ns, literary works and book art as well. Old Arabian manuscripts, rare historical prints, splendid illustrated volumes, advertising art and elaborately designed children’s books are examples that there [...] The conference is generously funded by the Fritz-Thyssen-Foundation. Presentations are given in English or German. The international market for manuscript has remained an elusive phenomenon. Individual [...] training and financial means were involved in establishing and growing collections: e.g. librarians, book dealers, Orientalist scholars, government agents and private patrons. Scholars, in particular, could