Antonia Librería is located in Antonio Sola 67a, in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. In charge of this space is Selva Hernándezwho comes from the family of old books and has been dedicated for more than 30 years to the edition and design of books.
The history of the Antonia bookstore began when Selva had to close Through the mirror, its previous bookstore in the Roma neighborhood, during the pandemic. This closure was the end of a cycle, but also the opportunity for a new beginning. So Selva decided to transfer only 10 % of the total books of the previous headquarters to her home in the Countess; that is, around 15 thousand books. This change led to a bookstore in a homeless environment and that opened to transform it, in addition, a cafeteria.
The Selva Hernández designer by reading Tarot in Antonia Librería.Cristina Cruz.
Rare books and literary jewels: a book as an object
One of the attractions of the Antonia bookstore is its collection of Rare specimens and First editions that houses. Some of these specimens are considered authentic Bibliographic jewels for its historical value and its low availability. Among them, works such as the first edition of Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfoa fundamental title of Mexican literature, which, being an edition signed by the author himself, is of great value for collectors.
Along the same lines, the bookstore has books signed by figures as Diego Riverawhose autograph editions are extremely rare, or Illustrated books by artists like Francisco Díaz de Leónknown for its xylographs that portray the Mexican Revolution. In addition, on the library shelves can be found Ancient books of the nineteenth and early twentieth century, with original illustrations and limited shootings, which narrate the history of Mexico and the world through its pages and engravings.
Collection of books with tinted songs.Cristina Cruz.
View from the second floor of the Antonia bookstoreCristina Cruz.
The care that is sought in Antonia Librería with quality is not limited only to the content of your books, but also to its form. Books are carefully chosen by their design; In addition to those titles that have handmade binding, which may include materials such as leather or good quality paper. These editions not only have valuable texts, but they are also appreciated as Books-Object. An example of this are the Pop-up books or specimens with DROQUEADAS ILLUSTRATIONSwhich offer a unique tactile and visual experience.
These books not only serve to tell a literary history, but also tell Mexico's visual history through their images, this makes them very valued specimens for both their content and by their artistic value. And of course, those titles considered Best Seller or more commercial editorials.
Selva Hernández in the middle of the booksellers in Antonia. THE BOOK OFFICECristina Cruz.
Room with the personal selection of jungle booksCristina Cruz
More than a bookstore
More than a place to buy books, the bookstore offers a space where they are encouraged cultural encounters: Literary events, Talks with authors, open microphones and even tarot reading by jungle. This allows dialogues to flow and share in a cozy environment that is constantly transformed. Selva shares that his father told him that «the catalog is the bookstore» and that it is better to find a title in the bookseller than in an Excel so, the accommodation and order of space becomes vital. While Selva may not know all the books there, if you know where they can be located. That is why the place constantly transforms it where you most likely find it different during your second visit.
You can also rent A room on Airb & B on the second floor where the personal selection of jungle books is located. Those who stay can participate in Antonia's activities and workshops during their stay.
It is evident that not only books are sold in this space; It is a place where Passion for the book and stories You live and share. Each corner reflects the love for literature, design and art.