A Catalogue of Rare Books and Documents, Many Recent

Transcription

A Catalogue of Rare Books and Documents,
Many Recent Acqusitions from Fine Private Collections
AUTUMN 2014
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CONTENTS
77
32
SEPTEMBER 2014
2
17th - 19th Century Literature
26
Modern Literature
48
Science
62
Americana
110 History, Philosophy & Religion
62
204
129 Economics
134 Travel & Exploration
147 Music
154 Art, Architecture & Illustrated
169 Children’s Literature
176 Index
163
154
Front cover image:
Fine oil on canvas portrait of Sir Edmund Spenser, circa late 18th-early
19th century, in lovely gilt frame measuring 32 by 38 inches. $25,000.
191
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1 7 T H - 1 9 T H C E NTU R Y L I Te R ATU R E
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17th - 19th Century Literature
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samuel johnson
“The Most Amazing, Enduring And Endearing One-Man Feat”
1. JOHNSON, Samuel. A Dictionary of the English Language. London, 1755. Two volumes bound as three. Thick
folio (11 by 16-1/2 inches), contemporary full polished calf rebacked with original elaborately gilt-decorated spines
laid down (Volumes I and II), custom slipcases.
$48,000.
“It may be called the best of all
Dictionaries. There is in it a kind
of architectural nobleness; it
stands there like a great solid
First edition of the first great dictionary of the English language, Johnson’s
“audacious attempt to tame his unruly native tongue… combining huge
erudition with a steely wit and remarkable clarity of thought” (Hitchings, 3).
Examples of the Dictionary in contemporary bindings are most desirable, and
copies like this one, bound in three volumes near the time of publication
rather than in the common two, are exceptionally unusual.
“Dr. Johnson performed with his Dictionary the most amazing, enduring and
endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography… The preface ranks
square-built edifice, finished,
among Johnson’s finest writings… It is the dictionary itself which justifies
Noah Webster’s statement that Johnson’s writings had, in philology, the effect
symmetrically complete: you
which Newton’s discoveries had in mathematics” (PMM 201). Gathering 12Q
bound in twice. Courtney & Smith, 54-55. Rothschild 1237. Grolier 100.
judge that a true Builder did it.” Lowndes, 1217. Small armorial bookplates. Old pencil notations to Volume I
endpapers. Scattered light foxing, minor worming to gutter of gatherings 8G—Thomas Carlyle
8Q and lower margin of second volume through gathering 11N, Volume II title
page reinforced, with restoration to marginal tear, small restoration toward
gutter of rear free endpaper, Volume III, contemporary calf very handsome, some corners repaired. An superb copy
of this linguistic and literary landmark, splendid in contemporary bindings.
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john keats
“A Thing Of Beauty”
2. KEATS, John. Endymion: A Poetic Romance. London, 1818. Octavo, 20th-century
full brown morocco gilt, custom full morocco pull-off case. $15,000.
Rare first edition, first issue, of Keats’ first long poem and second published work, one
of only three books he published in his lifetime, his own self-proclaimed “leap headlong
into the sea,” and a work that contains one of the
most quoted phrases in Western literature,
“In Endymion, I leaped
handsomely bound in full morocco-gilt.
headlong into the Sea…
“The allegory of this poem, representing the poet in
pursuit of ideal perfection distracted from his quest
I was never afraid of
by human beauty, is autobiographical. So much that
when Oscar Wilde wished to speak sentimentally of failure; for I would sooner
Keats he called him Endymion” (Rosenbach
27:260). “If he had not written Endymion Keats’
fail than not be among
poetic progress would almost certainly have been
less astonishingly swift… [in the poem] he is saying the greatest.” –John Keats
that the deepest happiness for mankind lies in the
attempt to get in touch with the highest reality and that this may be achieved through the
apprehension of the beautiful” (Ian Jack). Rare first issue. Without scarce four-page
publisher’s catalogue bound at rear. MacGillivray A2. Ashler III:13. Title page owner
signature and collection number. Fine condition.
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andrew marvell
“Had We But World Enough And Time”: First Edition Of Marvell’s Miscellaneous Poems, 1681,
With First Printing Of “To His Coy Mistress” And Others
3. MARVELL, Andrew. Miscellaneous Poems. London, 1681. Small folio (8 by 12 inches), contemporary full brown sheep
rebacked and recornered.
$18,000.
First and only collected edition of Marvell’s poetry to be published
in his own century, containing the first printing of many poems,
including “To His Coy Mistress,” with scarce engraved frontispiece
portrait, a handsome wide-margined copy in contemporary boards.
“Had we but world enough and time,
This coyness, lady, were no crime.
Very few of Marvell’s poems, and none of his important metaphysical We would sit down, and think which way
poems, were published in his lifetime. Evidence exists that the
woman who called herself “Mary Marvell” may only have been To walk, and pass our long love’s day. ”
Marvell’s housekeeper, claiming to be his widow in order to inherit a
small sum. This copy is complete with the rare engraved frontispiece portrait of Marvell, and Mary Marvell’s address “To The
Reader,” both of which are often missing. This is, as in all known copies but two, the second issue, omitting the suppressed
poems (pages 117-130) in praise of Cromwell. Pforzheimer 671. Wither to Prior 536. Wing M872. Hayward 126. Bookplates
of highly renowned bibliophile Thomas Jefferson McKee, whose “knowledge and judgment of books were of a rare order”
(New York Times). Interior generally fresh with engraved frontispiece portrait trimmed and mounted, occasional expert
archival marginal repair, minor edge-wear to boards. An extremely good copy of this preeminent literary work.
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william shakespeare
“Incomparably The Most Important Work In The English Language”:
The Second Folio Of Shakespeare, 1632
4. SHAKESPEARE. Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies. Published according to the true Originall
Copies. The Second Impression. London: Printed by Tho. Cotes, for Robert Allot, 1632. Folio (9-1/2 by 13 inches), mid 19th-century
full crushed red levant morocco gilt rebacked with original spine laid down, custom clamshell box. $310,000.
The extraordinarily rare 1632 Second Folio of Shakespeare’s plays, with engraved title page portrait of Shakespeare by Droeshout. A
lovely first-issue copy, with ample margins, very handsomely bound in full morocco-gilt by Capé. It is believed there are fewer than
200 copies, many of which are incomplete or defective. This edition contains the first appearance of John Milton in print. The four
folios of Shakespeare are the first four editions of Shakespeare’s collected plays. These were the only collected editions printed in
the 17th century (a 1619 attempt at a collected edition in quarto form was never completed). The Second Folio, like the First Folio
of 1623, contains 36 plays, all the plays that are considered to be wholly or in part by Shakespeare (with the exception of Pericles,
which was added to the Third Folio edition of 1663). “The folios are incomparably the most important work in the English language”
(W.A. Jackson, Pforzheimer Catalogue). The folios of Shakespeare, because of their incalculable impact on the language, thought
and literature of our world, are the most desirable of all English language books, the prize of any collection.
The Shakespeare Folios “have an aura of book magic about them. For a bibliophile it is a volume devoutly to be wished for and
rarely attained; to a library it is a crowning jewel of a collection. Shakespeare, indeed, is a name to conjure with. No lengthy explanations are needed; he is simply the most distinguished author in the English language” (Legacies of Genius, 36). It may seem strange
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that the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s works did not appear until seven years after
his death, and that 17 of the 36 plays had never been published before (and might have
been lost had the folios not been printed). But in the 17th century, plays were not routinely
printed and often survived only in manuscript form. They were not considered “serious literature” in the sense that poetry was, so the publishing of a play was not likely to bring
social prestige to the author, nor was there a great market for the published work; plays
were to be performed and attended, not read. “Had Shakespeare not enjoyed the affection
of his fellow actors his plays might not have survived. About three-fourths of the prolific
output of playwrights in his lifetime has disappeared. But Shakespeare’s fellow actors, as a
token of friendship to him, did us the great service of preserving the texts of his plays when
they arranged publication of the
“For a bibliophile it is a volume devoutly First Folio in 1623. What other
playwright of that age was so well
to be wished for and rarely attained;
served by his fellows? The First Folio
Shakespeare, the compilers exto a library it is a crowning jewel of a
plained, was published not for profit
but ‘only to keep the memory of so
collection.” –Legacies of Genius
worthy a friend and fellow alive as
was our Shakespeare” (Boorstin). It
is estimated that no more than 1000 copies of the Second Folio were printed, and it is believed less than 200 copies are still in existence today, many of which are incomplete or
defective. The Second Folio corrects some textual errors of the First Folio and is notable for
containing the first appearance of John Milton in print, his anonymous “Epitaph on the admirable Dramaticke Poet, W. Shakespeare,” composed about two years before the publication of the Second Folio while he was still a student at Cambridge. Second folio edition, first
issue, Todd’s imprint setting “A,” State 1b. This copy is complete with original engraved
portrait by Martin Droeshout, printed from the same plate as the portrait in the First Folio, in
third state, as usual (Grolier, 6). Leaves A6, Cc2, n4, o1, q2-4 and pp6 slightly smaller (with
repair to corner of pp6), possibly supplied from another copy of the same edition. Bookplate.
“To the Reader” leaf neatly remargined along inner hinge, with a very few letters in facsimile; portrait title page mounted. Final three leaves expertly remargined, with portions of
some borders and the occasional word or letter supplied in neat ink facsimile; cc1 with
neatly repaired closed tear extending a few inches into The Winter’s Tale text but not affecting legibility; likewise bbb3 in Cymbeline; a very few other leaves throughout with neat
marginal repairs, typically along lower edge and not reaching to border. Morocco-gilt binding expertly restored and quite lovely. A lovely complete copy with no facsimiles.
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william shakespeare
Important Second Appearance Of Shakespeare’s Collected Poems, 1709
5.
SHAKESPEARE, William. A Collection of Poems, in Two Volumes. London,
1709. Two volumes in one, as issued. Small octavo, contemporary full brown calf
rebacked with original spine laid down, custom clamshell box.
$17,000.
Scarce second appearance of Shakespeare’s collected poems, preceded only by
the very rare 1640 edition; this is the first collection to include “Venus and
Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece,” omitted in the 1640 edition.
This volume, edited by Charles Gildon, also includes “The Passionate Pilgrim” and
“Sonnets to Sundry Notes of Musick” and is essentially the first collected edition of
Shakespeare’s longer poems. Tonson published Rowe’s edition of Shakespeare’s
plays in 1709; he only had rights to the Fourth Folio plays, however, and Lintott
evidently brought out this new edition of the poems to complement the plays. This
copy is second issue, with the four sectional title pages bearing dates of 1609 (in
contrast to the dates of 1630, 1632, 1599, and 1599 found in first-issue copies).
Jaggard, 433-34. Ford, 37-39. With the gilt armorial stamp of the Society of Writers
to the Signet, a prominent private society of Scottish lawyers. Contemporary owner
signatures including to title page. Early ink annotation. Some foxing throughout; a
bit of marginal dampstaining to lower corner of last several leaves. Corners rounded.
A very good copy of this scarce edition.
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william shakespeare
“In Importance And Interest, This Edition Ranks Second Perhaps To The Folios”
6.
SHAKESPEARE. The Works. Six volumes. WITH: The Works… Containing, Venus & Adonis. Tarquin & Lucrece And His
Miscellany Poems. London, 1709, 1710. Seven volumes in all. Octavo, contemporary full paneled calf gilt, custom chemises and
slipcases. $22,000.
First issue of Rowe’s Shakespeare, the first octavo and first illustrated edition of
Shakespeare’s works, including the first edition of the additional seventh volume
containing the poems, published separately. This is the first collected edition of
Shakespeare’s plays to appear after the four 17th-century folios.
“In importance and interest, this edition ranks second perhaps to the editio princeps. It
is the first manual text, the first to present a biography of the poet, the first to bear an
editor’s name, the first to possess illustrations, and the first of an endless army of
editions in octavo. The text is copied from the fourth folio of 1685... The attributed plays
are found also in this version, and the plates are of no small value because of their
contemporary costume” (Jaggard, 497). “In 1710 a supplementary volume [included in
this set] was published containing the Poems… Though it is designated `Volume the
Seventh’ it does not belong to the edition, though with it a set is esteemed the more”
(Ford, 12). With 45 engraved plates and engraved portrait frontispiece repeated in
Volumes II-VI (without frontispiece in Volume I, as often). First issue, with all of Ford’s
first issue points. “Sets in contemporary binding in untouched state [as here] are
scarce” (Ford, Shakespeare, 9). A few early owner signatures, notes. Contemporary full
calf bindings sound with some age-wear; interiors generally clean with a few scattered
light stains. A very good complete set of this rare and important edition.
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7.
SHAKESPEARE, William. The National Shakespeare. A
Facsimile of the Text of the First Folio of 1623. Illustrated by
Sir J. Noel Paton. London, 1888-89. Three volumes. Large folio,
original full black morocco gilt. $4200.
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First edition, “special” issue, of this handsome illustrated typefacsimile of Shakespeare’s First Folio in three large volumes:
Comedies, Histories and Tragedies.
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The fabled First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays appeared in 1623.
This “Special Edition” type-facsimile is beautifully printed on
handmade paper, bound in publisher’s full morocco and
illustrated with “India-proof impressions” of 20 splendid photoengraved plates by Sir Joseph Noel Paton, who was “immensely
successful” as not only a painter but also a sculptor and poet
(Houfe, 253). Each volume with frontispiece reproducing a
known portrait of Shakespeare; “Histories” volume also contains
a view of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Prospectus
bound into “Comedies” volume. Jaggard, 551. Occasional light
foxing and soiling, bindings lovely, gilt bright. A very nearly fine
copy of an impressive production.
“The Art Of Living Well”: Boccaccio’s Decameron,
The First English Translation, 1620 And 1625,
Scarce In Contemporary Calf
8.
BOCCACCIO, Giovanni. The Modell of Wit, Mirth, Eloquence
and Conversation. Framed in Ten Dayes, of an Hundred Curious
Pieces. BOUND WITH: The Decameron. London, 1625, 1620. Tall
quarto, contemporary full blindstamped brown calf. $17,000.
First complete translation into English of Boccaccio’s sparkling
portrait of love, lust and exuberant life, even in the face of death—
the second edition of Volume I and the first of Volume II, as virtually
always. Scarce in contemporary calf.
Boccaccio composed his masterpiece sometime between 1348 and
1352. “One of the really great books of the world, the model upon
which is based the art of short-story writing” (Rosenbach 28:46).
“This is the first complete translation of the Decameron into English.
The woodcut vignettes which form the title are interspersed
throughout the two volumes, one being given to each separate novel.
A second edition of the first volume was issued in 1625 [here
present]. The name of the translator is unknown” (Wither to Prior
250), although some authorities suggest John Florio, who prepared
an important Italian-English dictionary in 1598 and who tutored
Queen Anne in Italian. “No complimentary edition of the second volume was published, possibly because, when the present was
called for, Jaggard was still able to supply copies of the first edition” (Pforzheimer 72). This is the first edition (1620) of Volume II (The
Decameron) and the second edition (1625) of Volume I, as is usual. Volume I with early inked inscriptions, signatures to title page
and rear blank, occasional early marginalia. Volume II with small marginal area of one leaf excised not affecting text (Volume II, Oo3).
Interior generally fresh with light scattered foxing, one leaf with small open tear expertly restored, faint occasional marginal
dampstaining, mild rubbing to boards.
“The Play’s The Thing”: Superb Type-Facsimile Of Shakespeare’s First Folio,
Beautifully Bound And Illustrated
chaucer
“Foremost Among Writers In The English Language”:
Important First Speght Edition Of Chaucer, 1598
9.
CHAUCER. The Workes of our Antient and Learned English Poet, Geffrey Chaucer, newly Printed. London, 1598. Folio,
contemporary full dark brown calf rebacked and recornered. $18,000.
First edition of Chaucer to be edited by Thomas Speght, the sixth overall and last of
the 16th century, and the most recent Chaucer edition available when Shakespeare
was adapting Chaucer’s Troilus to his own Troilus and Cressida (1601-2). Featuring the
first inclusion of two works, “Chaucer’s Dream” and “The Flower and the Leaf,” now
considered apocryphal, along with the engraved title page and portrait of Chaucer.
This edition, published at the height of the Elizabethan era, was an important influence
on many of the day’s great writers. “The most remarkable feature of this edition is the
glossary which was largely the editor’s production and was the main object of Francis
Thynne’s Animadversions” (Pforzheimer). In this copy the scarce copper-engraved
frontispiece portrait of Chaucer after Hoccleve—“the first engraved portrait of Chaucer”
(Grolier, Langland to Wither 43)—has been supplied from another copy of the first
edition, with a faint fold line horizontally through the center of the plate and bound in
slightly askew. The tales preceded by the full-page woodcut of Chaucer’s arms, and
woodcut-engraving of “The Knight.” First issue of this edition, according to STC. Ink
stamp on verso of title page and final text leaf. Occasional faint embrowning. Repaired
closed tear at lower edge of title page. Very good condition, a scarce volume.
john donne
John Donne is remembered as “one of the most celebrated preachers of his age as well as
its greatest non-dramatic poet” (Drabble, 283). Of Donne’s estimated 180 sermons, 160
survive. “The sermons are not only rich in learning and curious lore: they are characteristically personal and powerful in their phrasing… At his most characteristic, [Donne] is the
spokesman before God of a virile, unconquerable humanity (Norton Anthology, 918). With
ornamental woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces. LXXX Sermons without engraved frontispiece portrait and first leaf, a blank. LXXX Sermons: STC 7038. Keynes 29. Grolier Club 62.
Lowndes, 660. Fifty Sermons: Wing D1862. Keynes 30. Grolier Club 64. Lowndes, 660.
Armorial bookplate of J.E.B. Mayor, librarian of St. John’s College, Cambridge (1864-66).
Latin bookplate identifying the book as from the library of Francis Hutchinson (1871-1947),
literary scholar and Church of England clergyman; a “modest, careful, sensitive scholar” of
Caroline poetry, Hutchinson was, at his
death, “at work on a life of John Donne”
(DNB). Occasional pencil markings,
marginalia (including notations of
mispaginations in Fifty Sermons).
Scattered light foxing, LXXX Sermons
with closed tear to leaf [Q6], inner paper hinges reinforced, light
age-wear to distinguished contemporary calf. A handsomely
bound volume containing two
rare and significant first editions, in excellent condition,
with notable provenance.
