Meet Our Exhibitors: Henry Sotheran Ltd.

Can you give us a brief introduction to Sotherans?

Sotheran's is the longest established antiquarian bookdealer certainly in the UK, probably in Europe, and possibly in the world. We were founded in 1761 in York but since the nineteenth century we've been based in central London, during which time we have dealt with Charles Dickens's library, helped the Folger Library build their collection of Shakespeare folios, bought the estate of John Gould, and commissioned the fantastically bound Rubaiyat that went down with the Titanic. We're now carving a new niche in twentieth century avant garde literature while continuing with our traditional strengths in travel, natural history, antiquarian literature and prints.

What can people expect to find if they visit the Sotheran's stand at Chelsea Rare Book Fair?

They can expect a warm welcome and a well chosen selection of books from across our range at a variety of prices. There should be something for everyone, with well-known classics alongside some real surprises.

What is your favourite thing about exhibiting at Chelsea?

There is always a great buzz. The space feels quite intimate with its nooks and crannies, there is always a queue out onto the street of eager punters, and the energy is vibrant. People feel relaxed enough to chat, and a chat often leads to a sale that makes everyone happy.

What is your favourite item you’ll be exhibiting at Chelsea?

We have Arthur Waley's own copy of his 170 Chinese Poems, featuring his extensive manuscript notes in both English and Chinese. In some places he has essentially rewritten an entire poem in Chinese. The man's scholarship was astonishing and this volume gives you a unique view of his workshop. I hope it'll remind people how important this book was to the Modernist movement and the work of people like Ezra Pound - poor old Arthur seems a bit forgotten these days.

Is there anything you’ll be hunting for to add to your stock at Chelsea?

There's no particular shopping list, though if someone has a first edition of Darwin's Zoology of the Beagle knocking around they should say hello.

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You'll find Sotheran's on stand 17 at Chelsea Rare Book Fair