Firsts 2026: Revolution

From scientific discoveries to civil wars, the great transformations of human history have been recorded in ink. The history of the book is inextricably linked with the revolutionary moments that shaped politics, travel, technology, and printing itself. 2026 marks the 250thanniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the document that shaped the course of the American Revolution. In honour of this milestone, Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair has adopted ‘Revolution’ as its theme, celebrating the legacy of foundational works on paper by showcasing the books, manuscripts, maps, and ephemera that both recorded and actively created history. We invite collectors and enthusiasts to explore how the ideas captured in print became unstoppable forces that irrevocably altered the course of human civilisation.

Across three floors of London’s Saatchi Gallery, international rare book, print, map, and manuscript dealers will present a curated selection of material documenting revolutions of every kind. Discover the foundational texts of political revolutions, from the powerful pamphlets that sparked civil unrest to the philosophical treaties that defined new forms of government; trace the evolution of knowledge through scientific revolutions, exploring first editions by thinkers who challenged long-held dogma; and examine revolutions in print Itself — from Gutenberg’s printing press to the democratisation of knowledge through advancements in typography, illustration, and binding that pushed the boundaries of the book as an artistic medium and communication tool.

Firsts London 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter the rare documents that underpinned moments of upheaval, progress, and fundamental shifts in human understanding. Whether it’s a handwritten manifesto or a beautifully printed atlas, each item on display is a physical link to the profound power of revolutionary thought.