Extremely rare first editions of the first two separately published collections of sermons by
“the outstanding preacher of his day” and one of the greatest poets in the language
(Baugh et al., 613), two landmarks of English literature and piety bound together in
handsome contemporary calf.
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10.
DONNE, John. LXXX Sermons Preached by that Learned and Reverend Divine,
John Donne… BOUND WITH: Fifty Sermons… London, 1640, 1649. Two volumes bound
as one. Thick folio (9 by 13-1/2 inches), contemporary full calf rebacked. $18,000.
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“The Spokesman Before God Of A Virile, Unconquerable Humanity”:
Rare First Editions Of John Donne’s LXXX Sermons (1640) And
Fifty Sermons (1649), Bound Together In Handsome Contemporary Calf
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The Novels Of Jane Austen,
The Noted Winchester Edition
11. AUSTEN, Jane. The Novels.
Edinburgh, 1911-12. Twelve volumes.
Octavo, contemporary three-quarter
brown morocco gilt. $7000.
“Winchester edition” of Jane Austen’s
works, in handsome contemporary
bindings by Riviere & Son.
Includes Pride and Prejudice, Sense
and Sensibility, Emma, Northanger
Abbey, Mansfield Park, Persuasion,
Lady Susan (her epistolary novel), The
Watsons (unfinished at her death) and
her letters (edited by her nephew).
With frontispiece portrait in Volume I.
Austen’s novels were first published 1811-18. The Winchester edition of Austen’s novels was first
published in 1898; this Edinburgh publication of the edition was the first to include Austen’s letters.
Gilson E91. Fine condition.
Blake’s Songs Of Innocence And Of Experience,
First Letterpress Edition, 1839,
Containing The Poem, “The Little Vagabond,”
Seen In Very Few Copies
12. BLAKE, William. Songs of Innocence and of
Experience. London, 1839. Octavo, original plum cloth
recased, custom full morocco clamshell box. $14,000.
First edition set in type of Blake’s most important poems, preceded only by the virtually unobtainable first
issue which Blake himself hand-printed and hand-colored. This desirable copy with the “The little Vagabond”
present on leaf F4 (seen in few copies).
“In 1838 Mr. Charles Augustus Tulk lent Mr. Wilkinson a
copy of Wm. Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience,’ a copy of Blake’s own
making… The delicacy and spiritual simplicity of the Songs made a deep impression on Garth Wilkinson… His brother William, holding no lower opinion came forward with the necessary funds... It is of much bibliographic interest, but the edition
was probably a small one, and the book is now somewhat rare” (Keynes). Two versions of the first edition text are found: with and without the poem “The Little
Vagabond” on leaf F4r. Most copies appear without the poem—this exceptional
copy contains “The Little Vagabond.” Priority is now in dispute. Some believe that the
poem was inadvertently omitted from the volume and was added later by the publisher. Others argue that the Church took offense at
the poem (its being a criticism of the Church by a hungry child) and persuaded the publisher to remove it. Regardless, copies containing the poem are most rare and desirable. Booklabel of Pamela Lister, whose husband, Raymond, owned Golden Head Press.
Bookplate. Owner signatures. Only a few scattered spots to interior, expert restoration to cloth. A desirable copy in near-fine condition.
13. BYRON. Don Juan. London, 1819-21; 1823-24. Six volumes. Quarto
(Volume I), contemporary three-quarter brown calf gilt; octavo (Volumes
II-VI), period-style three-quarter brown calf gilt.
$17,000.
First Edition Of Cooper’s Deerslayer
14. COOPER, James Fenimore. The Deerslayer: Or, the First War-Path.
Philadelphia, 1841. Two volumes. Large 12mo, original purple muslin. $4800.
First edition in original cloth of the last in Cooper’s series of Leatherstocking
Tales. A superb copy.
Although it was the last of Cooper’s five Leatherstocking Tales to be published,
The Deerslayer is the first in the sequence’s internal chronology. “Cooper’s
greatest work is undoubtedly found in the Leatherstocking Tales… His position
as the first great American novelist is secure” (Fullerton, 67). Spiller & Blackburn
32. BAL 3895. Wright, American Fiction 1774-1850 589. Original cloth bindings
in exceptional condition, with fragile paper spine labels intact and very legible,
far nicer than typically found, interiors quite clean and bright. An outstanding
copy in original cloth of this American classic.
“The War and Peace of English poetry, Don Juan contains… an epic
sweep that moves from Spain, to the East, and to Russia before ending in
England… At the same time that Byron’s broad canvas foretells the scope
of the great 19th-century novels” (Eisler, 610). When Cantos I through V
appeared, they did so without the name
of either author or publisher on the title
page. Publisher John Murray refused to
print Byron’s dedicatory poem, which
ridiculed English poet laureate Robert Southey, and Byron refused to put his name on a censored
publication. Because of Byron’s change from his long-standing publisher Murray to John Hunt
(brother of writer Leigh Hunt) midway through Don Juan, complete first-edition copies with all
cantos are scarce. Bound without half titles, as often. Original drab paper wrappers and spine labels
for Volume II and III (Cantos III-VIII) bound in at rear of those volumes. Two of the inserted
engravings—which were originally issued in quarto format—have been trimmed close, affecting
imprints (preceding the octavo Cantos III and VI). Small bookplates. Mild foxing and a bit of wear to
contemporary binding of Volume I, with minor leather restoration along spine. Remaining volumes
remarkably clean and fine. A desirable and scarce first edition set.
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Scarce first editions of Byron’s great work—Cantos I-XVI complete in six
volumes, with Volume I first issue, in quarto format—this copy extraillustrated with fine engraved frontispiece portrait of Byron and four
copper-engraved plates from Finden’s 1835 Beauties of Byron inserted
before Cantos I, II, III and VI.
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“The War And Peace Of English Poetry”:
Byron’s Masterpiece, Don Juan, 1819-24,
Fine First Edition Of All Cantos
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arthur conan doyle
“It Is My Business To Know What Other People Don’t Know”
15. CONAN DOYLE, Arthur. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. WITH: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. London, 1892, 1894.
Two volumes. Octavo, original pictorial black- and gilt-stamped light blue and dark blue cloth, custom clamshell box. $17,000.
First editions in book form of these classic stories starring literature’s most famous detective, illustrated by Sidney Paget.
Sherlock Holmes first appeared in the novel A Study in Scarlet (1887), but his adventures in the Strand Magazine would bring
both him and his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, lasting fame. “The initial 12 tales were collected between covers as The Adventures
of Sherlock Holmes, published in England and America in 1892; and 11 of the second 12… as The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes,
published in 1894. If any reader be prepared to name two other books that have given more innocent but solid pleasure, let him
speak now— or hold his peace!” (Haycraft, 50). Adventures in first-issue binding, with blank street sign on front cover illustration.
Green & Gibson A10a, A14a. DeWaal 520, 596. Scattered light foxing and soiling, particularly to Memoirs. Text blocks expertly
reinforced. Original cloth exceptionally nice and fresh, with only minor rubbing, gilt bright; Adventures with small, stray ink mark
to rear board. A beautiful set.
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First Edition Of De Quincey’s Confessions Of An
English Opium-Eater, 1822
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DE QUINCEY, Thomas. Confessions of an English
Opium-Eater. London, 1822. Small octavo, early 20th-century
full green morocco gilt. $3000.
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First edition of De Quincey’s autobiographical classic, handsomely
bound by Riviere & Son.
De Quincey first published this account of his addiction to opium in
the October and November 1821 issues of London Magazine; it drew
much attention, and this first printing
in book form appeared in 1822.
With half title. Without the rare advertisement leaf. CBEL III: 649.
Lowndes, 2026. A few faint stains to
preliminaries, mild rubbing to joints,
spine toned to brown. A handsome
copy in very nearly fine condition.
“Infused Much More Of The Simple Majesty…
Than Pope”: Cowper’s Homer
17. HOMER. (COWPER, William, translator). Iliad and Odyssey
of Homer, Translated into English Blank Verse, by W. Cowper.
London, 1791. Two volumes. Large quarto, contemporary full
tree calf rebacked with original spines laid down, custom cloth
slipcase. $3200.
First edition, “royal paper” copy, of William Cowper’s lauded
translation, a large, wide-margined copy in handsome contemporary tree calf.
Driven by his dissatisfaction with the ornament and sophistication
of Pope’s translation, Cowper began a six-year struggle to render
into lucid English the works of Homer. The result was a translation
in blank verse, which held more closely and faithfully to the original
Greek than any previously attempted. Per Rothschild, a “royal
paper” copy in original boards measures 9-3/4 by 12-1/4 inches;
the present royal paper copy is only slightly smaller, due to minor
trimming of the uncut edges when bound. Rothschild 684. Trace
of foxing to title pages and prelims; minor wear to original spines.
A lovely large-paper copy.
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Wonderful Emerson Letter:
“I Am A Confirmed Tavern-Goer”
18.
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo. Autograph Letter Signed.
Concord, 2 March, Tuesday evening. Octavo, two pages on
single folded sheet. $2800.
Excellent Emerson autograph letter in which he declines an
invitation, noting “I am a confirmed tavern-goer, to that
extent, that I can seldom enter a private house where a
public one is open.” Signed by Emerson.
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Emerson’s letter is addressed to Mr. Fields, most likely of
Ticknor and Fields, and reads: “My dear Sir, I have just
received your note bringing me an unexpected by most
hospitable invitation. You have my kindest thanks, but I am a
confirmed tavern-goer, to that extent, that I can seldom enter
a private house where a public one is open, and indeed had
already declined other invitations for this coming Wednesday,
when your kind note arrived. Yours with great regard, R. W.
Emerson.” Tape hinge to blank side of sheet, very fine condition.
“His Fame… Rests Securely Upon The Fact That
He Had Something Of Importance To Say”: Magnificent
Doves Press Deluxe Edition Of Emerson’s Essays:
One Of Only 25 Copies Printed Entirely On Vellum
19.
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo. Essays. With Preface by Thomas Carlyle.
Hammersmith, 1906. Large octavo, original full limp vellum, contemporary
chemise and half morocco slipcase. $14,000.
Deluxe Doves Press edition of Emerson’s Essays, one of only 25 copies
beautifully printed on vellum by the Doves Press (out of a total edition of 325
copies), in lovely publisher’s full vellum. Rare.
The Doves Press was one of the greatest of the private presses., its books
characterized by a stark simplicity, “dependent for their beauty almost entirely
upon the clarity of the type, the excellence of the layout, and the perfection of
the presswork” (Cave, 147). Originally published in 1841, “the Essays’ ethical
inspiration and stimulation, their occasional startling phrase, their individualistic
idealism, which stirred renascent Yankee New England to its depths, speaks
with the same simple power and force in the midst of modern complexities”
(Grolier American: 47). Owner signature of William Targ, the famed editor, publisher and bibliophile. At 22, Targ “opened his own
bookshop and began to amass what would eventually become a collection of thousands of rare books and first editions.” Targ
eventually became a powerful and beloved editor-in-chief at Putnam’s. On retiring in 1979 Targ founded the press Targ Editions,
famed for its select publication of prized works, each “beautifully printed, by letter press, and bound, in limited editions signed by
the authors” (New York Times). A fine copy. Rare.
“She Was Doomed To Be Seen And Marked
And Coveted By The Wrong Man”
“One Of The Peaks Of English Fiction”
21.
HARDY, Thomas. The Mayor of Casterbridge: The Life and Death
of a Man of Character. London, 1886. Two volumes. Octavo, early 20thcentury three-quarter red morocco, custom slipcase.
$5000.
Extremely scarce first edition of this classic of 19th-century fiction,
handsomely bound by Riviere.
Written during Hardy’s greatest period of achievement as England’s
foremost “regional novelist,” this classic of 19th-century English literature
is “the first major poetic novel in English since Wuthering Heights, and it
remains one of the peaks of English fiction… The Mayor is good enough to
have recalled Lear to many” (Seymour-Smith, 323-25). With half titles;
without publisher’s advertisements. Webb, 19-20. Purdy, 50-54.
Bookplates. Occasional mild soiling to text; expert repair to rear joint of
Volume II. An extremely good copy.
With his novel Tess, Hardy first came into conflict with the dictates of
conventional Victorian morality. After two editors had asked Hardy for
changes, he decided instead “not to offer the novel intact to the third
editor [Arthur Locker of the Graphic] on his list… but to send it up with
some chapters or parts of chapters cut out, and instead of destroying
those to publish them, or much of them, elsewhere… till they could be
put back in their places at the printing of the whole in volume form”
(Seymour-Smith, 411). “The publication of the novel created a violent
sensation. Some reviewers were deeply impressed, but most considered
the work immoral, pessimistic, extremely disagreeable’” (Drabble, 972).
Tess was serialized in the newspaper Graphic from July 4 through December 26, 1891 (Webb, 62), “deliberately modified to suit the
delicacy of editors” (DNB). Volume I is first issue. Volume II and Volume II are the 1892 second issue (Purdy, 67-78). Webb, 24-27.
Sadleir 1114. Evidence of bookplate removal. Interiors generally clean. Light rubbing to original cloth with light red staining to rear
bottom outside corner of Volume II and the front bottom outside corner of Volume III. An extremely good copy.
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First edition of Hardy’s greatest novel, mixed issues, in original cloth.
“Unquestionably one of the greatest novels written in the last century…
among the immortal works of English literature” (Rosenbach 29:188).
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20.
HARDY, Thomas. Tess of the D’Urbervilles. A Pure Woman
Faithfully Presented. London, 1891-92. Three volumes. Octavo, original
gilt-stamped tan cloth. $8500.
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20
Victorian Limited Edition Of Thomas More’s Utopia, One Of 100 Copies On Special Paper
22. MORE, Thomas. Utopia: Written in Latine by Syr Thomas More,
Knyght, and translated into Englyshe by Raphe Robynson… With
copious Notes and a Biographical and Literary Introduction by the
Rev. T.F. Dibdin. Boston, Lincolnshire, 1878. Octavo, mid 20th-century
three-quarter brown morocco gilt. $3200.
Limited edition of More’s classic work of social analysis and philosophy,
inscribed by the publisher: “One hundred only on this paper, of which
this is No. Twenty-eight, R. Roberts,” handsomely bound by Birdsall.
“In Utopia More is concerned to show that the old, medieval institutes,
if freed from abuse, are the best” (PMM 47). With engraved frontispiece
portrait and double-page engraving of More’s family after drawings by
Hans Holbein, as well as several engraved borders, initials, head- and
tailpieces and vignettes. Title page printed in red and black. Original
printed paper spine label affixed to the leaf following advertisements at
rear. Utopia was first published in Latin in 1516; Raphe Robinson’s
1551 translation, used here, remained the only English translation until
1684. Dibdin’s annotated edition was first published in 1808. This
edition issued in several limitations, including 575 numbered copies
signed by publisher Roberts (100 on toned paper, as here, and 475 on
white), 50 large-paper copies initialed by him and 30 large-paper copies
signed by him. A fine copy, handsomely bound.
Algernon Charles Swinburne’s Copy Of Poe’s Works
23. POE, Edgar Allan. The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Edited by
John H. Ingram. Edinburgh, 1874-75. Four volumes. Small octavo,
19th-century three-quarter red morocco gilt. $4000.
Algernon Charles Swinburne’s copy, inscribed on the dedication
leaf by the editor John H. Ingram: “To A.C. Swinburne with the
Editor’s best wishes.” Tipped in is a slip of paper which reads (in
Ingram’s hand): “From John H. Ingram, Howard House… London.”
Handsomely bound by Stikeman.
After his death, Poe’s reputation suffered under the willful misrepresentation of his literary executor, critic Rufus Griswold. In an attempt to set the record straight, Englishman “John Henry Ingram
published the first significant life of Poe in 1874, which he expanded into two volumes
in 1880… Ingram devoted
years of his life to corresponding with everyone he could find who had known Poe or who had reliable information
about him. Ingram also edited a four-volume edition of Poe’s works and wrote nearly 50
articles about him… Ingram’s biography… effected a turning point in Poe’s reputation”
(Meyers, 264). Swinburne, certainly one of the more controversial and rebellious of the
Victorian poets, was greatly influenced by Poe’s writings. Bookplates. Only light dampstaining to portrait. A fine copy with interesting provenance.
This rare volume contains the splendid
“first folio edition of Paradise Lost and the first to be illustrated” (Wither to Prior 607), with a copperplate engraved frontispiece of Milton by R. White that contains the first publication of Dryden’s lines
on Milton, and 12 full-page copper-plate engravings. Paradise Lost first published in 1667; Paradise
Regain’d and Samson Agonistes first published in 1671. From the library of renowned bibliophile
Estelle Doheney, with her gilt morocco bookplate. Early owner signature. Lightly penciled bookseller notation. Gilt morocco bookplate. Text and plates generally fresh with lightest edge toning,
frontispiece mounted on archival guard touching imprint but not image, rear leaf backed with rear
endpaper, Paradise Lost title page with expert archival repair to small hole minimally affecting one
letter, minor rubbing to boards. An excellent copy with fine impressions of plates.
“Undeniably Opulent”: Boydell’s Large Illustrated Folio Edition Of Milton’s Poetical Works
25. MILTON, John. The Poetical Works. London, 1794-97. Three volumes.
Large folio, contemporary full dark green straight-grain morocco gilt rebacked
with original spines neatly laid down. $7500.
Boydell’s sumptuous large folio edition of Milton’s Poetical Works,
“the ne plus ultra of magnificent printing” (Dibdin), with three
engraved portraits by William Gardiner, an engraved plate Milton and
his Two Daughters after George Romney, and 28 intricate full-page
engravings after Richard Westall.
Engraver, print publisher, patron of the arts, Lord Mayor of London,
John Boydell commissioned leading artists of the day to produce
lavish editions of the greatest English writers. This splendid edition of
Milton was among them. It is one of the first publications of William
Bulmer’s London press for Boydell and is thought by many to be its
finest production. “Undeniably opulent, but their straightforward,
literate typography and printing spared them from ostentation…
These superb books must have occupied proud places in the stately
libraries of 18th-century manor houses” (Blumenthal, 31). Lowndes,
1556. Occasional foxing. Ornate contemporary morocco-gilt bindings
with some expert restoration. A splendid production.
