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Header images courtesy of Firsts Hong Kong
Book lovers and collectors, mark your calendars for Firsts: Hong Kong Rare Book Fair, taking place from 6 to 8 December! This exciting fair revives the former China in Print exhibition, bringing together an impressive selection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and prints in the setting of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum.
Featuring nearly 30 international dealers from countries like the UK, US, Australia, and several European nations, Firsts Hong Kong showcases an array of items that highlight the literary and cultural history of Asia and beyond. The fair promises to be a treasure trove for enthusiasts looking to gaze at unique pieces, and for collectors looking to add an item or two to their sets.
One of the standout offerings will be John Thomson’s landmark work, Illustrations of China and its People. This remarkable photo book, published between 1873 and 1874, features 200 stunning collotypes that document Thomson’s extensive travels across China, a first edition providing insights into the region’s landscapes, customs, and daily life during that era.
Another highlight includes the first Dutch edition of the Novus Atlas Sinensis, by Jean Blaeu in 1655. This atlas marks a significant moment in the history of cartography. For those interested in historical maps, the fair will feature Cornelius De Jode’s China Regnum, a rare circular map from 1593 showcasing intriguing aspects of East Asian life. A notable modern gem is a rare, detailed map of Hong Kong’s major settlements and infrastructure, created by Sung Chun Wa and dating from 1922 to1926.
Literature enthusiasts will find treasures such as the first Chinese edition of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, translated by the esteemed Yan Fu in 1902. This eight-volume set played a crucial role in shaping economic thought in late Qing-dynasty China. Additionally, attendees can explore Robert Morrison’s A Grammar of the Chinese Language, the first English grammar of Chinese from 1815. The fair will also feature a first edition of Esop’s Fables, inscribed by notable patron William Jardine. Finally, fans of classic literature can admire the original illustration of “Ratty and Mole” from The Wind in the Willows, and a first edition of W Somerset Maugham’s The Painted Veil, which comes with its original dust jacket.
For more information, visit the fair’s official website here.
Born and raised in the French countryside, Lily arrived in Hong Kong looking for an adventure. Passionate about books, she spent some time in Parisian publishing houses and is the author of an illustrated book about hair. Life in Hong Kong for her entails looking for seaside places to eat and a lot of hiking.
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