Call for Submissions: 19th ILAB Breslauer Prize for Bibliography 2026
The World’s Leading Prize Honoring Original Contributions to the Fields of Bibliography and Book History
Authors, publishers, academics, scholars, and the book trade are invited to submit publications for the ILAB Breslauer Prize for Bibliography 2026! Please share this information widely in your circles.
The prize is awarded every four years, with a first prize of US$10,000 and second and third prizes of US$5,000 and US$3,000 respectively. In addition to the prize, the judges may, at their discretion, award Honourable Mentions to other deserving entries.
For the 2026 prize, a special award of US$1,000, generously sponsored by Asia Bookroom, will be offered for the best submission from an Asian publisher or author in the field of Asian bibliography, or book-related history. Submissions can be made in both English and Asian languages.
The International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), the world’s largest network of professional rare booksellers, organized this prize, funded by a gift from the noted antiquarian bookseller Bernard Breslauer (1918-2004). The purpose of the prize is to recognize the authors of the three or four best works, published or unpublished, in the field of scholarly bibliography, research into the history of the book or book trade, book design or binding, typography, exhibition and private library catalogs, manuscript and early printed books catalogs, or books of general interest on the subject.
Entries are not restricted to English-language publications: all languages and places of publication will be considered by an international jury.
One copy of the publication must be sent to the ABA/ILAB Library in London before March 2026, where all submissions for the prize are cataloged and held until the judges meet in the spring of 2026.
Submissions for the Prize should be sent to:
The International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
ILAB Breslauer Prize for Bibliography
c/o Peter Harrington
100 Fulham Road
SW3 6HS London, United Kingdom
About the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB):
Established in 1949, the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) is a global federation of 22 national antiquarian booksellers’ associations, representing over 1,600 affiliated rare booksellers based in 38 countries worldwide. ILAB-affiliated businesses share a worldwide reputation for high quality, knowledge, expertise, and experience and adhere to ILAB’s Code of Usages and Customs. ILAB strives to uphold and improve professional standards in the trade, to promote honorable conduct in business, and to contribute in various ways to a broader appreciation of the history and art of the book.
Questions & further enquiries:
Dan DeSimone, ILAB Breslauer Prize Secretary: desimonecompanybooks@gmail.com
Angelika Elstner, ILAB Executive Secretary: secretariat@ilab.org
Website & Archive of past prizes: www.ilabprize.org