First folio edition and first illustrated edition of Paradise Lost, featuring 13
copper-engraved plates, including frontispiece portrait of Milton and 12
beautiful copper-engraved plates, one for each of the 12 books, the
“crowning effort” of renowned publisher Tonson, rarely found together in
one volume with the same year’s elegant folio edition of Paradise Regain’d
and Samson Agonistes, from the library
of famed bibliophile Estelle Doheny, in
contemporary paneled calf.
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24.
MILTON, John. Paradise Lost… Adorn’d with Sculptures. London.
Printed by Miles Flesher, for Jacob Tonson, 1688. BOUND WITH: Paradise
Regain’d… To which is added Samson Agonistes. London, 1688. One
volume. Folio (10 by 15 inches), contemporary full paneled brown calf
rebacked and recornered.
$18,000.
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First Folio Edition And First Illustrated Of Paradise Lost, 1688—
“The Earliest Serious Effort To Illustrate An Important Work Of
English Poetry”— In One Volume With The Same Year’s Folio
Editions Of Paradise Regain’d And Samson Agonistes
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22
oxford english dictionary
“The Greatest Treasure-House Of Any Language In The World”
26. MURRAY, James, et al. (editors). A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles; Founded Mainly on the
Materials Collected by The Philological Society. Oxford, 1888-1928. Ten volumes bound in twenty. Thick folio (11
by 13-1/2 inches), modern full navy morocco gilt. $18,000.
First edition in book form of the famous Oxford English Dictionary—“a project of unprecedented historical and cultural
importance” (New York Times)—very handsomely bound.
“Unrivalled for its comprehensiveness and ease of consultation as well as for its reliability and scholarship” (PMM
371). “The essential feature of the Dictionary is its historical method, by which the meaning and form of the words are
traced from their earliest appearance on the basis of an immense number of quotations, collected by more than 800
voluntary workers. The Dictionary contains a record of 414,825 words, whose history is illustrated by 1,827,306
quotations” (Drabble, 728). The first edition of the Dictionary was issued both in original parts and in book form. A
fine copy of this important work.
Superbly Bound Set Of Swinburne’s Works
Thoreau’s Collected Works, Beautifully Bound
28.
THOREAU, Henry David. The Writings. Boston and New York, 1906. Twenty volumes. Octavo, original three-quarter green
morocco gilt. $4000.
“Walden Edition” of Thoreau’s works, with four portraits of the author and several fine photogravure plates of places described
by Thoreau.
This collection includes all of Thoreau’s previously published books as well as his journals (from which almost all of his works were
derived), essays, lectures, poems, letters, and a biographical sketch of the author by his fellow Transcendentalist, Emerson. The
first Riverside edition, the first collected complete edition of Thoreau’s writings, was published in 1894. This edition is based upon
that Riverside edition, but includes, for the first time, the complete Journals. A beautiful set in fine condition.
“Swinburne commanded an impressive
variety of verse forms, writing in classical
meters, composing burlesques, modern
and mock-antique ballads, roundels… His
influence on fellow aesthetes and a later
generation of poets was considerable”
(Drabble, 955). Title pages printed in red
and black. The set includes Swinburne’s
poems and ballads, tragedies, and The
Age of Shakespeare. Fine condition.
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Limited Large Paper Edition, one of only
110 numbered copies, magnificently
bound in full crushed morocco with gilt
and inlaid decorations.
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27. SWINBURNE, Algernon Charles.
Works. London, 1904-08. Thirteen volumes. Octavo, contemporary full aqua
crushed morocco gilt. $4500.
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First Edition Of Wordsworth’s Poems, Chiefly Of Early And Late Years,
1842, Inscribed By Him And Also Signed By Sir Henry Taylor
29.
WORDSWORTH, William. Poems, Chiefly of Early and Late Years;
including The Borderers, A Tragedy. London, 1842. Small octavo, original
dark brown cloth rebacked with original spine laid down, custom half
morocco clamshell box. $12,000.
First edition, inscribed by the poet: “Inscribed by Wm. Wordsworth, Rydal,
July 4th, 1842,” an association copy also signed by poet and playwright Sir
Henry Taylor.
Published the year before he was named Poet Laureate, Wordsworth’s last
discrete book of verse includes “Guilt and Sorrow,” “Memorials of a Tour in
Italy,” “Sonnets Upon the Punishment of Death” and his only play, the
tragedy in verse The Borderers. Broughton 73. Also signed on the by George
Taylor and his son Henry Taylor. The reclusive gentleman farmer George
Taylor (1772-1851) possessed a strong literary bent. He was admired by
Robert Southey. Poet and playwright Sir Henry Taylor (1800-86), George’s
third son, is best known as the author of Philip Van Artevalde. He was on familiar
terms with many of the day’s leading literary figures, including Samuel Rogers, Thomas Carlyle and Alfred Lord Tennyson. Well
acquainted with John Stuart Mill and the Benthamites, he invited them to personal meetings with his two close friends, Southey and
Wordsworth. He also likely introduced his relative Isabella Fenwick to Wordsworth around 1830; she became a close friend of both
Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, spending months at Rydal Mount as a guest. Interior generally clean, minor loss to laid-down
original spine, light wear to corners and lower edges. A very good inscribed association copy.
Beautifully Bound Set Of Wordsworth’s
Poetical Works, With A Three-Page
Signed Autograph Letter: “There Is
So Much Coming And Going Of
Strangers Among Us”
30. WORDSWORTH, William. The Complete
Poetical Works of William Wordsworth. Boston
and New York, 1910. Ten volumes. Octavo,
contemporary three-quarter green morocco
gilt.
$8500.
Limited edition, one of only 500 sets, illustrated
with photogravures and hand-colored frontispieces, with a three-page autograph letter
signed by Wordsworth.
The letter, dated October 24, 1845 to a Mr.
Parry, responding to his request for help, reads in part: “I received your letter when I was upon
the point of setting off from my Brother-in-Law’s house… and I now sit down, not to thank you
for it, or to express the deep sympathy which I feel in your sorrow… I have no knowledge of such
a person as Rupert Trott [?] or of a place named Dale-Head… I have however written to the
Clerk… begging him to make inquiries and to send me the result without delay, which I will immediately transmit to you and I hope in time… I remain, my dear Mr. Parry, with my high respects, faithfully yours, Wm. Wordsworth.’’ “Mr. Parry” is possibly Charles Henry Parry, a physician and author who accompanied Coleridge on his tour of the Harz Mountains and was also a
friend of Southey. Spines uniformly toned to brown. A fine set.
walt whitman
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Fascinating Page Of Walt Whitman
Manuscript, Part Of An Essay
Draft Discussing Genius
And Ralph Waldo Emerson,
Handsomely Framed With A Portrait
25
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One page of an autograph manuscript
draft of an essay, discussing the “two
signs of the very greatest genius in
imaginative writers” and Whitman’s
mentor, friend and rival Ralph Waldo
Emerson, of whom he writes, “Both
these [signs] are absent in Emerson.”
Handsomely framed with a contemporary photographic portrait of the poet.
The manuscript draft, with many cross-outs
and corrections in both ink and blue pencil,
is divided into three paragraphs. The first
reads, in part: “that he has not the coarse
animalism or the ecstatic religious sense/ But
let us be thankful for what he has…” This
paragraph seems to follow on the paragraph below, which has been entirely crossed-out with one line of a blue pencil, but
is legible and is an apparent draft of the paragraph that follows it. The next paragraph reads, in part: “Two of the signs &
elements of the last great genius dear to man — the element of religious ecstasy, and that of the teeming, procreative
luxuriance of animalism, rich and hot, & rank — are absent in Emerson. He has the merit... has nothing to violate the
standards of properly well-dressed ladies and gentlemen..” Whitman and Emerson of course are inextricably linked in the
creation and success of Leaves of Grass. After attending Emerson’s 1842 lecture on “The Poet,” Whitman felt inspired
and set out consciously to heed Emerson’s call to greatness.
However, Whitman’s unilateral decision to print their correspon“Two of the signs & elements of
dence in the 1856 second edition of Leaves of Grass, and also to
put Emerson’s words on the spine in gilt angered Emerson, and the
the last great genius dear to man—
relationship cooled. The essay this fragment formed a part of was
not published, but similar sentiments can be found in the essay
the element of religious ecstasy,
“Emerson’s Books, (The Shadow of Them)” in Specimen Days and
and that of the teeming, procreative
Collect. On the verso of the piece is a postcard on “J.H. Johnston
& Son, Diamond Merchants and Jewelers” stationery dated April
luxuriance of animalism, rich and hot,
14th, 1900, an autograph presentation inscription from J.H.
Johnston that reads: “Rev. Arthur Copeland, Please accept this
& rank—are absent in Emerson”
MSS and Photo of Walt Whitman with loving regards of J.H.
Johnston.” Fine condition.
31.
WHITMAN, Walt. Autograph
manuscript draft page. No place, no
date. One sheet of ruled paper, 8 by 10
inches; matted and framed with portrait, entire piece measures 14 by 22
inches.
$13,500.
Modern Literature
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mo dern l it er at ure
26
raymond chandler
“A Masterpiece Right Out Of The Gate”
32.
CHANDLER, Raymond. The Big Sleep. New York, 1939. Octavo, original orange cloth, dust jacket.
$19,000.
First edition of Chandler’s first and most famous novel, with rarely found original dust jacket.
The Big Sleep, Raymond Chandler’s first novel, “introduced a new kind of detective story, build on the hard-boiled foundation
laid by Dashiell Hammett” (Johnson I:44). This was the novel that announced Chandler’s literary coming-of-age and
defined the mythic status of his wise-cracking detective Philip Marlowe. Book fine; ink notation to front panel, slight chipping
to spine ends, minor toning to spine of scarce unrestored near-fine dust jacket.
27
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m o d er n li t er a t u re
f. scot t fitzgerald
“For Pete Compton, A Wild Man If There Ever Was One”:
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s First Book, This Side Of Paradise,
Wonderfully Inscribed By Him One Day After Publication
33.
FITZGERALD, F. Scott. This Side of Paradise. New York, 1920. Octavo, original green cloth, custom clamshell box. $63,000.
First edition, first printing of Fitzgerald’s first novel, inscribed one day after publication: “For Pete Compton, A wild man if there
ever was one — F. Scott Fitzgerald, Princeton, NJ, March 27th 1920.”
Although the inscription was written just one day after the publication of This Side of Paradise, Fitzgerald’s first novel, he was already
fast on his way to becoming the new literary sensation: the entire first printing of 3000 copies had already sold out (ultimately
requiring two more printings in April alone). On March 30, 1920, Fitzgerald sent Zelda a telegram proposing that they should marry
now: “Talked with John Palmer and Rosalind and we think best to get married Saturday noon we will be awfully nervous until it is over
and would get no rest by waiting until Monday first edition of the book is sold out address Cottage until Thursday and Scribner’s after
that Love Scott.”On April 3rd they were married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. First issue, with all points listed in Bruccoli.
Early printings of this novel (April 1920) are exceedingly difficult to obtain. Without exceedingly scarce original dust jacket. Bruccoli
A5.1.a. Bruccoli & Clark I:131. A bit of light dampstaining to top margin of some leaves, one-inch open tear to bottom margin of page
177. Some light spotting to original cloth. An exceptionally rare inscribed copy.
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28
t. s . eliot
First Edition Of Eliot’s Prufrock, “The First Masterpiece Of ‘Modernism’ In English”
34.
40.
ELIOT, T.S. Prufrock and Other Observations. London, 1917. 12mo, original stiff buff paper wrappers; pp.
$17,000.
Rare first edition of T.S. Eliot’s first book, one of only 500 copies printed, in the original fragile paper wrappers.
“From the appearance of Eliot’s first volume, Prufrock and Other
“Do I dare disturb the universe?”
Observations in 1917, one may conveniently date the maturity of the
20th-century poetic revolution; for, in addition to the title poem, the
book contained ‘Preludes’ and ‘Portrait of a Lady— both mature works; and the revolution had come of age”
(Britannica). Gallup A1. Connolly, The Modern Movement 30a. Blindstamp on title page. One bracket and a few
lines underlined in red and blue pen. Mild toning to text and wrappers as usual, light rubbing to wrappers. A lovely
near-fine copy.
29
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william faulkner
“William Faulkner At His Best”:
Exceptionally Scarce Signed Limited First Edition Of Go Down, Moses, One Of Only 100 Copies
35. FAULKNER, William. Go Down, Moses and Other Stories. New York, 1942. Octavo, original three-quarter rose
cloth, custom cloth clamshell box. $35,000.
Signed limited first edition, one of only 100 copies signed by the author. The scarcest of all Faulkner signed limited
editions, with the first book appearance of “The Bear.”
Go Down, Moses “was a landmark volume for Faulkner… Here we have the
Southern dilemma, and Faulkner has transformed it into the American” (Karl,
665-67). A contemporary review in the Boston Globe said of all the stories that
they “represent William Faulkner at his best. Which is equivalent to saying the
best we have.” Massey 448. Petersen A23.2a. A fine signed copy.
“He is the greatest artist
the South has produced.”
—Ralph Ellison
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30
ian fleming
“Whom Have You Been Sent Over To Kill Here, Mr. Bond?”
36.
FLEMING, Ian. Live and Let Die. London, 1954. Octavo, original black paper boards, dust jacket. $30,000.
Scarce first edition of Fleming’s second James Bond novel, “full of pace, incident and color” (Lycett, 238)—in which 007
investigates an underworld voodoo leader who is suspected of selling 17th century gold coins to finance Soviet spy
operations in America—in the rare first-issue dust jacket.
First-issue dust jacket without credit for jacket design and art. Biondi & Pickard, 41. Owner signature. Book fine, with only a
couple of spots of foxing to fore edge of text block. Light wear to extremities and light scattered foxing to white rear panel of
bright, unrestored dust jacket. An about-fine copy of an increasingly scarce early Bond title.
31
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ian fleming
“He Must Play The Role… The Man Who Was Only A Silhouette”
37.
FLEMING, Ian. Moonraker. London, 1955. Octavo, original black paper boards, dust jacket. $15,000.
Scarce first edition of Fleming’s third novel, in which Bond must foil the attempt of a British industrialist to destroy
London with a nuclear weapon, in first-issue dust jacket.
“This title is extremely rare in fine condition” (Biondi & Pickard, 42). With “shoot” instead of “shoo” on page 10,
penultimate line; sheets bulk at 19mm, indicating that this copy was part of a second impression on heavier paper,
released simultaneously with the first impression, in the same binding (Gibert A3a (1.2). Book fine; light toning to spine
and soiling to white back panel (as often) of bright, unrestored dust jacket with price-clipped front flap. A near-fine copy.
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“Among His Most Beautiful Lyrics”:
One Of Only 600 Copies Signed By T.S. Eliot
38.
ELIOT, T.S. Ash-Wednesday. New York and London, 1930.
Slim octavo, original blue cloth, slipcase.
$3200.
Signed limited first edition, one of 600 copies printed by the
Curwen Press and signed by T.S. Eliot.
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This poem was the first long poem Eliot wrote after his conversion
to Anglicanism three years earlier. Drawing themes and imagery
from Dante’s Purgatorio, it concentrates on the struggle for faith,
hope, and transcendence. Gallup A15. A little rubbing to slipcase.
A fine copy in scarce original slipcase.
First Edition Of A Passage To India,
Signed By E.M. Forster
39.
FORSTER, E.M. A Passage to India. London, 1924.
Octavo, original burgundy cloth, custom clamshell box. $4200.
First trade edition, issued the same year as a limited edition,
of E.M. Forster’s most famous novel, the last published in his
lifetime, signed by him on the title page alongside his printed
name with his inked line through it.
Forster’s 1921 return trip to India “had the effect of releasing
what was to be judged his masterpiece, A Passage to India”
(DNB). Andre Gide praised Forster’s novel, his last published in
his lifetime, as “a miracle of intelligence, tact, irony, prudence
and ability” (Connolly, The Modern Movement 45). A “Limited
Edition” of 200 copies was printed the same year, no priority
established. With three pages of advertisements at rear; without
scarce dust jacket. Kirkpatrick A10. Text with scattered foxing,
slight rubbing to cloth. A scarce near-fine signed copy.
“One of the saddest, keenest, most beautifully written
ironic novels of the time” (New York Times)
Initialed By James Joyce
Fine James Joyce autograph note signed by Joyce with his initials,
elegantly framed with a pensive half-length photograph of the author
wearing his hat and carrying his walking stick.
everywhere with me” (Salman Rushdie)
Tales Told Of Shem And Shaun, One Of Only 100 Copies Signed By Joyce
41.
JOYCE, James. Tales Told of Shem and Shaun: Three
Fragments from Work in Progress. Paris, 1929. Small quarto,
original printed paper wrappers, glassine, slipcase. $16,000.
First edition, one of only 100 copies on vellum signed by Joyce on
the half title and numbered on the colophon, out of a total edition
of 650 copies.
This is the second separately published portion (preceded by Anna
Livia Plurabelle) of what was to become Finnegans Wake, containing
the episodes “The Mookse and the Gripes,” “The Muddest Thick
That Was Ever Heard Dump” and “The Ondt and the Gracehoper.”
With introductory comments on Joyce’s method by C.K. Ogden, the
inventor of Basic English and the co-author of The Meaning of
Meaning. This copy housed in the slipcase with green suede paper
customarily found with the 500 unsigned copies on Holland paper;
“the slipcases of different colors were undoubtedly used
interchangeably” (Slocum & Cahoon, 49). Slocum & Cahoon A36.
Minor abrasion to rear free endpaper. Spine lightly toned. Scarce
original glassine dust jacket with minor loss to spine ends and
extremities. Original slipcase without ribbon pull, edges lightly toned
to brown. A beautiful signed copy in about-fine condition.
“Joyce is always in my mind, I carry him
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Joyce’s note reads: “Best wishes from the four of us! Their requests
will follow.” Fine condition.
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40. JOYCE, James. Autograph note signed with initials. No place,
no date. $3100.
33
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34
ernest hemingway
“Happiness Is A Moveable Feast, I Know”: Extraordinary Hemingway Love Letter To Jigee Viertel, 1949
42.
HEMINGWAY, Ernest. Typed letter signed as “Papa” with autograph closing and two autograph postscripts, each
initialed “E.H.” Nice, December 28, 1949. One page, measuring 8-1/4 by 10-1/2 inches, matted and framed with portrait.
Entire piece measures 23 by 17 inches. $16,500.
