A Conversation with NYIABF Ambassador Alex Assouline

Alex Assouline is the President of Assouline, a luxury publishing house founded in Paris in 1994. Alex plays an essential part in the strategy and expansion of Assouline’s digital platforms and in developing business opportunities. He also oversees the company’s key departments, including marketing, communications, wholesale, retail, logistics, digital and interior design. Throughout the last thirty years, the brand has established a network of

international boutiques in prominent locations across the globe.

Alex is serving as an Ambassador for the 66th Annual ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, joining a dynamic group of passionate collectors, influencers, and industry leaders who are shaping the conversation around collecting, preservation, and the cultural importance of historical materials. Ahead of the fair, we had the opportunity to ask Alex a few questions.

Collection and &Inspiration

What do you collect? What is the most remarkable or unusual item in your collection, and how did it come into your hands?

I collect books and objects rooted in culture, travel, and craftsmanship. One of my favorites is a mid-century travel book, still marked with handwritten edits—I love books that have lived, imagining its past owner on adventures and now turning the same pages as them. There is something emotional about it.

Which past or present figure in the literary world do you most admire?

My father, he is a huge collector of all types of books—especially those that showed innovation during their times. He teaches me the respect of paper and the art of collecting with intent.

Is there a historic library, archive or reading room anywhere in the world that has left a lasting impression on you?

The Biblioteca Marciana in Venice. It’s a place where architecture, art, and knowledge come together—you really feel the weight of history there.

Lifestyle

What first sparked your love for rare books and literary history?

I grew up around books. At Assouline, we constantly get inspiration from older books, whether it's from a design, content or material point of view. It's fascinating to see how the art of bookmaking has evolved throughout the ages—and how, at its origin, books were some of the most precious assets one could possess, due to the time and skill necessary to write them by hand. Rare books provide incredibly useful historic information to understand the world and how it came to be today, but they are also the testimony of a moment in time that we need to protect preciously.

Which books or manuscripts are you currently researching or working with?

Travel books and photographic archives, exploring the fantastic universe of the explorer James Cook.

What non-book object, artwork, or place currently fuels your curiosity?

I am lucky to live in New York where we are surrounded by culture and art. I live by the auction house Christie's and I go almost there every weekend to look at the sales previews. I love it because it's so diverse, from modern art, to luxury watches, to design... you can see an individual's full collections, which really gives you insight into who they were and what they liked. 

Advice

What’s the first step you’d recommend to someone starting an antiquarian collection?

Start with instinct, not value. Buy what moves you. The antique book market is made of people who are deeply passionate. It's not speculative or short-paced, it's about preservation and knowledge so invest in what is important for you!

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about collecting?

It takes time to know a market, do not rush into buying something you are unsure about.

Plugs

What recent acquisition, exhibition or research project makes you most proud?

We constantly invest in R&D to push the boundaries of innovation in book-making with our historical Italian printer partner of 30-plus years. Waterproof books, covers made with mother of pearls, rubber-scented pages, etc.—we want to keep books at the forefront of innovation to answer today's consumer's taste for immersive and unique experiences.

Do you have any projects coming down the pipeline that you can share with? We'd love to share what you're working on with our followers!

I recently launched a line of library accessories called the "Library Collection." Think bookstands, bookends and other decorative pieces. This range is really to allow people to elevate the way they display books in their homes so they can take the center stage they deserve!

We made the line truly timeless with rich materials such as leather, walnut wood and brass, so it can complement both our titles and more vintage ones. We are working on expanding this collection into new objects for the library and study spaces—such as games and desk accessories.

What are you most looking forward to exploring or sharing at the next New York Antiquarian Book Fair?

At the New York Antiquarian Book Fair, I’m most excited by overlooked narratives. I love finding books on topics which I never expected to. For example, last year I found a manual on dentistry from the 1800s—the advice on there was definitely outdated! But I love quiet pieces that give us a small window into the past. I also go there with my team to look for inspiration: fonts, colors, materials, techniques—the artistry on display is truly endless.