From Galileo to Grendizer: Eight rare finds at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Most people heading to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will leave with something new to read. But scattered among the stands, often encased in the glass displays dotted through the halls, are books, manuscripts and photographs that have already survived for hundreds of years, and in one case for almost two millennia. Rare-book dealers have been bringing their wares to Abu Dhabi for more…
<8 Rare Finds> at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair showcases rare books, manuscripts, and photographs spanning centuries of history. Here are eight notable items to look out for:
1. Fragment of Homer's Iliad: Two ancient papyrus fragments containing opening lines of Book II of Homer's Iliad, dating to around 1,850 years ago. One of only two surviving fragments of this particular papyrus.
2. First edition of Galileo's The Starry Messenger: A rare 1610 edition printed in Venice, containing observations made by Galileo using his telescope to study celestial bodies.
3. 1903 photograph from the Trucial Coast: A faded photograph taken aboard HMS Argonaut during Viceroy of India Lord Curzon's Gulf tour in 1903, featuring what may be the earliest known photo of a sheikh from the Trucial States.
4. Arabic book of wisdom from Renaissance France: A 1520-1525 Parisian translation of a 11th-century Fatimid Egyptian manuscript, featuring biographies, sayings, and moral teachings from ancient world figures.
5. Photographs of Sheikh Zayed in Pakistan: A collection of 183 photographs and negatives documenting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's visits to Pakistan in 1967 and 1970 before the UAE's formation.
6. Miniature Quran from Qajar Persia: A beautifully illuminated Quran from 1869 Persia, within its original lacquer binding, featuring intricate Arabic script and vibrant gold and blue illumination.
7. 1838 history of Arabia: A rare book by Andrew Crichton detailing Arabia's history, ancient and modern, displayed at the Anis Press stall in San Francisco.
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