Superb Hemingway love letter, typed with autograph additions, signed as “Papa” and twice signed as “E. H.” to Virginia
“Jigee” Viertel.
In December 1949 Ernest and Mary Hemingway vacationed in the South of France with A.E. Hotchner of Cosmopolitan, writer
Peter Viertel and Viertel’s wife Virginia (“Jigee”). When the group reached Nice on December 27, the Viertels decided to return to
Paris by train. Hotchner accompanied them, taking with him the final chapters of Across the River and into the Trees, which Jigee
and Peter had helped edit, for publication in Cosmopolitan. Hotchner accidentally left the manuscript on the train, causing
Hemingway great consternation, although it was eventually recovered. Written the day after the Viertel’s departure, Hemingway’s
letter (all autograph portions in bold type) reads, in part: “Dear Jige: The day is no good and the fog is over all the roads so we
stayed here... When you went away I missed you so badly... Happiness is a moveable feast, I know, but you are with good peoples
and in a good town. This is no good letter except that it is from me to you and tells you no one could be happier than we were,
given what we were give, and that I love you very much. Papa. Love to Peter. Love to ___(?) P.S. I feel like people feel after big
amputations. E.H. Will write good long funny letter when have something funny to write about. E.H.” Fine condition.
ernest hemingway
35
“To Guy With Much Affection, Ernest, Paris, Oct 28, 1933”:
Exceedingly Rare Presentation/Association First Edition Of Hemingway’s Winner Take Nothing,
Inscribed And Dated By Him In Paris The Day After Publication To Longtime Close Friend, Journalist Guy
Hickok, With Bookseller Ticket Of Sylvia Beach’s Famed Paris Book Store, Shakespeare And Company
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43. HEMINGWAY, Ernest. Winner Take Nothing. New York, 1933. Octavo, original black cloth, dust jacket, custom box.$45,000.
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This rare presentation first edition possesses
a memorable association in Hemingway’s inscription—dated the day after publication—to
Guy Hickok, “one of Hemingway’s closest
friends in Paris” (Montgomery Review).
Hemingway and Hickok, head of the Paris
bureau of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, loved
“boxing, horse racing, human interest stories,
and tall tales. Ernest never crossed the Seine
without dropping in at the sign of the Eagle in
the Boulevard de la Madeleine. Laughter was
always skyrocketing through the smoke-filled
rooms” (Baker, 87). In 1927 the two traveled
across Italy, prompting Hemingway’s New
Republic article, “Italy, 1927,” later titled “Che
Ti Dice la Patria?” in Men Without Women.
This rare copy also contains the bookseller
ticket of Sylvia Beach’s Paris bookshop,
Shakespeare and Company. “To the delight of
Sylvia, Hemingway arrived in Paris the evening
of 26 October [1933] and came to see her the
next morning” (Fitch, 341). Winner Take
Nothing secured Hemingway’s reputation as a
master of short fiction. Six of this collection’s
14 stories made their first appearance here.
Hanneman A12a. Grissom A.12.1.a. As Ernest
Hemingway could be both reclusive and notoriously cold to admirers, this wonderful presentation/association first edition is most rare.
Text fresh and clean, faintest foxing only to
preliminaries, slight soiling, mild edge-wear to
cloth; light edge-wear to scarce dust jacket. A
very rare near-fine presentation first edition
with an important association.
First edition of Hemingway’s famed collection of short stories, an especially rare presentation/association copy warmly inscribed
by Hemingway in Paris the day after publication to his close friend, journalist Guy Hickok: “To Guy with much affection, Ernest,
Paris Oct 28, 1933.” Hemingway and Hickok, bureau chief of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, shared a love of “boxing, horse racing,
human interest stories, and tall tales. Ernest never crossed the Seine without dropping in at the sign of the Eagle” and their
trip across in Italy in 1927 inspired Hemingway’s short story, “Che Ti Dice la Patria,” this rare copy also with the bookseller
ticket of Sylvia Beach’s famed Paris bookshop, Shakespeare and Company, where Hemingway “had a chance to see the first
copies of Winner Take Nothing, which had just been shipped over by Scribner’s. He liked the jacket, which he had not seen
before” (My Brother, 139).
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36
ernest hemingway
Hemingway’s Green Hills Of Africa, First Edition Inscribed By Hemingway In The Year Of Publication
44.
HEMINGWAY, Ernest. Green Hills of Africa. New York, 1935. Octavo, original light green cloth, dust jacket.$24,000.
First edition of this classic tale of big game hunting, inscribed by
Hemingway in the year of publication: “To G. Nichols with best wishes,
Ernest Hemingway. October 28, 1935.”
With Scribner “A” on copyright page. Hanneman 13A. Interior fine, light
fading to spine (as usual) and mild dampstaining to board edges. The green
color used in the cloth was fugitive and is virtually always found faded or
toned. Price-clipped dust jacket with only minor wear along top edge and is
far less faded on spine than usually found. Inscription bold and clear. An
extremely good copy, very desirable and scarce inscribed.
45.
HEMINGWAY, Ernest. Typed letter signed. No date, circa 1940. One
page, measuring 8-1/2 by 7-1/2 inches, matted and handsomely framed with
two portraits. Entire piece measures 26 by 17-1/2 inches. $6000.
This piece is accompanied by a typed note signed
by Ralph E. Whitney, Art Editor of Cosmopolitan.
The note is written to Harry Payne Burton, then editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, which had by then published five of Hemingway’s
stories. Burton and Whitney had joined Hemingway in Havana to negotiate the publication of a new story, and during their stay,
Hemingway left this letter (as is, on paper torn across the bottom) at their hotel. A scrawl beneath the signature is, Whitney explains,
Hemingway’s telephone number in the hand of the hotel desk clerk. Fine condition, very handsomely framed. A splendid Hemingway
letter discussing his greatest and most successful novel while still in progress.
“Because The Only People For Me Are The Mad Ones”
46.
KEROUAC, Jack. On the Road. New York, 1957. Octavo, original black
cloth, dust jacket, custom clamshell box. $9500.
First edition of Kerouac’s second and most important novel, “a physical and
metaphysical journey across America,” very scarce in colorful dust jacket.
“On the Road has become a classic of the Beat Movement with its stream-ofconsciousness depiction of the rejection of mainstream American values set in
a physical and metaphysical journey across America” (Book in America, 136).
Bruccoli & Clark I:217. Book fine; slight edge-wear, minor chipping to spin ends
of scarce dust jacket. A handsome near-fine copy.
The letter reads: “Dear Harry, I’m so sorry you have that damned sinus. Do so
hope it is better now. Anyhow will be calling you around noon tomorrow. To get
out here, get a taxi and tell him you want to go to San Francisco de Paula. Fare
in town is $1.50 for the smaller cabs. From
Nacional Hotel would be $2.00 I think. In San
Francisco you turn to the left at the Post Office
and come straight up a hill. Just ask for Finca
Vigia [Hemingway’s house]. There are 14
Chapters here and there are 28 chapters completed in all. Am writing either two or three more
and plan to publish in the fall. Am still working on
the title. How do you like my Maria? She gets
pretty wonderful later on. Just finished a hell of a
chapter the day you came. Will be swell to see
you. Ernest.”
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Typed letter signed by Ernest Hemingway, discussing the unfinished For
Whom the Bell Tolls, handsomely framed with two portraits of the author.
37
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“Just Finished A Hell Of A Chapter…
How Do You Like My Maria?”: Signed Hemingway
Letter On Writing For Whom The Bell Tolls
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38
“It’s The Last Book Of Poems Of Mine—And Vers Libre”:
Presentation Copy of D.H. Lawrence’s Nature Poems,
Inscribed To His Friend, A Mexican Intellectual And Rare Book Dealer
47.
LAWRENCE, D.H. Birds, Beasts and Flowers. New York, 1923. Octavo,
modern black half morocco gilt. $4500.
First edition, presentation copy, boldly inscribed and signed by Lawrence to his
friend, the Mexican intellectual and rare book dealer Eduardo Rendon: “Eduardo
Rendon from D.H. Lawrence.”
This early book of Lawrence’s poetry features poems, many of
an erotic nature, on natural subjects, including fruits, trees,
flowers, animals, and birds. Lawrence also here includes his
poetry of America. This presentation copy is inscribed by D.H.
Lawrence to his friend, Eduardo Bolio Rendon, a Mexican
national, educated in England, who made his living in rare
books and manuscripts. Rendon and Lawrence were known to
carry on intense debates about religion. Rendon was also a
friend of Lawrence’s close friends, the Conways, who assisted
Lawrence when he became ill in Mexico. In a 1925 letter cited
in Moore, Intelligent Heart, 341-42, Lawrence writes to Rendon
about sending this book: “Dear Rendon, Only today I got the
copy of BirdsBeasts and Flowers which I ordered for you. Hope you’ll get it safely. It’s the last book of poems of mine—and vers
libre. Some earlier ones are ‘enchaine’—I supposed that’s the opposite of ‘libre’—and since you’re and aesthete, probably you’d
like those better. But I like these... D.H. Lawrence.” A fine inscribed presentation copy with most interesting provenance.
“And His Soul Could Not Leave Her, Wherever She Was”
48. LAWRENCE, D.H. Sons and Lovers. London, 1913. Octavo,
original blue cloth, custom half morocco clamshell box. $3200.
First edition, first state, of Lawrence’s first important novel.
Written during the “great blossoming of his genius,” Sons and Lovers is
regarded as Lawrence’s first clear success. “Sons and Lovers is in
many respects stylistically innovatory. It emphasizes moments of sharp
personal conflict and intense psychological process which is conveyed
in the charged, symbolic prose characteristic of Lawrence’s best work”
(Stringer, 632). First state, with tipped-in title page. Publisher’s
catalogue at rear. Connolly, The Modern Movement 21. Roberts A4.
Light foxing mainly to edges only. A splendid about-fine copy.
“No other writer with his imaginative
standing has in our time written books that
are so open to life.” (Alfred Kazin)
“I Drew These Tides Of Men Into My Hands And
Wrote My Will Across The Sky In Stars”
“To Die Is Not A Difficult Thing, But To Die In Such Slow
And Horrible Fashion Was Maddening”
50.
LONDON, Jack. The Star Rover. New York, 1915. Octavo, original
cloth, dust jacket, custom chemise and slipcase. $4000.
First edition of London’s 18th novel, with color frontispiece. A lovely copy in
the very scarce original dust jacket.
The Star Rover “was a strange work, full of murky metaphysics, yet contained
passages of great force and imaginative power; and its phantasmagoric quality
suggested that [London] had inherited some the mystic tendencies of his
parents—his mother’s Spiritualism, his presumed father’s guidance from the
stars—and was finally putting them to use” (O’Connor, 363-64). First
published serially in the Los Angeles Examiner and the American Sunday
Monthly Magazine from February to October 1915. Preceded by two months
by the English edition, titled The Jacket. Sisson, 83-84. Woodbridge 132. BAL
11963. Book fine and lovely. Some edge-wear, a few minor closed tears, and
soiling to extremely good, scarce original dust jacket, with front panel bright.
Seven Pillars’ blending of epic heroic adventure, psychological insight, and spiritual transformation make it the literary treasure that
Lawrence intended it to be, deserving Winston Churchill’s praise as one of “the greatest books ever written in the English language”
(Wilson 55). The writing and production of Seven Pillars of Wisdom is itself a legendary saga, filled with lost manuscripts, numerous
drafts and redrafts, publishing crises, and financial difficulty. This edition reproduces all of the original photographic plates and
portraits from sketches, facsimile pages from Lawrence texts and manuscripts, in-text line drawings, and folding maps, in two sets:
one bound, along with 127 contemporary photographs of Lawrence, his colleagues, and the region that were not included in any
edition of the work, and another set laid in loose in a portfolio. One of a total edition of 752, this is one of only 80 deluxe copies bound
in full morocco. O’Brien A034a. Some minor soiling to slipcase. Fine condition. Scarce and desirable in the deluxe morocco binding.
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Scarce and desirable limited reissue—the first ever—
of the original 1922 text of Lawrence’s famous account
of his legendary part in the Arab rebellion against the
Ottoman Empire during World War I, published in an
edition of only eight copies to distribute to friends for
critical comments, with notes on the differences
between this text and the final 1926 edition published
for Lawrence’s subscribers. Includes fine reproductions
of the color illustrations featured in the 1926 limited
edition, as well as 127 contemporary photographs of
Lawrence, his colleagues, and the region. One of only
80 deluxe sets bound in full morocco.
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49.
LAWRENCE, T.E. Seven Pillars of Wisdom. A
Triumph. The Complete 1922 Text. Fordingbridge,
1997. Two volumes text, two volumes illustrations; four
volumes in all. Quarto, text volumes original full navy
morocco, illustration volumes original half morocco and
original linen portfolio, custom linen slipcase. $4800.
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40
harper lee
First Edition Of One Of The Rarest Of American Classics,
Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird
51.
LEE, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Philadelphia and New York, 1960.
Octavo, original half green cloth, dust jacket. $19,500.
First edition, first printing, of Harper Lee’s masterpiece, in rare first-issue
dust jacket.
To Kill a Mockingbird became an immediate bestseller and won the 1961 Pulitzer
Prize for Fiction. It is “an authentic and nostalgic story which in rare fashion at
once puts together the tenderness and the tragedy of the South” (Jonathan
Daniels). Book fine. Light wear to extremities of bright dust jacket with two small
spots of abrasion to rear panel. An exceptionally nice unrestored copy.
“Atticus, are we going to win it?”
“No, honey.”
“Then why—”
“Simply because we were licked a
hundred years before we started is
no reason for us not to try to win,”
Atticus said.
“My Dear, I Don’t Give A Damn”:
First Edition, Signed By Margaret Mitchell
“I Have Been Saying The Same Thing… Over The
Past Ten Years But Nobody… Takes The Trouble
To Note What A Man Says But Only What A Man
Lends His Name To”: Fine Arthur Miller Typed
Letter Signed During The Height Of McCarthyism
53. MILLER, Arthur. Typed letter signed. No place, February
17, 1956. Quarto, one full page, matted and framed with
portrait; entire piece measures 19-1/4 by 17 inches. $3500.
Fine typed letter signed by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author of Death of a Salesman and The Crucible,
to Brooks Atkinson at the New York Times regarding his views
on Communism and a public mix-up with the anti-Soviet
American Cultural Freedom Committee, written at the height
of the Cold War and rampant McCarthyism. Four months
later, on June 21, 1956, Miller would defy the House
Committee on Un-American Activities by refusing to name
suspected communists, earning himself a conviction for
contempt of court that would later be reversed by the
Supreme Court. Handsomely framed.
Not long after writing this letter, on June 21, 1956, Miller defied
McCarthy’s House Committee on Un-American Activities by
refusing to name suspected communists, which earned
himself a conviction for contempt of court that the Supreme
Court would later overturn. His 1953 play The Crucible,
ostensibly about the Salem Witch Trials, was a well-known
allegory for the McCarthyism that was ruining careers and
damaging lives. Fine condition.
Said to be the fastest selling novel in the history of American publishing
(50,000 copies in a single day), Gone with the Wind won Mitchell the
Pulitzer Prize. Books of the Century, 111. Eicher 730. In Tall Cotton
125. Occasional scattered light foxing to interior, light rubbing to
extremities of original cloth. Scarce original dust
jacket extremely good with light wear to extremities
and a one-inch closed tear to spine head, light soiling
to spine, and tape residue to verso. Scarce signed.
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First edition, first printing, of this American classic, in original dust
jacket, signed by the author.
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52.
MITCHELL, Margaret. Gone with the Wind. New York,
1936. Thick octavo, original gray cloth, dust jacket, custom
clamshell box.
$20,000.
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42
henry roth
A Great Rarity: Presentation/Association First Edition Of Call It Sleep,
“One Of The Greatest Achievements Of American Writing This Century,”
Inscribed By Henry Roth To Famed Editor William Targ, Credited With Ending Roth’s Writer’s Block,
& To Roth’s Literary Agent, Roslyn Siegel Targ
54.
ROTH, Henry. Call It Sleep. New York, 1934. Octavo, original light blue cloth, dust jacket. $48,500.
First edition of Roth’s magnum opus, an exceedingly rare presentation/association copy inscribed on the title page by Roth to
legendary Putnam’s editor-in-chief William Targ, “one of the greatest post-WWII editors” and his wife, Roslyn Siegel Targ, Roth’s
literary agent: “For Roz and Bill Targ In cherished friendship Henry Roth.” William Targ, who considered Call It Sleep, The Great
Gatsby and An American Tragedy—“the three great American novels of the 20th
“No one has reproduced so
century”—was praised by Roth for ending his 40-year writer’s block in publishing his
long-awaited work, Nature’s First Green (1979), as the premiere edition of Targ’s private
sensitively the terrors of
press. We have encountered only one other presentation/association first edition of this
novel, in beautiful, very scarce first-state dust jacket.
family life in the imagination
“One of the ‘greatest achievements of American writing this century” Henry Roth’s magisterial
novel about David Schearl, a young Jewish immigrant in turn-of-the-century New York, is of a child caught between two
hailed as the finest Jewish-American novel of the age (Parker and Kermode, 181). Henry
Roth warmly inscribed this rare first edition to famed editor William Targ and his wife, Rosyln
cultures.” —Leslie Fiedler
Siegel Targ. Considered “one of the greatest post-World War II editors,” Targ was editor-inchief at Putnam’s in the 1960s, a time when Roth’s literary agent was Roslyn Siegel Targ. William Targ “considered Call It Sleep, along
with The Great Gatsby and An American Tragedy, one of the three great American novels of the 20th century” (Kellman, Redemption,
241). Book fresh and uncut; lightest edge-wear, minor tape reinforcement to verso, a bit of expert restoration to spine head of rarely
found dust jacket. An exceptional about-fine presentation copy with an especially memorable association.
43
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john steinbeck
“Lush, Lyric… An Endorsement Of The Artistic Calling”:
Lovely Copy Of Steinbeck’s Rare First Novel, Cup Of Gold, 1929 First Edition
55. STEINBECK, John. Cup of Gold. A Life of Henry Morgan, Buccaneer. With Occasional Reference to History. New
York, 1929. Octavo, original yellow cloth, dust jacket. $23,000.
First edition, first issue, of Steinbeck’s ambitious first novel, now extraordinarily scarce. An essential addition to any
Steinbeck collection.
