Historian | Hon. BA, PGCert., MA, GDPS

This year’s 56th commemorative anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution is a prescient reminder of the power of society united to overcome forces superior in strength but devoid of the very basic and universal principles of freedom and justice. The 1956 Hungarian Revolution was not an isolated event, but rather a manifestation against the oppressive and murderous ideology of communism and its supreme representative: the Soviet Union. 1956 also represents an important milestone in my family’s history. In the winter of 1956, my grandparents and my father fled Hungary through Austria and settled in Canada to begin a new life. The hardships of several hundred thousand Hungarians who fled Hungary after the revolution marked a historical change for Hungary and Hungarians; and dealt a fatal blow against the “model world” communism falsely claimed to defend. It is important that history remember 1956 not as a singular event but the first nail in the coffin of the Iron Curtain and the insidious ideologies of the early 20th century. New chapters in history found their roots in the Hungarian Revolution, and it my sincerest desire that the world will not forget October 23, 1956.

Image courtesy of http://oktober23.kormany.hu/

The Toronto International Antiquarian Book Fair returns to Toronto this year from October 12-14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

“The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of Canada is pleased to announce the 2012 Toronto International Antiquarian Book Fair.

After a fifteen year hiatus, the 2010 Toronto International Antiquarian Book Fair was a great success and featured most of Canada’s finest as well as many top international antiquarian booksellers and attracted almost 1500 visitors. In 2012, this outstanding show will again bring booksellers and bibliophiles together for a three day event. Sponsored by the ABAC, the 2012 Toronto International Antiquarian Book Fair joins the prestigious San Francisco, New York and Boston fairs on the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers’ (ILAB) 2012 North American calendar.

As the only international antiquarian and collectible book fair in Canada, the TIABF features exhibitors from across Europe and North America. All exhibitors are members of their national associations and of the ILAB and are, therefore, among the world’s foremost booksellers. They will bring a wide ranging selection of books, maps, prints and manuscripts for your perusal – including travel and exploration; natural history, science and technology; children’s and illustrated; fine press and limited editions; modern first editions and signed volumes; antiquarian and incunabula; as well as interesting and unusual books of all kinds.

Whether you are an experienced or novice book collector, a librarian or an archivist, a scholar or an academic, or are simply interested in books and the book arts in general, you will find something to your taste. We invite you to visit the fair, explore the booths, and purchase the treasures on display. Come and enjoy the show.” – Original post from Toronto International Antiquarian Book Fair

http://www.torontoantiquarianbookfair.com/home.php