Antiquities, rare books and collecting: “Once upon a time… the Book” returns to Cesena

To the delight of bibliophiles, collectors and those who love to lose themselves in the pages of a volume from times gone by, the autumn edition of “Once upon a time… The Book”, the special dedicated to the world of antiques and modern book art, art prints and paper collecting. The appointment with the thirteenth edition of the event is set for Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023 in the pavilions of Cesena Fiera, in Cesena. The participation of around fifty specialized bookstores and dealers in vintage prints and cartography from every region of Italy (and beyond) has been announced, who will show off their most interesting ‘treasures’
And to remember how fragile the book heritage is and the damage it suffered due to the May flood, the photographic exhibition “Books and mud in flooded Romagna” by Giovanni Zaffagnini will also be hosted within the event. Through his shots, the devastating impact of the recent flood in Romagna on books is told. The exhibition, which was exhibited last summer at the Mambo in Bologna, is accompanied by a catalog published by Danilo Montanari Editore, with a preface by Marco Sangiorgi, which will be possible to purchase at the fair: the proceeds will be entirely donated to the libraries damaged by the flood of May 2023 in Romagna.
There are many precious ‘goodies’ available on the stands, especially regarding prints. You can admire “The Dove of Peace” by Pablo Picasso, an original lithograph from 1961 hand-signed by the artist, the “Bullfighting with butterflies” by Salvador Dalì and “L’enfance de Ubu” by Joan Mirò: these lithographs are also signed in pencil by their authors. But there are also two graphic works by Alberto Burri: “Acquaforte F” from 1975 and “Combustione 2” from 1965.

A curious relic is represented by the original postcard of the “A Santa Lucia” restaurant in Milan on which the autograph signature of the great Totò appears with the date 21 February 1949. It is not just any autograph: in fact, in this restaurant Totò invented the recipe for the “beaten” with oil, garlic, chilli pepper and oregano, with which the meat intended for him became softer. The restaurant, founded in 1929, still exists and is now located in Via S. Pietro All’Orto.
Obviously, as per tradition, you will be able to find on display a vast selection of ancient volumes, first editions, autographed books and bibliographic rarities from the 16th to the 20th century, as well as period prints and geographical maps, author’s graphics, historical photos , collectible paper material. In short, the ideal opportunity to hunt for interesting works and almost unobtainable pieces. This is the case of “The journey of the blue arrow”, the very first edition of Gianni Rodari’s book which, over time, was reprinted several times with the title “The blue arrow”. The volume is embellished by the beautiful colored cover designed by the painter Vinicio Berti, founder of Florentine abstract art. Berti will also present a rare “The Adventures of Pinocchio in comics”
As usual, “Once upon a time… the Book” is hosted in the framework of “Once upon a time…” the event dedicated to brocantage, vintage and antique workshops scheduled on the same days with over 200 exhibitors from all over the Peninsula .

Info
“Once upon a time… the Book” November 2023
Cesena Fiera – Pievesestina di Cesena (Fc)
Opening hours of the two days: from 9.00 to 18.30 (last access at 18)
Entrance: 3 euros. Free up to 14 years old and after 70