“Written when Steinbeck was 27 years old and published in an edition of 2476 copies just two weeks before the stock
market crashed, Cup of Gold is a historical romance about the life of the pirate Henry Morgan” (Valentine 1). Even more,
however, it is a richly allegorical Grail quest, drawing inspiration from such varied sources as Arthurian legend, Greek
mythology, Druid lore and old ghost stories. It also offers glimpses of Steinbeck’s sense of himself as a young man. Copies
of this edition are exceedingly scarce. In fact, the copy inscribed by Steinbeck at San Jose University reads, “I wish I had
a copy of this edition.” Top edge stained, no priority. Goldstone & Payne A1a. Salinas Public Library, 19. Book very nearly
fine, with only a bit of faint spotting to cloth, text quite clean. Scarce original dust jacket with expert restoration to edges,
particularly spine ends and corners. A lovely copy of an extremely scarce work.
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44
Thomas Pynchon’s First Novel
56. PYNCHON, Thomas. V. Philadelphia, 1963. Octavo, original lavender
cloth, dust jacket. $4500.
First edition of Pynchon’s first novel, in first-issue jacket.
V.’s far-reaching scope and complexity established Pynchon as one of the
most imaginative voices of the postwar era. “Inconclusive, gripping, confusing
in outline but convincing in detail, V. is a blackly comic odyssey into the occult
corners and bizarre anxieties of 20th-century Europe and America” (Parker,
403). First-issue dust jacket, without reviews on rear panel. Mead A1a. Only
lightest edge-wear, tiny bit of tape repair to dust jacket verso. A scarce aboutfine copy.
“A Work Of Art… Of Original And Therefore Strange Beauty”:
Limited Edition Of Kew Gardens, Signed By Both Virginia
Woolf And Her Sister, Vanessa Bell, One Of Only 500 Copies
57. WOOLF, Virginia. Kew Gardens. London, 1927. Quarto, original pictorial
paper boards rebacked, custom chemise and slipcase. $8800.
Scarce limited edition of this wonderful collaboration between Virginia Woolf
and her sister, Vanessa Bell, one of only 500 copies, in original pictorial
boards.
Shortly after it first appeared in 1919, Kew Gardens was praised as “a work of
art… of original and therefore strange beauty,” and quickly sold out two small
editions (TLS). But that success did not come easily. “The printing of Kew
Gardens caused more entries in Virginia’s letters and diaries than any other
book handprinted by the Woolfs… [On June 9th, 1919 Virginia recorded in
her diary:] ‘Nessa and I quarrelled as nearly as we ever do quarrel now over
the get up of Kew Gardens, both type and woodcuts’“ (Rhein, 15-16). Out of
that tension came “the boldest and most effective of their collaborations”
(Spalding, 221).”Vanessa Bell’s collaboration with her sister was vital…
Virginia Woolf’s adoration for her sister-muse… was the foundation of their
extraordinary professional collaboration” (Goldman, Cambridge Introduction,
18). This scarce limited edition is distinguished by Vanessa Bell’s more elaborate page designs. Kirkpatrick A3. Woolmer 155. Willis
32. Interior fine, lightest edge-wear, faint soiling to original boards. An about-fine signed copy.
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kurt vonnegut
“Nobody’s Been Near The Phonograph Since Last Night”: First Edition Of Vonnegut’s First Book,
Player Piano, Inscribed By Him With A Large Self-Portrait Sketch
58. VONNEGUT, Kurt. Player Piano. New York, 1952.
Octavo, original green paper boards, dust jacket.$9200.
First edition, first printing, of Vonnegut’s scarce first
book, inscribed: “For Frank Sparti, 37 years after publication—Kurt Vonnegut, April 12, 1989, Manhattan,”
with a huge self-portrait sketch by Vonnegut.
This important debut reveals “Vonnegut’s skill and originality in combining black humor, a sense of the absurd,
and the devices of science-fantasy to produce unforgettable commentaries on our times and the future that
awaits” (Vinson, 1416). First printing, with Scribner’s ‘A’
on the copyright page. Interior fine; light wear to extremities. Light toning to spine and light wear to extremities of
bright dust jacket. A near-fine copy, exceptional with inscription and sketch.
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46
“A True Friend Stabs You In The Front”
59.
WILDE, Oscar. Complete Works. Boston, circa 1910. Ten volumes.
Octavo, contemporary three-quarter navy morocco gilt. $4500.
“Authorized” edition, with frontispiece illustrations in each volume, handsomely
bound.
Includes The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest, Salome,
Lady Windermere’s Fan, An Ideal Husband, De Profundis, and other major works,
along with his poems, essays, and critical reviews. Because of copyright issues,
Dorian Gray was issued by New York publisher Bigelow, Brown & Company.
Spines toned to brown. A few joints a bit tender. A handsome set.
“A Personal Touch On The Fly-Leaf”:
First Edition Of The Rose Tattoo, Inscribed
And With Fingerprints By Tennessee Williams
60.
WILLIAMS, Tennessee. The Rose Tattoo. New York: 1951.
Octavo, original rose cloth, dust jacket.
$6000.
First edition of Williams’ Tony Award-winning play—his
“celebration of the inebriate god,” boldly inscribed in the year of
publication by Williams around blue ink fingerprints of his fingers
and thumb: “‘a personal touch on the fly-leaf’ — to Lang from
Tennessee. Key West. April 1951.”
Williams wrote of his play, “The Rose Tattoo is the Dionysian element
in human life… the lyric as well as the Bacchantic impulse… the
transcendence of life over the instruments it uses… a celebration of
the inebriate god” (Spoto, The Kindness of Strangers, 170). In his
Memoirs he called it “my love-play to the world.” Williams wrote the
play following his 1948 trip to Italy. Binding A, in rose cloth. Crandell
A10.1.a. Book with only slight rubbing to edges, dust jacket with
slight toning and light wear to extremities. A near-fine copy, uniquely
inscribed by Williams.
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marlon brando
Rare First Edition Of Williams’ Streetcar Named Desire, An Exceptional Association Copy
With The Signatures And Inscriptions Of 12 Of The 13 Cast Members Of The Broadway Premiere,
Including Marlon Brando, Jessica Tandy, Kim Hunter & Karl Malden
61. (BRANDO, Marlon; TANDY, Jessica; HUNTER, Kim; MALDEN, Karl) WILLIAMS, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire. New
York, 1947. Octavo, original pink paper boards, clamshell box.
$20,000.
First edition of Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, a rare association copy containing signatures and inscriptions of
lead actors Marlon Brando, Jessica Tandy, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden, along with eight additional members of the Broadway
cast: Gee Gee James, Peg Hillias, Edna Thomas, Richard Carlyle, Nick Dennis, Ann Dere, Richard Garrick, and Henry Barnard
(replacing Vito Christi).
Critically praised as “superb” and “fascinating,” Streetcar Named Desire brought Williams his second New York Drama Critics’ Circle
Award—and a Pulitzer Prize. Williams himself considered this his best play (Devlin, 50). Elia Kazan directed the original production
that opened in New Haven on October 30, 1947 before moving to Broadway on December 3. This exceptional association copy is
inscribed on the half title above a taped photographic portrait of Brando, who starred as Stanley Kowalski: “To Elaine, Regards Marlon
Brando,” with “To Elaine, Jessica Tandy,” who played Blanch DuBois. Title page verso with inscriptions and signatures: “Hi Toledo,
Gee Gee James” (Negro Woman), “Only the best always, Edna Thomas” (Mexican Woman). “Karl Malden [Mitch] Thank you,”
[signed] Nick Dennis (Pablo Gonzales), and “Best love, honey, Peg [Hillias]” (Eunice Hubbell). Cast page with inscribed, “Remember
Ann Dere?” (Nurse), and the signatures of: Kim Hunter (Stella Kowalski), Dick Carlyle (Tamale Vendor), Richard Garrick (Doctor),
and Henry Barnard (who replaced Vido Christi as A Young Collector). With Williams’ name in gold on the spine (scarcer than in white).
Without original dust jacket. Crandell A5.I.a. Text fresh, only light edge-wear to bright boards. A rare inscribed about-fine association
copy of this famed classic of the American theater.
Science
science
charles darwin
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“The Most Important Single Work In Science”:
First Edition Of Darwin’s Landmark On The Origin Of Species,
The Copy Of Biologist Sir Charles Wyville Thomson
62. DARWIN, Charles. On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection,
Or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle For Life. London, 1859.
Octavo, original green cloth, custom half morocco clamshell box.
$160,000.
Rare first edition of “certainly the most important biological book ever written”
(Freeman, 73). Association copy from the library of biologist Charles Wyville
Thomson, lead scientific officer on the Challenger expedition and a critic of
Darwin’s views on natural selection.”
This, the most important single work in science, brought man to his true place in
nature” (Heralds of Science 199). With folding diagram and 32 pages of
advertisements. Darwin wrote in his diary that the first edition was published on
November 24, 1250 copies were printed, and all copies sold the first day. Darwin
“was intent upon carrying Lyell’s demonstration of the uniformity of natural causes
over into the organic world… In accomplishing this Darwin not only drew an entirely
new picture of the workings of organic nature; he revolutionized our methods of
thinking and our outlook on the natural order of things. The recognition that constant
change is the order of the universe had been finally established and a vast step
forward in the uniformity of nature had been taken” (PMM 344). With 32 pages of
publisher’s advertisements dated June 1859 (Freeman’s third state of three).
Freeman 373. The copy of naturalist Charles Wyville Thomson, with his bookplate.
A marine zoologist, Thomson was the driving force behind the Challenger Expedition of 1872-76, for which he served as chief
scientific officer. The 4-year expedition “founded the discipline of oceanography” (Conrad, 67) and the 40-volume publication of its
findings are “without parallel in the history of scientific research” (Britannica). Thomson first crossed paths with Darwin in 1870,
when he wrote to Darwin asking the eminent scientist to provide him with a recommendation for an academic position; even though
they had never met, Darwin, impressed with Thomson’s work, gladly did, and Thomson was offered the position. After the Challenger
Expedition, however, Thomson saw fit to criticize some of Darwin’s ideas in print, eliciting what Darwin’s son Francis called “the only
instance in which [Darwin] wrote publicly with anything like severity.” In 1880, Darwin wrote a letter to the journal Nature that began:
“I am sorry to find that Sir Wyville Thomson does not understand the principle of natural selection, as explained by Mr. Wallace and
myself. If he had done so, he could not have written the following sentence in the Introduction to the Voyage of the Challenger:—’The
character of the abyssal fauna refuses to give the least support to the theory which refers the evolution of species to extreme
variation guided only by natural selection.’ This is a standard of criticism not uncommonly reached by theologians and metaphysicians,
when they write on scientific subjects, but is something new as coming from a naturalist. Text fine, interior paper hinges with a bit
of wear; original unrestored cloth in exceptional condition, with minor wear to spine extremities and a bit of bubbling to cloth on the
back panel. An exceptionally clean, bright copy of this scientific landmark, with wonderful and significant provenance.
“There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally
breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on
according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most
beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.”
49
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charles darwin
“I Know Of No Quarter Of The World So Likely To Afford Important Discoveries In This Line…
Mr Isaac Ought To Read Lyell’s Principles & Elements Of Geology…
It Would Give Him Much Zest In His Pursuits”: Lengthy Early Autograph Seven-Page
Letter Signed By Charles Darwin Discussing A Trove Of Australian Fossils,
Mentioning The Platypus As Well As Lyell’s Principles And Elements Of Geology,
A Formative Influence On Darwin And His Theory Of Evolution
63.
DARWIN, Charles. Autograph letter signed. Down Bromley Kent, England, circa 1845. Two leaves of 7 by
8-1/2-inch stationery, each folded once for eight pages total, handwritten on seven. Mounted and framed with
portrait and transcription.
$37,500.
Lengthy seven-page autograph letter signed by Charles Darwin to second cousin Edward Holland discussing a
trove of fossils found in Australia, claiming that while he would like to see them, “I know nothing on the subject
& am only a fossil Resurrectionist,” adding, “I know of no quarter of the world so likely to afford important
discoveries in this line: for instance some single bone or skeleton might throw a surprising light on the relation
of the ornithorhynchus [platypus] with the rest of creation,” and urging the discoverer of the fossils to read Lyell’s
Principles and Elements of Geology, a scientific masterpiece known to have had tremendous influence on Darwin’s
formation as a scientist and his formulation of the theory of evolution.
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The letter, penned entirely in Darwin’s hand, reads in part: “Down Bromley Kent, Tuesday/ My dear Holland, I am much
obliged for your friendly note and interesting enclosure... The fossil bones discovered by Mr Isaac will probably prove
exceedingly valuable, & I return with thanks the clear account of the district. I shall be curious to see them... Prof Owen
has already worked at so many Australian fossils, that I have no doubt he will be glad to undertake their examination &
description... Mr Isaac probably knows that heads especially with teeth are very much more valuable than any other
bones.— I hope you will urge on him to make a large collection of several specimens of every shell small & large in the
bed which he refers to, marking carefully the relative position of the bed to any bed with bones. The chronology, which
must be judged of by shells, of the extinct Australian animals is very imperfectly known & a collection elucidating this
point, would be of real interest... Mr Isaac ought to read Lyell’s Principles & Elements of Geology, if he has not already
done so, it would give him much zest in his pursuits... C. Darwin”. While aboard the Beagle in 1831-36, Darwin read
Lyell’s Principles and was profoundly influenced by it, later writing: “The science of geology is enormously indebted to
Lyell—more… than to any other man who ever lived” (DNB). Darwin acknowledged that “I always feel as if my books
came half out of Lyell’s brain” (PMM 344). Upon his return in 1836, Darwin met Lyell, who introduced him to anatomist
Richard Owen, who undertook the classification of the fossil bones collected by Darwin on his trip, leading to the discovery of a number of extinct species. Darwin found the example of the platypus compelling when discussing his theory. Writing in On the Origin of Species, in likening the evolutionary process to a branching tree, Darwin observed: “From
the first growth of the tree, many a limb and branch has decayed and dropped off; and these lost branches of various
sizes may represent those whole orders, families, and genera which have now no living representatives, and which are
known to us only from having been found
in a fossil state. As we here and there see
a thin straggling branch springing from a
fork low down in a tree, and which by some
chance has been favored and is still alive
on its summit, so we occasionally see an
animal like the Ornithorhynehus or
Lepidosiren [Lungfish], which in some
small degree connects by its affinities two
large branches of life, and which as apparently been saved from fatal completion by
having inhabited a protected station.” (119)
Indeed, Darwin employs the platypus as an
analytical example in at least five instances
in his 1859 work. But while many presumed
the platypus to be some sort of missing link
between species, Darwin urged caution in
using such superficial traits to classify different forms of life. Correspondent Edward
Holland was Darwin’s second cousin. The
discoverer of the fossils, “Mr. Isaac” was
Frederick Neville Isaac, possibly a relative of
Holland’s wife, Sophia Isaac. This letter has
been published in Darwin’s Correspondence
II: 373–4. Faint fold lines. Fine condition,
handsomely framed.
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Darwin Compliments A Fellow Naturalist: “A High Opinion
Of His Abilities And Great Zeal For Natural Science”—
1879 Autograph Letter Signed By Darwin
64.
DARWIN, Charles. Autograph Letter Signed. Kent, February 28,
1879. One page, octavo, matted and framed with portrait. Entire piece
measures 16 by 14 inches. $8000.
Scarce autograph letter signed by Charles Darwin regarding his contemporary English naturalist Edward Perceval Wright. Handsomely framed
with a bust-length photographic portrait.
Darwin’s letter reads: “I have read at different times several papers written by Professor E. Perceval Wright, and they have
impressed me with a high opinion of his abilities and great
zeal for natural science.” Edward Perceval Wright (1834–
1910) “spent almost his entire career within the University
of Dublin. In 1857 he was appointed curator of the university museum and, the following year, lecturer in zoology…
In 1867 he paid a six-month visit to the Seychelles and,
although his collecting apparatus was lost by shipwreck on
the way out, he brought back an important collection of
plants and animals… Wright was a prolific author in zoology
and botany” (ODNB). Fine condition. A scarce and desirable
signed Darwin letter.
Extremely Scarce First Official Reports
On The Daguerreotype
65.
(DAGUERRE, Louis and ARAGO, François). Comptes
Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de l’Académie des
Sciences. Paris, 1839. Two volumes. Thick quarto, original stiff
beige wrappers, custom chemises and slipcase. $23,000.
First editions of the first public announcement and the first
detailed account of Daguerre’s revolutionary photographic
invention as issued in the January & August 1839 reports by
the French Academy of Sciences, both preceding Daguerre’s
first published work on the daguerreotype.
“The invention of the daguerreotype—the earliest photographic process—forever altered the way we see and understand our world” (Montebello, Metropolitan Museum of Art).
Both Arago’s January 7, 1839 announcement (Volume VIII, pp.
4-7) and his extensive report of August 19, 1839 (Volume IX,
pp. 250-67) precede publication of Daguerre’s own Historique
et Description. The quarto first printing of Arago’s August 19
report issued coincident with small 34-page octavo pamphlet containing the same text, no priority established (Wood, 13). Text
in French. Gernsheim, 230-245. From the major photography collection of musician Graham Nash, with his signed bookplates
tipped in. Text quite fresh with only light occasional dampstaining at edges. Two fine large volumes, scarce uncut in original
wrappers, with a distinctive association.
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albert einstein
Inscribed By Einstein In The Year Of Publication,
The World As I See It, 1934, Einstein On Pacifism, Judaism, Modern Science
66.
EINSTEIN, Albert. The World as I See It. New York: Friede, 1934. Octavo, original brown paper boards, dust jacket. $18,500.
First edition in English of Einstein’s first work for the general reader, inscribed in the year of publication by him, “To Robert Gries,
A. Einstein, 1934.” Robert Gries was the son of Rabbi Moses Gries, a frequent correspondent of Einstein and ”one of the strongest
men in the Jewish ministry in America… He was a pioneer of an open temple” (New York Times).
