Brattle Book Shop owner Kenneth Gloss also serves as Chairperson for the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair.

The Somerville Times’ antiquarian book columnist and expert, Kenneth Gloss, is owner of the historic Brattle Book Shop in the Downtown Crossing section of Boston. Since 2000 he’s been seen with some frequency as a guest appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. He is also the Chairperson for this “Granddaddy” of Antiquarian Book Fairs. He says that “serious collectors as well as curious browsers will want to see what the many regional, national and international dealers have brought to display, sell, discuss and appraise during this three-day event.” He looks forward to meeting The Somerville Times readers.

The Fair is being held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s storied Back Bay on Friday through Sunday November 15, 16 and 17. With more than 150 dealers from the U.S., Canada, England, Germany, France and the Netherlands there will be rare, collectible and antiquarian books, illuminated manuscripts, autographs, maps, atlases, modern first editions, photographs plus fine and decorative prints.

One of the oldest and most respected antiquarian book shows in the country, the Fair is an event that offers the ‘crème de la crème’ of items that are available on the international literary market. Whether just browsing, buying or poking, there is something for every taste and budget such as books on art, politics, travel, gastronomy and science to sports, natural history, literature, music and children’s books.

One of the rare items that Kenneth Gloss will be presenting at the Fair is page one of the Chicago paper announcing Dewey’s win of the 1948 presidential race when Harry Truman won. The valuable paper of November 3, 1946 has Truman’s signature indicating that the paper is wrong.

Among the highlights of this year’s event are rare and first editions of works by Jane Austen, J.M. Barrie, Ian Fleming, George Orwell, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jonathan Swift, Percy Shelley; a hand-colored print of William Blake’s beloved poem, The Tyger, a dollar bill inscribed by John Lennon; the first issue of Playboy with Marilyn Monroe on the cover (and centerfold); and several pages from the original recording manuscript of The Kingston Trio’s Boston Anthem: Charlie on the MTA. Attendees are invited to bring their own books for a free appraisal on Sunday, November 17 from 1-3 p.m.

Seminars and events punctuate the weekend, including The Annual Ticknor Society Roundtable, a panel discussion of collectors talking about their collections. More events will be announced at the Fair. Folks can visit www.bostonbookfair.com for up-to-the-minute details.

The schedule for Friday, November 15 is from 5:00-9:00 p.m. with tickets at $15. Opening Night tickets are valid throughout the weekend.

Saturday, November 16 doors open from 12:00 Noon ‘til 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $8.

Sunday, November 17 the hours are 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 but are free for students with a valid student I.D.

The Hynes Convention Center is located at 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA.

The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Boston Public Library and the American Antiquarian Society. Tickets will be sold online at www.bostonbookfair.com and at the show’s box office during show hours. Further Book Fair information is also available at www.bostonbookfair.com or call 617-266-6540.

The Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair is produced by CommPromo.