The History Behind Wiggins Fine Books
Wiggins Fine Books began as a result of my curiosity about the books and maps encountered in the course of researching my Wiggins family roots that go back to the 1640’s in Jamaica, Long Island.
As a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America I am committed to upholding the highest ethics in the trade. I hold membership in the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association and am its immediate past President. Bookselling as my business was born out of filling in for the owner at a local bookshop. But, when I attended my first New England Book Auction, I truly developed a taste for rare books and antique printed materials. The wonderful community of people involved further sparked my enthusiasm. After attending just a few auctions, I was hooked. I started exhibiting at book fairs and selling books online. I quickly realized that the book fairs were the most exciting. I began displaying at small regional book faIrs about ten years ago and have more recently taken on the challenge of shows in Boston and New York City. As a strong proponent of encouraging the next generation of booksellers and curators, in 2015 I co-founded the Northampton Book and Book Arts Fair held annually for its first four years at the Smith College Campus Center in Northampton, Massachusetts. The fair attracts printers, booksellers, paper makers, print dealers and artist book designers from the Northeast. Wiggins Fine Books is located in the charming village of Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, just steps from galleries, restaurants and the world famous Bridge of Flowers. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Meet Duane
It’s All About the People
There’s nothing like the face to face contact with young collectors, rare book curators, dealers, and people just walking in off the street to explore a book show.
I enjoy the “people” parts of my business the most; meeting other collectors and enthusiasts, sharing finds, and introducing newcomers to all that the world of antique print has to offer. Whether I’m catching up with old customers or making new friends, every book show is an opportunity for building and strengthening the rare book community.
Books in Boston @ Hilton Back Bay
Live book shows are back!
After seeing the enthusiasm and excitement evident in the few live shows that have taken place post-pandemic, my colleague Richard Mori and I recently launched a new show, Books in Boston @ Back Bay Hilton, that took place on October 28, 2023 and attracted 42 outstanding antiquarian book, photo and ephemera dealers to the well appointed ballroom of the Hilton just steps from the Hynes Convention Center, the location of the concurrently running Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair. We also promoted the recent Southern New England Antiquarian Book and Ephemera Fair that took place on September 23 and 24, 2022 on the UMass campus in Amherst. The show name dovetails nicely with Richard’s Northern New England show, taking place in Concord, New Hampshire the first weekend in June this year. Look for announcements for future shows in this space.
As published on Rare Book Hub in November 2024:
A NEW “SHADOW” HAS RISEN
From all accounts this was one of the most successful shadow shows in years, in terms of the quality of dealers on the floor, attendance, and sales. The feedback on the venue location, the Hilton Boston Back Bay, was significantly positive. Dealers reported great satisfaction with the “all under one roof” experience.
This year’s Boston “shadow show” returned to its roots 25 years after its birth at the Pilgrim Garage down Dalton Street. From all accounts the Hilton location, just a four-minute walk from the Hynes Convention Center, was a major draw as the opening crowd was dominated by many of the stalwarts in the rare book trade, along with youthful and established collectors. Libraries were also well represented and many were seen leaving with packages. The aisles were packed upon opening at 8.
The promoters, MW Book Fairs, by agreement with the promoter of the Boston Book Fair at the Hynes, gave free tickets to all dealers and the effort paid off with many recognized ABAA/ILAB dealers near the front of the line.
Books in Boston will be back on November 9, 2024. You should put that date on your calendar.
MW Book Fairs is run by Duane A. Stevens of Wiggins Fine Books ABAA, SNEAB and Richard Mori of Richard Mori books of Nashua, New Hampshire. Mark your calendars.
My Shelburne Falls gallery, with its eclectic mix of collectible books, antique maps and prints, may contain your next treasure!
Let’s set up an appointment and find out!
(413) 320-3701