The World as I See It is comprised of five sections, with Einstein’s thoughts and personal philosophy on such issues as pacifism,
Judaism, the German question and modern science. The 1935 first English edition was preceded by the first edition, published in
Amsterdam as Mein Weltbild in 1934, and this first edition in English, published in New York that same year. The dust jacket is seen
printed on both yellow (as here) and orange paper. Recipient Robert Hays Gries was the son of Rabbi Moses Gries, who is “regarded as
one of the strongest men in the Jewish ministry in America… He was a pioneer of an open temple” (New York Times). In 1892 Rabbi
Gries began serving as rabbi to Cleveland’s Tifereth Israel Congregation. In addition to his many years of spiritual leadership there, Gries
also served as a member of the Hebrew Union College Board of Governors and was on the Executive Committee of the American Jewish
Relief Committee He retired the year before his death in 1918. In 1936 Robert Gries, who was himself a prominent civic and business
leader, “helped form the Cleveland Rams. In 1945 Gries teamed with Arthur McBride to form the Cleveland Browns, serving as vice
president and director” (Encyclopedia of Cleveland History). Gift bookplate: “In the Name of Rabbi Moses J. and Frances Hays Gries.”
Library inkstamp to title page. Trace of bookplate removal to verso of front free endpaper. Interior fine, small closed tear to spine head;
scarce dust jacket with a bit of shallow chipping, toning to spine, closed tear to rear panel. An extremely good copy.
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albert einstein
Exceptional Signed Einstein Letter Discussing “The ‘Nature Of Ultimate Reality’ Whatever This May Mean”
67. EINSTEIN, Albert. Typed Letter Signed. New Jersey, June 11, 1943. Matted and framed with portrait, entire piece measures
22 by 29 inches.
$15,000.
“If Huxley speaks of ‘blind forces’
what means ‘blind’? ‘Blind’ means
Typed letter, signed “A. Einstein.” In this letter Einstein replies to John H. S.
Lee, writer of a rebuttal of Julian Huxley’s The Biologist Looks at Man, on the
implications of evolution and psychoanalysis.
Julian Huxley argued that Darwin’s work, along with Freud’s elucidation of the
unconscious, obviated the need for a God, concluding that man is the result of
the actions of “blind forces.” Lee, in his 10-page response (included with this
with something else.”
Einstein letter) argues for a more “religious” explanation. Einstein, with humor
and insight, replies: “My dear Mr. Lee: Your answer to Huxley’s opinions seems
to me intelligent and eloquent. If asked: Who is right? I am reminded of a story about a Judge: The lawyer for the plaintiff spoke
convincingly and the Judge said: ‘It seems you are right!’ The lawyer for the defendant was also very convincing and the Judge said:
‘You seem to be right also!’ When someone in the audience remarked: ‘But Judge, they cannot both be right!’ the Judge answered:
‘You are right too!’ If Huxley speaks of ‘blind forces,’ what means ‘blind’? ‘Blind’ means he does not see any connections with
something else. Is this not an abuse of the word ‘blind’?” Fine condition.
he does not see any connections
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albert einstein
His “One And Only Intellectual Biography”: Signed By Einstein
68. EINSTEIN, Albert. Albert Einstein: Philosopher-Scientist. Evanston, Illinois,
1949. Octavo, original brown cloth, slipcase, custom clamshell box. $13,500.
First edition, one of 760 copies signed and dated by Einstein.
“The most incomprehensible
thing about the world is that it
is comprehensible.” —Einstein
“The greatest physicist of the 20th century” (PMM 408). This impressive volume
offers an excellent study of Einstein’s life as well as of his scientific and philosophic
thought. Included are Einstein’s autobiographical notes in German and English; 24 descriptive and critical essays on
Einstein’s work (contributors include Wolfgang Pauli, Louis de Broglie, Max Born, Kurt Gödel and Niels Bohr), together with
Einstein’s responses; and a bibliography of his writings and index. Illustrated with frontispiece, photographic portraits, and
plates. A fine copy.
First Separate Edition Of Einstein And Rosen’s The Particle Problem In The General Theory Of Relativity,
1935, Introducing The Einstein-Rosen Bridge Better Known As A Wormhole
69.
EINSTEIN, Albert and ROSEN, Nathan. The Particle Problem in
the General Theory of Relativity. OFFPRINTED FROM: The Physical
Review, Volume 48, Number 1, pp. 73-77. No place, 1935. Quarto,
staple-bound as issued, original green paper wrappers, custom clamshell
box. $4500.
First separate edition of Einstein and Rosen’s The Particle Problem in
the General Theory of Relativity, offprinted from Volume 48 of the
Physical Review, the first work to discuss the Einstein-Rosen Bridge,
commonly known today as a wormhole, in original wrappers.
“The subject of ‘The Particle Problem in the General Theory of Relativity’
was the Einstein-Rosen Bridge, known today as the ‘wormhole’ solution of
general relativity... The wormhole is a mathematical portal in space-time,
allowing a space traveler to move more or less instantaneously through
the universe and come out in a distant part of it, or into another universe”
(Moffat, Einstein Wrote Back: My Life in Physics). Faint pencil underline
under “Einstein” on front wrapper. A few slight creases, mild toning to
wrappers. Near-fine condition.
Silent Spring, Signed By Rachel Carson
70.
CARSON, Rachel. Silent Spring. Boston, 1962. Octavo, original
green cloth, dust jacket. $3800.
First edition of Rachel Carson’s pioneering work in environmental pollution,
signed by Carson, in scarce dust jacket.
“The first work to address the larger issues of environmental pollution” (The
Book in America, 133). “Even if she had not inspired a generation of
activists, Carson would prevail as one of the greatest nature writers in
American letters” (Mattheissen, Time). Lightest edge-wear to original dust
jacket. An about-fine signed copy.
“One of the landmark
books of the 20th century”
(Natural Resources Defense Council)
galileo / kepler
“Contains Some Of The Most Important Discoveries In
Scientific Literature” (PMM)
71. (GALILEI, Galileo) (KEPLER, Johannes) GASSENDI, Pierre. Institutio Astronomica.
London, 1653. Three works in one, as issued. Small octavo, contemporary full dark brown
speckled calf rebacked. $9500.
Second edition of the first appearance in England of Galileo’s most important work,
Sidereus Nuncius (“The Sidereal Messenger”), the first of Galileo’s works to be printed
in England (issued the same year as the first edition), with four fine woodcut plates of
constellations on black backgrounds, as well as numerous woodcut in-text illustrations
and diagrams. This is the fourth edition overall of Galileo’s Sidereus Nuncius, and the
third overall of Kepler’s Dioptrics.
Galileo’s The Sidereal Messenger (Sidereus Nuncius) was the first treatise to detail astronomical observations made through a telescope. Galileo presented the groundbreaking
hypothesis that the moon’s surface was, in fact, bumpy and cratered. The work also discusses the discovery of the four moons of Jupiter, or the Galilean Moons. The preface to
Kepler’s Dioptrics—present here—contained a continuation of The Sidereal Messenger in
the form of letters by Galileo about his discoveries since the publication of his earlier work
as well as Kepler’s remarks on those discoveries. Gassendi’s important treatise, which
constitutes more than one half of this volume, is in itself one of the best books on astronomy at the time. The Sidereal Messenger was originally published in 1610 in Venice,
and again that same year in Frankfurt; Kepler’s Dioptrics was first published in 1611.
Gassendi’s treatise, Institutio Astronomica, first appeared in Paris in 1647. This is a variant
of the 1653 second edition, with a slightly different imprint. Text in Latin. Wing G291A.
Without pastedown endpapers. Minor rubbing to corners. A fine and crisp copy, most
desirable in contemporary calf covers.
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benjamin franklin
Franklin On The Colonies, The Stamp Act, Wealth, Weather And Scientific Experiments:
The Only Edition Of His Political Writings Printed During His Lifetime And With His Consent, 1779,
With Many Pieces Appearing Here For The First Time
72. FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces. London, 1779. Octavo, contemporary full polished
brown calf rebacked with original spine laid down, original endpapers retained. $12,500.
First edition, octavo issue, of this major collection of Franklin’s writings, many printed here for the first time, containing his
powerful testimony before Parliament in 1766, in which his eloquent answers to questions about the Stamp Act and other
incendiary measures made Franklin “the foremost spokesman for the American cause,” printed with “substantially the same
setting of type” as quarto issue, especially scarce in contemporary calf boards. Complete with frontispiece portrait of Franklin.
This important work “is the only edition of Franklin’s writings (other than his scientific), which was printed during his life time; was
done with Franklin’s knowledge and consent, and contains an ‘errata’ [Addenda & Corrigenda] made by him for it” (Ford 342). Edited
by his close friend Benjamin Vaughan and published in London while Franklin was serving as America’s ambassador, this seminal
collection contains many of his writings on the rebellious American colonies and incendiary British measures such as the Stamp Act.
In addition to these and other pivotal writings— including pieces on the “Way to Wealth,” language, scientific experiments and
observations on the Aurora Borealis, this volume offers first printings of many philosophical pieces that, the editor notes, “are not
elsewhere extant in print.” Octavo issue, printed by the same publishers the same year as the quarto and “from substantially the
same setting of type” (Adams 79-38b). Franklin’s famous epitaph is printed prior to a lengthy appendix, an index, and Franklin’s
Addenda and Corrigenda. With a frontispiece portrait of the aged Franklin, three scientific plates (one folding), and folding table of a
“reformed” spelling convention. Ford 342. Howes F330. Sabin 25565. Text and plates fresh with only light scattered foxing, small
expertly repaired marginal loss to corner of one leaf not affecting text (531), minor rubbing to boards. A scarce extremely good copy.
59
“America’s First Great Scientific Contribution”:
First Complete Edition Of Franklin’s Illustrated
Experiments And Observations On Electricity,
1769, With The Ownership Signature
Of Franklin’s Friend Hugh Roberts,
Prominent Philadelphia Quaker
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First complete edition of “the most important scientific
book of 18th-century America” and “America’s first great
scientific contribution” (PMM), with seven engraved
plates (two folding), association copy with the ownership
signature of Hugh Roberts, close Franklin friend and lifelong correspondent.
This first complete edition is the fourth edition of the
original work; the earlier editions, each issued in three
parts as separately published pamphlets usually bound
together, were carelessly published. Franklin edited this
new one-volume edition himself, significantly revising the
text, adding for the first time a number of his own philosophical letters and papers, introducing footnotes, correcting errors, and
adding an index. “Franklin’s most important scientific publication,” Experiments and Observations contains detailed accounts of the
founding father’s crucial kite and key experiment, his work with Leiden jars, lightning rods and charged clouds (Norman 830).
With the contemporary owner signature on title page of Philadelphia Quaker Hugh Roberts, a close friend of Franklin and life-long
correspondent. Roberts, the son of Philadelphia mayor Edward Roberts and brother-in-law of physician Thomas Bond, shared with
Franklin’s humanitarian and intellectual interests; in addition to being a member of Franklin’s famous self- and community-improvement
club “The Junto,” he was also involved with the
Library Company, the Union Fire Company and the
Pennsylvania Hospital, all with strong Franklin
associations. He was one of a select group of friends
who purchased very early versions of the Franklin
stove. Amidst the uproar over the Stamp Act, Franklin
wrote Roberts from London thanking him for his
“steady, continued Friendship”; later Franklin would
warmly note that “We loved and still love one another;
we are grown Gray together, and yet it is too early to
Part” (Writings IV: 386-7). Roberts’ correspondence
with Franklin continued until Roberts’ death in 1786.
Howes F320. Sabin 25506. Ford 307. Scattered light
foxing to plates and text, evidence of paper clip on
half title; minor expert restoration to spine extremities
of handsome contemporary calf. An extraordinary
association copy.
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73. FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Experiments and Observations
on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia. London, 1769.
Quarto, contemporary full brown calf gilt. $36,000.
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benjamin franklin
isa ac new ton
science
1704 First Edition Of Newton’s Opticks, “One Of The Supreme
Productions Of The Human Mind” And “One Of The Two Pillars Of
Newton’s Imperishable Reputation In Science”
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74.
(NEWTON, Isaac). Opticks: Or, a Treatise of the Reflections, Refractions,
Inflexions and Colours of Light. London, 1704. Quarto, contemporary full brown
paneled calf rebacked. $85,000.
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First edition, first issue, of Newton’s famous treatise on light and the spectrum, “one of
the supreme productions of the human mind” (Andrade), with 19 copper-engraved
folding plates. Also contains the first printing of Newton’s two treatises on curvilinear
figures (in Latin), “intended to assert Newton’s
“Newton’s masterpiece of
priority to the discovery of the calculus over Leibniz”
(Dibner 148). Handsome in contemporary calf, from
the library of William A. Cole, distinguished collector
experimental physics.”
and bibliographer.
Encyclopaedia Britannica
“The import of the Opticks virtually equaled that of the
Principia. Indeed, it may have exceeded it, for the
Opticks, written in prose rather than geometry, was accessible to a wide audience as the
Principia was not. Through the eighteenth century, it dominated the science of optics with
almost tyrannical authority… the work remains permanently one of the two pillars of
Newton’s imperishable reputation in science” (Richard Westfall). “Unlike most of
Newton’s works, Opticks was originally published in English… The work summarized [33
years of] Newton’s discoveries and theories
concerning light and color” (Norman 1588).
“Nor would the author be confined... The range
of topics touched upon by Newton included
questions of gravitation, metabolism and digestion, sensation, the circulation of blood, The
Creation and the Great Flood,
moral philosophy, the inductive
method, and the vivid images
haunting the dreams of madmen” (Christianson, In the
Presence of the Creator, 445).
Bookplates, including that of
William A. Cole, distinguished
collector and bibliographer of
chemistry, author of Chemical
Literature, 1700-1860. Text and
plates generally clean, leaf A2
with repaired closed tear, not affecting legibility, repair to corner
of leaf Eee, not affecting text,
corners gently bumped. A handsome, near-fine copy in finely
rebacked contemporary calf,
with scientific provenance.
61
The Discovery Of Periodic Law, First Edition In English Of
Mendeleev’s Principles Of Chemistry, 1891
“The Greatest Work In The History Of Science”:
Newton’s Principia Mathematica, 1726, The Last
Published During Newton’s Life
76. NEWTON, Isaac. Philosophiae Naturalis Principia
Mathematica. London, 1726. Quarto, contemporary full
crimson morocco-gilt covers laid down over later crimson
morocco. $16,500.
Third edition of Newton’s Principia, the last edition to be
published during Newton’s life, with his final revisions. From
the library of renowned 19th-century mathematician Sir
John Leslie.
“The Principia is generally described as the greatest work in
the history of science. Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler had
certainly shown the way; but where they described the
phenomena they observed, Newton explained the underlying
universal laws… [F]or the first time a single mathematical law
could explain the motion of objects on earth as well as the
phenomena of the heavens. It was this grand conception that
produced a general revolution in human thought, equaled
perhaps only by that following Darwin’s Origin of Species”
(PMM 161). This, the definitive edition, edited by Henry Pemberton, contains a new preface by Newton and many significant
alterations and additions, particularly regarding the scholium of fluxions, the moon’s modes, and Halley’s verses. The third edition
has formed the basis of all subsequent editions. Without engraved frontispiece portrait of Newton. Text in Latin. Gray 9. From the
library of Sir John Leslie (1766-1832), noted mathematician and natural philosopher best known for his studies of heat radiation, with
inscription to that effect on the front flyleaf dated 1833. Interior clean and fine. An outstanding association copy of this early and
important edition of Newton’s landmark work.
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Mendeleev, already a renowned chemist, was appointed the chair of the
chemistry department at the University of St. Petersburg in 1867. Unable to
find a proper text for his students, he decided to write his own. “He derived
his basic plan for his book from Gerhardt’s theory of types, whereby elements
were grouped by valence in relation to hydrogen… Mendeleev’s work towards
[Principles of Chemistry] led him to the periodic law, which he formulated in
March 1869: ‘Elements placed according to the value of their atomic weights
present a clear periodicity of properties’“ (DSB). Based on this work
Mendeleev was able to compose the first periodic table (as shown in the
preface to Volume I), which remains strikingly similar to the first modern periodic table, devised by Moseley in 1914 (see PMM 407).
First published in Russian in 1868, the English edition is based on the fifth Russian edition. Horblit 74. Norman 1493. Small institutional inkstamps to preliminaries and title pages. Interiors generally fresh with light scattered foxing, faint marginal dampstaining. A
near-fine copy of this scarce and important work.
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First edition in English of Mendeleev’s pioneering chemistry textbook,
providing the basis of the Periodic Law, with numerous in-text illustrations
and diagrams, including folding “Periodicity of the Elements,” in original
gilt-lettered cloth.
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75. (MENDELEEV, Dmitrii) MENDELÉEFF, D. The Principles of Chemistry.
London, 1891. Two volumes. Octavo, original burgundy cloth. $3200.
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americana
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A mericana
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abraham lincoln / get t ysburg address
“One Of The Supreme Utterances Of The Principles Of Democratic Freedom” (PMM):
First Edition Of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Exceptional In Original Wrappers
77.
(CIVIL WAR) (LINCOLN, Abraham) EVERETT, Edward. An Oration Delivered on the Battlefield of Gettysburg, (November
19, 1863) at the Consecration of the Cemetery Prepared for the Interment of the Remains of Those Who Fell in the Battles of
July 1st, 2d, and 3d, 1863. New York, 1863. Octavo, original russet printed wrappers, custom slipcase. $55,000.
Rare first edition of Lincoln’s magnificent Gettysburg Address, scrawled, according to legend, on scratch-paper and envelopes,
corresponding almost exactly to the spoken version transcribed by Associated Press reporter Joseph L. Gilbert.
The Gettysburg Address, a few short lines scrawled, according to legend, on scratch-paper and the backs of envelopes, is one of
America’s most cherished documents. As noted by David Mearns of the Library of Congress, “Touch any aspect of the Address and
you touch a mystery”—one immersed in history. Before a large crowd assembled at Gettysburg, orator Edward Everett delivered his
address as President Lincoln waited on the platform, occasionally
“removing his speech and glancing over it before returning it to his
“We can not dedicate, we can not
pocket… As Everett started back to his seat, Lincoln stood to clasp his
hand and warmly congratulate him… the ‘flutter and motion of the crowd
consecrate, we can not hallow this ground.
ceased the moment the President was on his feet… Lincoln put on his
steel-rimmed spectacles and glanced down at his pages. Though he had
The brave men, living and dead, who
had but a brief time to prepare the address, he had devoted intense
thought to his chosen theme for nearly a decade… giving truth to the
struggled here, have consecrated it, far
phrase ‘all men are created equal… ‘Four score and seven years ago,’
Lincoln began” (Goodwin, Team of Rivals, 585-6). This work paid
above our poor power to add or detract.”
