AbeBooks Logo

AbeBooks LogoAbeBooks Logo PNG

AbeBooks: Brand overview

AbeBooks came into being in 1995 as the brainchild of Rick and Vivian Poore and Keith and Kathy Waters. The company originated with the Poore family in Victoria, British Columbia, and was founded on the challenge of finding inexpensive college textbooks. After realizing that a niche was vacant, they envisioned a digital hub bridging the gap between sellers and lovers of used, old-fashioned, or hard-to-find books.

The following year, 1996, the AbeBooks.com platform was launched, opening the door for booksellers from around the world to showcase their collections to an international audience. Initially, the platform focused exclusively on the sale of unique, used, and rare books. As the number of sellers grew and convenient features such as wishlists and notifications became available, AbeBooks steadily grew in popularity.

By the turn of the millennium, there were more than 1,350 international booksellers on the platform. This growth trajectory led the company to acquire BookFinder.com in 2000 and enter Europe. Just two years later, in 2002, the company’s European presence was expanded with the acquisition of Germany’s JustBooks. By 2004, 13,500 booksellers had made AbeBooks their online haven.

A major milestone for the company came in 2008 when e-commerce giant Amazon acquired AbeBooks for $45 million. In doing so, the company maintained its independence. AbeBooks benefits from Amazon’s technological prowess and wide customer network. AbeBooks is a giant in its field and boasts a diverse collection of more than 120 million items, including books, art, and collectibles, offered by sellers in more than 50 countries.

Meaning and History

AbeBooks Logo History

What is AbeBooks?

AbeBooks is a favorite digital paradise for book lovers, collectors, and art connoisseurs! Created in 1995 by founders Rick and Vivian Poore and Keith and Kathy Waters, it has grown into a well-known international marketplace. With seven diverse websites, AbeBooks caters to a variety of interests and needs, serving shoppers around the world. AbeBooks is headquartered in the impressive city of Victoria, British Columbia. This company has gained worldwide recognition by bridging the gap between book, art, and collectibles lovers around the world.

2006 – today

AbeBooks Logo

The key theme of the logo of the online trading platform is a book flying around the world. It consists of two main elements: a bird symbolizing an open book and a title displayed as a web link. The bird spreads its wings, and they resemble pages. Both the endpapers and the forza are clearly visible. The head and torso act as a spine, and the tail is shaped like a bookmark. The designers drew it in such a way that the book is easily recognizable by the outline of the bird. Under it is a line with the domain address of the site. The letters in the text are smoothly rounded.

The wings resemble the pages of a book, making you dive into a new world. The tail as a bookmark is an interesting detail as if to say, “Hey, remember where you left off!”. The website address below keeps it real, reminding you where you can find all those cool books.

AbeBooks Logo Color Codes:

  • Red: Hex color:#c7032d; RGB:199 3 45; CMYK:0 98 77 22; Pantone:PMS 185 C
  • Black: Hex color code: #221f1f; RGB color code: 34, 31, 31; CMYK color code: 0, 9, 9, 87; Pantone color code: PMS Neutral Black C

FAQ

Does AbeBooks still exist?

AbeBooks continues to operate as an online marketplace for books, art, and unique items. The company was acquired by Amazon.com, Inc. in December 2008 and is headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with an additional office in Munich, Germany. The company has a global reach and operates through various international sites.

How does AbeBooks work?

AbeBooks is an international e-commerce platform that connects sellers and buyers. Books, art, and unique collectibles from around the world can be purchased on this marketplace.

Is AbeBooks owned by Amazon?

AbeBooks has been part of Amazon’s portfolio since 2008. The platform operates seven international sites and connects buyers with sellers in more than 50 countries. It has built its reputation on offering used, rare, and out-of-print books.

Can AbeBooks be trusted?

Indeed, AbeBooks has established itself as a legitimate source for acquiring out-of-print books, rare items, and artwork. Despite the safety and widespread use of the platform, buyers should remain cautious as the site is used by individual sellers, and there is always a risk of encountering fraud.