The 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair uniquely showcases rare and significant historical prints, manuscripts, and collectibles that attract the attention of its visitors, especially the younger generations. One of the stands that is keen to display unique art pieces is the "Doro" company, which specializes in presenting handcrafted books made of gold leaf. Rita Haj, the representative of the Doro stand, stated in a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that during their first participation in the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, the company is showcasing one of its most important pieces, the handcrafted book "Golden Horse," which is made with 24-carat gold leaf and is priced over 70,000 dirhams, manufactured in Italy. She added that the book is a unique artistic piece in terms of form and content, highlighting that its cover is made of natural leather and wrapped in silk, adorned with handcrafted bronze sculptures of galloping horses coated in 24-carat gold. The book consists of 99 copies documenting equine science and discusses various horse breeds and types from scientific, historical, mythical, and artistic perspectives, and includes many hand-painted illustrations and images of horse breeds.
Haj emphasized the importance of participating in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to benefit from the significant momentum of this important international event and the attendance of visitors from the region and around the world. Meanwhile, Peter Harrington’s bookstore is presenting during the fair the first edition of the first modern atlas of the world, which contains one of the oldest maps of the Arabian Peninsula and the first map of America featured in an atlas. It includes all editions of Ptolemy and is distinguished by its comprehensive and precise geographical content; this atlas was the most important in the 16th century and is for sale at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 for one million pounds, approximately "4.58 million dirhams."
The bookstore is also showcasing the rare first edition of "The Camel: Its Anatomy and Descent," designed by landscape artist Elia Walton, which is considered a masterpiece in anatomical study, likened to the famous painter George Stubbs’ portrayals of horses. On another note, Muhammad Asif, the owner of the rare books and manuscripts company "Iqteena," stated that his company is displaying a collection of rare books and ancient manuscripts at the fair, pointing out that among the most important items is a historical copy of the Holy Quran written in China around 500 years ago, adorned with gold leaf and priced at about 250,000 euros (approximately one million dirhams). Additionally, there is a rare manuscript from Al-Andalus titled "The Revelation of the Faces of the Seven Readings" dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, valued at 75,000 euros.
Asif clarified that the company is also presenting rare collections regarding the history of the Arabian Peninsula, along with some foreign books related to Arabs or the Middle East, particularly the collection of the book "One Thousand and One Nights," in addition to a distinctive collection of maps of the Arabian Peninsula and Asia, as well as a collection of books translated from Latin into Arabic in medicine, such as the works of "Ibn Sina," "Ibn Ajlan," and "Al-Zahrawi," among others.