“unforgettable justice to the thousands of young Americans who had
struggled with incredible bravery” (Bruce Catton). “The Washington
Chronicle of 18-21 November reported extensively on this ceremony and included a verbatim text of ‘Edward Everett’s Great Oration.’
On the fourth day it noted in passing that the President had also made a speech, but gave no details. When it came to the separate
publication on 22 November, Everett’s ‘Oration’ was reprinted from the standing type, but Lincoln’s speech had to be set up. It was
tucked away as a final paragraph on page 16 of the pamphlet. It was similarly treated when the meanly produced leaflet was replaced
by a 48-page booklet published by Baker and Godwin of New York in the same year” (PMM 351). This is that New York printing, with
Lincoln’s Address on page 40. This edition was preceded only by the exceptionally rare 16-page pamphlet, The Gettysburg Solemnities,
known in only three copies. This printing corresponds almost exactly to the spoken version transcribed by Associated Press reporter
Joseph L. Gilbert, with the omission of “poor” in “our poor power to add or detract,” and correcting “refinished” to “unfinished work.”
Wills, 191-204; 261-263. Streeter 1747. Monaghan 193. Text very fresh with expert archival repair to title page not affecting text,
expert restoration to spine and reinforcement to wrappers. An extremely good copy of this important Lincoln rarity.
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abraham lincoln
Important Six-Line Autograph Endorsement Signed By Lincoln On Christmas Day, 1861,
For The Formation Of General Meagher’s Famous New York City Irish Brigade
78.
(CIVIL WAR) LINCOLN, Abraham. Autograph endorsement signed. Washington, DC, 25 December 1861.
Quarto, two sheets: two manuscript pages (on two sheets) in the hand of General Thomas F. Meagher; on the verso of
one sheet is Lincoln’s endorsement, which consists of six lines with his signature and date-line. Sheets measure 7-3/4
by 7-1/4 inches and 7-3/4 by 9-3/4 inches. Window-matted and framed with portrait. $22,000.
An extraordinary Lincoln signed endorsement as President: on Christmas Day, 1861, he responds to General Thomas
F. Meagher’s request for appointments to his famous “Irish Brigade.”
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The brigade was so decimated in these engagements that it had to be
disbanded. In this two-page document, Meagher requests several key
staff appointments, including one for a sergeant who had saved Meagher’s
during the Civil War)
life in battle: “Colonel Meagher will feel extremely obliged and grateful to
the President should the accompanying list of appointments be…
confirmed, and that with all possible despatch, as the interests and efficiency of the brigade require the
quick completion of the organization. [He recommends as] Assistant Adjutant General Joseph McCoy,
Sergeant 5th Cavalry, N. L. A., been seven years in the service, four or five in Texas, saved the life of Colonel
Meagher at Bull Run, having taken him from under the fire of the batteries at the imminent risk of his own”
and “Brigade Surgeon Dr. Francis Reynolds, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, served as
Brigade and Division Surgeon all through the Crimean War, has the highest testimonials, and is now acting
as Surgeon of the 4th Regt. of the Irish Brigade.” Published in Collected Works V, page 79. From the famed
collection of Philadelphian John Gribbell. Fine condition, expertly silked with minor split to one horizontal
fold, handsomely framed. An exceptional Lincoln presidential endorsement with substantial historical
significance.
(Lincoln at Harrison’s Landing
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“God Bless the Irish flag.”
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Lincoln’s endorsement reads: “Within is the list of persons whom Gen. T. F. Meagher wishes appointed to his
staff. He is very anxious, & I promised him to urge compliance as far as consistent with the service. Please
have Adj’t Genl. look to it. A. Lincoln. Dec. 25, 1861.” Meagher, an Irish immigrant, had at one time been
condemned to death for high treason in Ireland. The sentence commuted, he escaped to the United States
in 1852 and “became the virtual leader of the Irish element in New York City… With the outbreak of the Civil
War, Meagher organized in 1861 a company of Zouaves which became part of the 69th Volunteers. With his
regiment he took part in the first battle of Bull Run, where he had a horse shot under him while acting as a
field officer. In the winter of 1861-62 he organized in New York City the Irish Brigade, and became its
commander, Feb. 3, 1862, participating in the battles of Antietam, the
Peninsular Campaign, Second Bull Run, and Chancellorsville” (DAB).
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j . e . b . stuart
“Have Your Command Ready For The Enemy’s Advance. A Stiff Upper Lip Is Very Important”:
Outstanding 1863 Autograph Letter Written And Signed By J.E.B. Stuart Giving Command
Instructions Related To The Battles Of Auburn
79.
(CIVIL WAR) STUART, J.E.B. Autograph letter signed. Virginia, October, 1863. Single sheet of lined paper
measuring 8 by 7 inches, matted and framed to 34 by 37 inches with carte-de-visite, printed military record, and
chromolithograph. $25,000.
Exceptional 1863 autograph signed letter written entirely in J.E.B. Stuart’s hand written around the time of the
Battles of Auburn instructing his correspondent to recall a scouting party, to “put your pickets on the alert [and]
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The first Battle of Auburn, on October 13,
1863, placed Stuart’s forces in a potentially
disastrous position between Union Troops;
the second battle on the following day extricated Stuart and his men from possible capture. This framed piece also includes a
carte-de-visite depicting J.E.B. Stuart, Stuart’s
printed military record, and a chromolithograph after a work of art by artist Joe Umble.
A wonderful framed piece in fine condition
including an exceptional signed autograph
letter by J.E.B. Stuart.
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The letter, in its entirety, reads: “As the enemy has retired from Luray towards Sperryville you may as well recall the scouting party sent towards Milam’s gap. Put your pickets on the alert—as the signal corps on Clarke Mtn. report a column
supposed to be a brigade or two of Cavalry moving from Culpeper on Locustdale road past Mrs. Green’s. Make all the resistance you can—&keep me as well as the Infy commander contiguous to you informed of these movement—In addition
send a Scout through the woods beyond the
Robinson to discover what has become of this
body of Cavalry. Have your command ready
for the enemy’s advance. A stiff upper lip is
very important.”
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make all the resistance you can,” to send a new scout looking for cavalry, and to be ready for the enemy’s advance,
handsomely matted and framed with a wonderful carte-de-visite of Stuart, a printing of Stuart’s military record, and a
large chromolithograph of “Eyes of the Army,” which depicts J.E.B. Stuart and four Confederate soldiers, signed in pencil
by artist Joe Umble.
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“All Persons Held As Slaves… Are And Henceforward Shall Be Free”:
Very Scarce January 2, 1863 Official Printing Of Lincoln’s
Emancipation Proclamation
80.
(CIVIL WAR) LINCOLN, Abraham. (Emancipation Proclamation) General
Orders. No. 1. Washington, January 2, 1863. Slim octavo, original self wrappers;
pp. 3, (1). $4700.
Scarce January 2, 1863 official printing of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation,
General Orders. No. 1, one of the earliest official printings of Lincoln’s final
version, “among the great documents of human freedom” (National Archives).
“President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,
1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war… It added moral
force to the Union cause and strengthened the Union both militarily and politically.
As a milestone along the road to slavery’s final destruction, the Emancipation
Proclamation has assumed a place among the great documents of human freedom”
(National Archives). While Lincoln actually wrote the Proclamation during July 1862,
he was persuaded to postpone its official issuance until after some decisive military
coup. The September 1862 Battle of Antietam provided the needed victory and
Lincoln officially delivered the first draft of the Proclamation on September 22, to
take effect January 1, 1863. This General Orders. No. 1, with a printed date of January 2, 1863, issued circa January 7, is one of the
very earliest official printings of Lincoln’s final version after it took effect as law. It was preceded only by the Illinois State Journal
“extra” of January 2, 1863 (known only in a single copy), a small format two-page broadside “printed in haste to serve the urgent
need for a few copies” (also known only in a single copy), “the resplendent, official folio edition” (Eberstadt 10) (the latter known only
in nine copies, including seven in institutional libraries), and a circular letter issued circa January 5. A fine copy.
Important Early 1864 Printing Of The Gettysburg Address,
The First Typeset From An Actual Lincoln Manuscript
81. (CIVIL WAR) (LINCOLN, Abraham) EVERETT, Edward. Address of
Hon. Edward Everett… with the Dedicatory Speech of President
Lincoln. Boston, 1864. Slim octavo, original dark brown cloth rebacked
with partial original spine laid down.
$8500.
Scarce and important early 1864 printing of Lincoln’s Gettysburg
Address, apparently the first to be typeset from an original Lincoln
manuscript (rather than a published newspaper account), with map
and folding plan of the battlefield, in original cloth. This rare association copy with a gift inscription by David Wills, who led the campaign
to dedicate the battlefield, invited Lincoln to speak at the ceremony,
housed him in his Gettysburg home and was pivotal in the publication
of this edition.
This important early version of Lincoln’s address was apparently typeset
from an original Lincoln manuscript (probably a fair copy by Lincoln, but
perhaps even the so-called “delivery text”), which supposedly was given to David Wills for the cemetery archives—but which was
later sent by Wills to Everett. Lincoln’s address, typeset from a newspaper reporter’s transcription rather than an original manuscript,
was first published as a pamphlet with Everett’s speech on November 22, 1863 by the Washington Chronicle Office (only two copies
are known to exist), and then in book form by Baker and Godwin later that year (also extremely rare). This early printing precedes
the final version, an “autographic” version written out by Lincoln himself and published in lithographic facsimile in Autograph Leaves
of our Country’s Authors (Baltimore, 1864). Without original printed wrapper, rarely found. This copy with faint trace of early inked,
“Dartmouth College Library. Compliments of David Wills, Gettysburg Pa. May 17, 1892,” on the front free endpaper. Text generally
fresh, minor tape reinforcement to verso and recto margins of leaf with Wills’ inscription not affecting text, tiny open tear to rear blank.
The warrant reads: “We command that
you summon Thomas Copeland of Hull in
said county of Suffolk yeoman… to appear before Our Justices of Our Inferiour
Court of Common Pleas to be holden at
Boston… to answer to Henry Turner of
Braintree… apothecary, in a plea of trespass… for that whereas the said Thomas… by his note under his hand for value received, promised the
said Henry Turner to pay him or his order, nine pounds six shillings lawful money, in five months… yet the said Thomas, tho requested
has never paid the sum, but neglects it.” The Thomas Copeland referred to in the case above was the son of Thomas Copeland and
Susannah Collier of Hull, and was born in 1741. Dr. Henry Turner (1660-1773), the plaintiff in this case, was an apothecary who lived in
Old Braintree. Adams’ diary mentions taking a walk with him, but the John Adams legal papers make no mention of a case involving
Thomas Copeland and Henry Turner; perhaps the summons was enough to aid the two to settle their differences. Fine condition.
“One Of The Epic Works On The
Confederate Armies”
83.
(CIVIL WAR) FREEMAN, Douglas Southall.
Lee’s Lieutenants: A Study in Command. New
York, 1942-44. Three volumes. Octavo, original
black cloth, dust jackets. $2500.
First editions of all three volumes of Freeman’s important study of Lee’s officers, signed by Freeman in
Volume I. Profusely illustrated with numerous fullpage photographs, as well as many maps and battle
plans, including a double-page map and a large
folding map of the Army’s battlegrounds, in original
dust jackets.
“One of the epic works on the Confederate armies,
these exhaustively researched and brilliantly written volumes deserve to be read by all Civil War
students. Freeman employs an amazing quantity of information, much of it gleaned from
Confederate sources in Richmond, and he is an interesting and intelligent writer, offering insights into a multiplicity of actions and
personalities. The three hefty volumes cover the period following Sumter to the end of the Peninsular campaign, Second Bull Run to
Chancellorsville, and the Gettysburg campaign to war’s end” (Eicher 971). Lee’s Lieutenants supplements Freeman’s classic biography
of Lee and “stands in its own right as one of the great works of military history” (In Tall Cotton, 61). Contemporary owner inscription (III).
Books fine; light edge-wear, tape repairs to verso (I), faint dampstaining to spine ends (II, III) of scarce dust jackets. A near-fine copy.
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Legal warrant, filled out in 25-year-old
John Adams’ hand in his duties as a
lawyer, and signed by him on the verso.
Scarce and desirable.
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82. ADAMS, John. Partly printed autograph document signed. Boston,
December 17, 1760. Legal folio, one
page, matted and framed with engraved
portrait. Entire piece measures 24-1/2 by
19-1/2 inches. $3800.
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1760 Document Signed By
John Adams As A 25-Year-Old
Lawyer In Boston
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“stonewall”
jackson
Professor “Hell And Thunder” Jackson Grades His 14 Students In VMI’s Class Of 1859:
All Went On To Serve As Officers In The Army Of The Confederacy
84.
(CIVIL WAR) (JACKSON, Thomas J. “Stonewall”). Partly printed autograph document signed—Virginia Military Institute
Grading Report. Lexington, June 17, 1859. Quarto, one leaf, 7-3/4 by 10 inches, printed and engrossed in ink on recto, docketed in
ink on verso. WITH: Carte-de-visite albumen photograph, measuring 2-1/2 by 4 inches. $32,500.
Scarce partly printed 1859 class report signed “T.J. Jackson / Prof.” to Col. F.H. Smith,
Superintendent, Virginia Military Institute. Completely filled out by Jackson, with the
names and grades of his 14 students, all of whom went on to serve as officers in the
Army of the Confederacy, and docketed by Jackson on verso. Jackson taught at Virginia
Military Institute—where he was known to cadets as “Hell and Thunder”—for ten years
before the outbreak of the Civil War.
“There stands Jackson like a
stone wall—rally round the
Virginians!” (General Barnard Bee)
Three years after distinguishing himself in the Mexican War, in 1851, “Jackson resigned from the army to accept a professorship of
optics and artillery tactics at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. He spent the next ten years—a fourth of his life—at VMI.
There the Jackson of fact and legend emerged… Jackson was one of VMI’s poorest instructors. He was too rigid, too inflexible in his
presentations, too demanding of his students. Cadets quickly made him the butt of jokes and pranks. They referred to him as ‘Tom
Fool,’ ‘Hell and Thunder,’ and ‘crazy as damnation” (ANB).
Over 50 words have been penned by Stonewall Jackson as he filled out this weekly class report for the week ending June 7th, 1859,
2d Sec., 1st class, Artillery. In the first two columns, Jackson has listed the names of the 14 students in his class, numbering them
1-14. His class met on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Prof. Jackson gave 11 of his 14 students the maximum 9, one 8.9, one
8.7 and one, marked absent all week, received no grade.
In the “Progress during the Week” box at the right,
Jackson wrote “on genl. review of Arty tactics Cooke
leaving leaving [sic] Arty recitation on the 13 & not returning.” At the bottom Jackson has penned “To / Col.
F.H. Smith / Supt V.M.I. / T.J. Jackson / Prof.”
All of Jackson’s students went on to serve as officers in the
Confederate Army, as did Jackson himself, of course.
(More extensive biographies of all the cadets are available.). Together with a carte-de-visite albumen photograph
of Jackson, circa 1855. Two faint horizontal fold lines.
Lightly foxed, bit of toning near edges. Fine condition.
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harper’s weekly /
full civil war years
“A Delight To The Casual Reader And A Rich
Treasury For The Historical Investigator”:
Five Volumes Of Harper’s Weekly, 1861-65,
Covering The Civil War Years, With Numerous
Wood-Engravings By Homer And Nast
85. (CIVIL WAR). Harper’s Weekly: A Journal of Civilization.
Volumes V-IX. New York, 1861-65. Five volumes. Large thick
folio (12 by 16 inches), modern three-quarter brown
morocco gilt. $12,500.
Critical run of one of the great contemporary historical sources of the Civil War, containing first-hand accounts from the battlefield
and thousands of wood engraved illustrations by such noted American artists as Winslow Homer and Thomas Nast, including many
scenes of battle and camp, portraits of officers, political cartoons, maps and battle plans.
Begun in 1857, Harper’s Weekly remains one of the most valuable primary sources for understanding 19th-century American life.
“The old files of Harper’s Weekly are a delight to the casual reader and a rich treasury for the historical investigator. Here is a vital
illustrated history… The combination of pictures, politics, essays and fiction gives [Harper’s]
“Homer moved past patriotic
first-rate importance” (Mott, 469). Issues from the Civil War years contain not only an indepth view of civilian life during the war, but dramatic first-hand accounts from the
rhetoric to provide what are
battlefronts, graphic scenes of engagement in the field and life in the camps. From the first
encounter at Fort Sumter, through all the hard-fought campaigns and into the beginnings
of Reconstruction, Harper’s chronicles the bloody years that indelibly shaped the future of
among the first glimpses of
the United States. Articles and essays present the points of view of generals, politicians,
merchants, slaves, ordinary soldiers and common citizens, north and south. Virtually every
modern battle as it really is.”
page offers insight into this pivotal era, with thousands of wood-engravings, a great many
by famous artists Winslow Homer and Thomas Nast. The year 1862 contains three of
(The New Yorker)
Homer’s most memorable and collected pieces from his Civil War years: “The Surgeon,”
“The Sharpshooter,” and “Thanksgiving in Camp.” The 1864 volume has bound at rear two issues of Frank Leslie’s Budget of Fun
(September 1861 and October 1864); the New York Illustrated News of March 8, 1862; Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper of May
2, 1863; and an addition copy of Harper’s Weekly for July 11, 1863. Occasional owner names; large dealer label on page 670 of the
1862 volume. Scattered marginal dampstaining in the second, third and fifth volumes; interiors generally quite clean, with only a few
expertly repaired tears affecting text or images. A handsomely bound set.
robert e . lee / mathew brady
americana
“Your Illustrious Father’s Photograph, Which Bears His Name Written Before My Eyes With His Own
Dear Hand”: Signed By General Robert E. Lee, Rare Vintage Albumen Print Of Lee, Circa 1865,
From A Photograph By Mathew Brady, Accompanied By Two Exceptional Letters Of Provenance
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86.
(CIVIL WAR) [BRADY, Mathew] LEE, Robert E. Photograph signed. Richmond, circa 1865. Vintage oval albumen
print (5-1/4 by 7-1/4 inches) mounted on ivory card stock (total 8 by 10 inches), signed on print recto. WITH: ALS (Lee),
original tan leaf (5 by 8 inches folded), envelope; ALS (Landry), original lined tan leaf (8 by 10 inches). $19,500.
