Exceedingly Rare: IPP19 London (1999) Official Souvenir Book

From the Private Collection of the late Bill Darah

​Up for auction is the Official Records of the 19th International Puzzle Party (IPP19), held in London, England, in August 1999. These books were produced in extremely limited quantities—strictly for the invited attendees—and represent a finite piece of puzzle history that almost never appears on the secondary market.

​Elite Provenance

​This specific copy belonged to the late Bill Darah, a widely respected and deeply missed figure in the international puzzle community. Bill’s collection was renowned for its preservation and the high standard of care he provided for every item. Owning a piece from the Darah collection is a mark of distinction for any serious connoisseur.

​Condition: Pristine

​This book has been preserved in immaculate, collector-grade condition:

• ​Binding: The red-tape spine is tight and secure.
• ​Pages: Crisp, bright, and clean. No markings, highlights, or foxing.
• ​Cover: The minimalist red and black design is vibrant and free of shelf wear.

​Historical Significance: The Hordern London Year

​IPP19 was a landmark event organized by Edward Hordern, one of the most prolific collectors in history. This record includes:

• ​The Tower of London Treasure Puzzle: A detailed look at the magnificent gift presented to Edward Hordern, a safe puzzle that took Gary Foshee a year to build.
• ​The Exchange Catalog: A visual record of the puzzles swapped by the ~250 attendees—an invaluable tool for identifying and valuing rare vintage mechanical puzzles.
• ​Attendee Directory: A rare look at the "Who's Who" of the puzzle world in 1999, featuring photos of luminaries like Lennart Green, Frank Gregory, and the Horderns themselves.
• ​Organizer’s Foreword: A personal reflection by Edward Hordern on the success of the meeting and his philosophy on puzzle collecting.

​A Note on Integrity

​Out of respect for the designers and the traditions of the IPP community, I have intentionally excluded photos of the internal puzzle solution pages. These proprietary solutions are part of the intrinsic value of the book and will be revealed only to the winning bidder.

Shipping determined at close of auction.