This autumn, Madrid is once again immersed in the tunnel of time. From September 25 to October 12, the Paseo de Recoletos will be filled with booths with books, collectors and bibliophiles in the 35th Autumn Fair of Old and Antique Books of Madrid. This time it is dedicated to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carrol’s novel that celebrates the 160th anniversary of its publication.
The Madrid painter and illustrator Fernando Vicente has been commissioned to commemorate this children’s work and has placed Alice as the central protagonist of the official poster of the fair.
Organized by LIBRIS, the Association of Old Booksellers of Madrid, the 35th Autumn Fair of Old and Antique Books of Madrid will bring together 34 specialized bookstores from all over Spain and will make available to the public more than half a million books of different themes and for all budgets.
Alice falls in Recoletos
Fernando Vicente has been working as an illustrator for various magazines, advertising agencies and publishing houses since the 1980s. He has turned Alicia into the common thread of this literary event, linking her to the experience of strolling along the Paseo de Recoletos during the fair.
“I thought that the burrow where Alice chases the rabbit that Lewis Carroll himself describes with shelves with books, could be a reflection of the antiquarian book fair. So we can see Alice floating as she falls while reading a book and surrounded by all those characters that we all know”, explained the artist to the LIBRIS association.
In addition, Fernando Vicente has participated in the development of a literary deck that pays tribute to the characters of world literature. The 55 cards of the poker deck have been made by Naipes Heraclio Fournier and include works for children and young people, romance, adventure and horror.
Alice appears in the suit of hearts, along with other characters such as Peter Pan, Captain Hook or Little Red Riding Hood. The collection of playing cards can be purchased at the information booth of the Feria de Otoño del Libro Viejo y Antiguo de Madrid. It is also available on the author’s website for 19.50 euros.
Books and more books
Beatriz Miguel, president of LIBRIS, considers the work of Fernando Vicente is a real gem: “We are delighted with his work and totally convinced that the public who visit our fair will like it very much,” said the LIBRIS association.
After the success of previous editions, they return for their 35th edition with great enthusiasm. They will have the presence of 34 Spanish bookstores that will make available to the public copies of all kinds.
You will be able to find from books at 1 euro and pocket editions to the most expensive and valuable books. The most passionate collectors will be able to acquire first editions, original manuscripts, engravings and even incunabula, books printed before 1501, considered authentic treasures of the history of printing.
The fair can be visited from September 25 to October 12 on Paseo de Recoletos, from the Cibeles fountain to Almirante street. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
