy Folk, and Little Elephants: an evening of storytelling’ with Charles van Sandwyk; a hands-on calligraphy session with Toby Pennington; and ‘Old Books, New Knowledge: Three hundred years of the Chelsea Physic Garden Library’; for these and all other events, see the Firsts London website and book early to avoid disappointment. I hope to see you there!