Rare vintage albumen print, circa 1865, of General Robert E. Lee, boldly signed by him in the lower portion of the image,
from a photograph by Mathew Brady—“the “Father of American Photography”— a distinguished portrait of Lee in uniform
and in profile, taken on his porch in Richmond only days after Appomattox and the death of Lincoln. With accompanying
letters of provenance: the first an autograph letter signed by Lee’s daughter, Mary Custis Lee, in response an autograph
letter signed by Confederate Captain Landry, who fought under Longstreet and Lee and “was included in the surrender
of Lee’s army at Appomattox”—with Landry writing, in his letter, of witnessing Lee signing this rare photographic portrait.
This rare vintage albumen print of General Robert E. Lee is from a photograph by famed photographer Mathew Brady. This
bust-length portrait of Lee in uniform, seen in profile and boldly signed by him, was taken by Brady in April 1865, not long
after Lee returned to Richmond after Appomattox. Lee entered the city on the very day Lincoln died from a gunshot wound
inflicted by John Wilkes Booth and as Brady was “hurrying to Richmond over the same roads Lee had taken” (Meredith,
195). This handsome signed vintage albumen print is accompanied by two exceptional letters of provenance: one of Lee’s
daughter and the other from a soldier who was present at his surrender at Appomattox.
The letter from Mary Custis Lee, written in manuscript hand and signed by her,
reads, in part: “Roanoke Virginia May 11th 1902. My Dear Sir… though I
have not the pleasure of your acquaintance, I determined to write to you,
& tell you how deeply I was touched by your kind expressions… It is
no news to me that all who followed him, adored & idolized him, but
the reiteration of their devotion is always most grateful, & I cannot
hear it too often… believe most cordially, to my Father’s old
soldier, very truly yours. Mary Custis Lee.” The text of Landry’s
response, in manuscript on a folded sheet of lined paper and
signed by him, reads, in part: “Donaldson [Louisiana], May
21, 1902. Mrs. Mary Custis Lee, Romancoke, VA. My Dear
Mrs. Lee, Your beautiful letter pleased me so much… And
yet no less could have been expected from the daughter of
such a father… I shall certainly keep it with as much care
as I have kept your illustrious father’s photograph, which
bears his name written before my eyes with his own dear
hand [emphasis added]… to know that you are happy will
always rejoice the heart of your unknown friend. R. Prosper
Landry.” Signed vintage print, rarely seen this large, lightly
toned along with card mount, signature bold and crisp,
corners of card stock lightly trimmed without affecting image
or print mount, indiscernible light expert restoration to print
background only. Lee ALS with vertical closed tear at center
foldline archivally repaired, tiny closed tear to a foldline on rear
leaf, envelope with small tape repairs; Landry ALS with minor wear
at faint foldlines. A most desirable signed albumen print with an
especially memorable provenance.
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thomas jefferson / james madison
Fine Document Signed By Thomas Jefferson As President And James Madison As Secretary Of State
87. JEFFERSON, Thomas. Ship’s papers signed. New York, July 31, 1806. Folio (10 by 15 inches), one leaf, engraved on the recto
and finished by hand. Mounted and framed with portraits of Jefferson and Madison. $17,000.
Fine ornate vellum Ship’s Passport for the Ship Sally of New York, Ebenezer H. Mix, Commander, signed by Jefferson as President,
countersigned by Madison as Secretary of State, with two engraved maritime images and the original paper seal. Handsomely
framed with portraits.
Sea letters had long been used to establish proof of nationality and guarantee protection for ships. The document reads: “SUFFER
the Ship Sally of New York, Ebenezer H. Mix, master or commander, of the burthen of Two hundred and thirty-six 89/95 tons or
thereabouts, mounted with four guns, navigated with fifteen men, TO PASS with her
Company, Passengers, Goods and Merchandize, without any hindrance, seizure or “The boisterous sea of liberty
molestation: the said Ship appearing, by good testimony, to belong to one or more of the
Citizens of the United States, and to him or them only. GIVEN under my Hand and the Seal
is never without a wave.”
of the United States of America, the 31st day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and six. [signed] Th. Jefferson. By the President. [signed] James Madison
(Thomas Jefferson)
Secretary of State. State of New York, District of Sag Harbor.” Countersigned by David
Gettson, collector.” The top edge is scalloped through the top engraving, as was the custom, with the collector holding a matching
document that completed the engraving. Jefferson’s signature dark and clear, Madison’s just a bit lighter. Fine condition.
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“The Bearer Comes For The 4 Pounds Of Tea You Promised”:
Autograph Letter Signed By Founding Father Richard Henry Lee
88. LEE, Richard Henry. Autograph letter signed. Chantilly, [Virginia], April 13,
1769. Original ivory leaf of laid paper (4-1/2 by 7-1/2 inches folded), manuscript
on recto and integral address leaf. $5200.
Rare April 13, 1769 autograph letter signed by Founding Father Richard
Henry Lee, signer of the Declaration of Independence, revolutionary
leader, and author of famed Lee Resolution.
Founding Father Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is
also famed “as the man who introduced the [Lee] Resolution in Congress
that declared American independence” (Alden, 67). “High on the list of
America’s forgotten founders… Lee served as a member of the House of
Burgesses, House of Delegates, and the United States Senate. He also
represented Virginia at the two Continental Congresses and served as
president of Congress in 1784” (Encyclopedia Virginia). This rare April 13,
1769 autograph letter signed and dated by Lee is written from his home,
Chantilly-on-the-Potomac. In it Lee asks a merchant to provide the letter’s bearer
with “the 4 pounds of tea you promised to put by for me… I will pay you your money
the next time I have the pleasure of seeing you…. [signed] Richard Henry Lee.” Two
years later, in June 776, Lee rose to his feet in the State House. “The importance of
the moment was understood by everyone in the room. ‘Resolved [Lee began]…
That these United Colonies are, and of a right ought to be, free and independent’” (McCullough, 118). The delegates were electrified.
To John Adams independence was marked not the Declaration but by the Lee Resolution. Inked text and signature clear and dark, light
wear at faint foldlines, mild soiling to near-fine letter.
“I Believe In One God And No More… I Believe In The Equality Of Man”:
Very Scarce 1794 First American Edition Of Part I Of Paine’s Age Of Reason
89. PAINE, Thomas. The Age of Reason. Being an Investigation of True and Fabulous Theology. New-York, 1794. Small octavo
(4-3/4 by 7 inches), 19th-century full crimson morocco gilt rebacked with original spine laid down. $8500.
First American edition of Paine’s landmark Age of Reason, “his great work of this
period” (ANB; copyrighted and published only a few months after the Paris and
London first editions; all early editions in English are highly desirable.
Part I of Paine’s Age of Reason “was written in Paris in 1793—in haste, because
although Paine had originally been lionized by the French as a true ally in the cause of
liberté, égalité, fraternité, he soon became disillusioned by the increasing violence of
the revolution… Arrested on Robespierre’s order, Paine was able to deliver the
manuscript to his friend Joel Barlow, a close friend of Jefferson’s, while en route to the
Luxembourg Prison on December 28, 1793” (Jacoby). Paine believed “religious beliefs
had to be reasonable and that God had given human beings control over their lives to
perform good deeds… By his rational analysis of God, government, and society, Paine
personified the Age of Reason” (Fruchtman). A virtually unobtainable edition in French
was published in March 1793 and immediately suppressed, with only one known copy
found. In March 1794 the first obtainable edition in French was published and the
edition in English, both in Paris. Gimbel states that “copies printed cheaply in English
were sent to America, but a much finer edition was printed in Paris for circulation in
England” (Gimbel-Yale 88). All early editions in English are highly desirable, including
the first American edition offered here. Bookplate. Text fresh with only light scattered
foxing, half title expertly reinforced at gutter's edged. A very scarce about-fine copy of
a seminal Paine work, handsomely bound.
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“The Clearest Of All Expositions Of The
Basic Principles Of Democracy” (PMM):
Rare 1791-92 Second Edition
Of Paine’s Rights Of Man,
Where Paine “Fully Developed
His Great Political Philosophy”
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90. PAINE, Thomas. Rights of Man... Second
Edition. BOUND WITH: Rights of Man. Part the
Second... The Second Edition. London, 1791,
1792. Octavo, full contemporary calf LATER red
morocco spine label. $15,000.
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Rare 1791-1792 editions of Paine’s revolutionary
classic, containing the second edition, first issue
of Rights of Man (Part I), issued very soon after
the first edition—where “Paine laid down those
principles of fundamental human rights which
must stand” (PMM)—together in one volume with
the second edition, first issue of Part the Second,
handsomely bound in contemporary calf.
Hoping Rights of Man “would do for England
what his Common Sense had done for America,”
Paine answered Edmund Burke’s attack on the
French Revolution with his “celebrated answer,
The Rights of Man” (Gimbel-Yale 59). Written
“with a force and clarity unequalled even by
Burke, Paine laid down those principles of fundamental human rights which must stand, no matter what excesses are committed to obtain them… The government tried to suppress it, but it circulated the more
briskly… [Rights of Man is] the textbook of radical thought and the clearest of all expositions of the basic principles of
democracy” (PMM 241). In this revolutionary work, “Paine’s attack on monarchy went farther than he had attempted
on Common Sense or the Crisis series… Rights of Man was one of the most ardent and clear defenses of human rights,
liberty and equality in any language… Like Locke, Paine wrote that people have rights naturally, and as they joined together to form society and then government, they transformed a
number of their natural rights into civil rights… Rights of free speech,
“While Paine’s basic message…
opinion, conscience, association (in America those rights became
embodied in the first amendment to the Constitution in the same
was not new, he went much further.
year the first part of the Rights of Man appeared) were all part of the
natural rights which a properly constituted government must proReject British heritage, condemn
tect.” Rights of Man was dedicated to Washington and first published
on his February 22, 1791 birthday by London publisher J. Johnson,
monarchy, embrace democracy,
but was immediately suppressed. “Paine moved the work almost
immediately to J.S. Jordan, a radical printer and bookseller, after
enlighten the world.”
Johnson lost courage and refused to continue with the effort”
(Fruchtman, 228). Interior very fresh with only light occasional mar(National Humanities Center)
ginal dampstaining, tiny bit of edge-wear and dampstaining to boards,
headcap expertly repaired.
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thomas paine
Exceedingly Rare First English Edition First State Of Common Sense,
“The Most Influential Tract Of The American Revolution”
91. [PAINE, Thomas]. Common Sense; Addressed to the Inhabitants of America… A New Edition, with several Additions in the
Body of the Work. To which is added an Appendix; together with an Address to the People called Quakers. Philadelphia, Printed;
London, Re-Printed, 1776. Slim octavo, modern three-quarter green morocco. $25,000.
Rare first British edition, first state, of Common Sense, issued in 1776 within months of the first American edition, a work of such
paramount interest to both America and Britain that this edition was issued almost certainly before the Declaration of Independence—
that founding document whose issuance on July 4, 1776 “was due more to Paine’s Common Sense than to any one other single
piece of writing”—with first state half title and all of the hiatuses (including the two in the Introduction), handsomely bound in
three-quarter morocco by Aquarius, London.
“Without the pen of Paine,
“By far the most influential tract of the American Revolution… it remains one of the most
brilliant pamphlets ever written in the English language” (A Covenanted People 27). The
the sword of Washington would 1776 American editions of Common Sense ignited the drive for independence throughout
the colonies and led directly to the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. It was
have been wielded in vain.”
“the most discussed and most widely circulated pamphlet in America” (Gimbel, 49). The
British editions had a similar impact, greatly affecting public opinion and drawing many
(John Adams)
influential Englishmen to support the American cause. “It would be difficult to name any
human composition which has had an effect at once so instant, so extended and so
lasting… Common Sense turned thousands to independence who before could not endure the thought. It worked nothing short of
miracles and turned Tories into Whigs” (Trevelyan, History of the American Revolution). This
first British edition contains Paine’s additions, increasing the original work by one-third. Unlike
“We have it in our power to
subsequent English editions, this rare first state contains all of the hiatuses where words and
passages critical of the English crown have been deleted: with “N—” on line 16 of page 23,
begin the world over again.”
hiatuses in lines 15 and 17 of the Introduction, on line 3 of page 25, and with “pedling” on
page 31 (3rd line from bottom); along with, as in all editions, hiatuses on pages 14, 17, 23, 24,
25, 28, 29, 30, 41, 42, 45, 51, 52 (Gimbel, Table III:86-7). There were four London editions of Common Sense printed by John Almon
in 1776, issued in two forms—with James Chalmer’s Plain Truth and a general half title page listing both works, or separately, both
with and without the half title. This copy of Common Sense is in the format with the first state half title; without Chalmer’s Plain Truth.
This true first English edition of Common Sense is most exceedingly rare and difficult to obtain. Gimbel CS-24. APS, 45. Small
bibliographic slip tipped-in at rear. Minimal annotation to one page. Interior very fresh with only light scattered foxing, mild occasional
edge-wear. A handsome about-fine copy, rare and important.
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thomas paine
“Give Not The Tyrant Of England The
Triumph Of Seeing The Man Perish
On The Scaffold Who Helped My
Much Loved America”: First Editions
Of Paine’s 1792 And 1793 Brilliant
Pamphlets, Printed In Paris Amidst
The French Revolution, Opposing The
Execution Of Louis XVI, Arguing
Only A Trial Will Lead “The World To
Know And Detest The Disastrous
System Of Monarchy”
92.
(PAINE, Thomas). Opinion de Thomas
Payne, Depute du Departement de la Somme,
Concernant le Jugement de Louis XVI. Paris,
De l’Imprimerie nationale, 1792. WITH:
Opinion de Thomas Payne, Sur l’Affaire de
Louis Capet. Paris, 1793. Two volumes. Slim
octavo, disbound. Louis XVI; pp. 8; Louis Capet;
pp. 10; chemise. $12,000.
First editions of two exceptional revolutionary works by Paine, authored by him after escaping prison in Britain as revolutionary
France debated the fate of Louis XVI—containing his “Opinion… concernant le jugement de Louis XVI,” delivered before the
Convention Nationale in Paris on November 21, 1792, and his “Opinion… sur l’affair de Louis Capet,” delivered on January 15,
1793, with Paine passionately calling for a trial and clemency in his certainty that America would oppose the guillotine,
remembering how Louis—and France—aided the American Revolution, with Paine soon to be imprisoned himself and finally
freed two years to the month after the first of these was delivered.
In 1792 Paine was forced to flee Britain, never to return. Arriving in Paris he was “eager to participate in the country’s revolutionary
politics, but… spoke little French and still tended to see things in terms of his American experience.” With France divided over the
fate of Louis XIV, Paine argued against execution, urging Louis be tried as Louis Capet, the name Paine granted him. “Paine also
knew Americans had not forgotten that it was Louis’ government that had aided their revolution” (Kaye, 79-80). Paine’s On the
Propriety of Bringing Louis XVI to Trial, translated into French as Opinion.… concernant
“Deist, abolitionist, inventor—
le jugement de Louis XVI, was read before the Convention on November 21, 1792.
Here he argues only a trial will “lead all nations in the world to know and detest the
Thomas Paine embodied the
disastrous system of monarchy.” After Louis was found guilty in December, Paine’s
Opinion... sur l’affaire de Louis Capet, a translation of his Reasons for wishing to
revolutionary radicalism of
preserve the life of Louis Capet, was delivered to the Convention in January 1793.
“For all its tactical and intellectual brilliance… Paine’s plea for clemency was defeated”
(Keane, 367). At the height of the Terror, Paine was arrested and held until November
the eighteenth century.”
1794, two years after the first of these seminal works was delivered. Louis XVI (19.8
cm) with “Législation. (No. 15),” “A Paris, De L’imprimerie Nationale, 1792” at lower
(National Park Service)
edge of first page. Louis Capet (19.6 cm) with “Législation. (No. 221)” at lower edge
of first page, “De L’Imprimerie Nationale” at lower edge of rear text leaf. Each with “Convention Nationale” at upper edge of first
page, “Imprimée par ordre de la Convention Nationale” following title of first page. Copies of Louis XVI found issued the same year
in variously paged editions at Dijon, Lyon and Nismes; of Louis Capet found issued at Dijon: no priority established. Text in French.
Gimbel-Paine, 85-87. Gimbel-Yale 79, 80. Text generally fresh with only faint dampstaining to Louis Capet. Important near-fine
copies of two rarely found Paine works.
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william bl ackstone
“A Vast Influence Both In England And America”:
Important First American Edition Of Blackstone’s Commentaries,
With The Rare Subscriber’s List, In Full Contemporary Sheep—Original Subscriber’s Copy
93. BLACKSTONE, William. Commentaries on the Laws of England. Philadelphia, 1771-72. Four volumes. Octavo, contemporary
full brown sheep, two custom clamshell boxes. $25,000.
First American edition, first issue, of this monumental treatise that greatly influenced the development of the American legal system,
this distinctive association copy with the 22-page subscribers list, rarely found, which names leading Revolutionary figures such as
John Adams, Federalist co-author John Jay, John Dickinson, and this set’s original owner Richard Thomas, “Farmer, Chester County,
Pennsylvania” signed and dated on each title page by him.
The first edition was published in England in 1765. This set first American edition, first issue. Volume III includes the publisher’s rare
octavo broadside prospectus “To the Encouragers of Literature” tipped to leaf preceding title page announcing publication of An
Interesting Appendix to the Commentaries; four pages of advertisements preceding title page of Volume I; Volume IV without single
advertisement leaf mounted on fly leaf preceding title page, often not present. Complete with two tables, one folding, and 22-page
subscriber’s list. Harvard Law Catalogue I:188. Original owner signatures of subscriber Richard Thomas on title pages, dated 17721774, and flyleaves. Later owner signature to title pages. Two leaves in Volume I (Y3-4) torn, with portions of text supplied in a neat
facsimile. Minor expert paper repair to folding table (Volume II) near stub. Spines dried, front joints of three volumes repaired,
contemporary calf showing some wear. A desirable subscriber’s copy in the original American sheep binding.
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An extraordinarily rare July 1775 Massachusetts newspaper printing (occupying the entire front page) of one of the
greatest state papers of the American Revolution and the most important forerunner to the Declaration of Independence,
written by Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson for the Second Continental Congress.
Within a month of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the second Continental Congress met in May 1775. The
majority of the delegates were unsure about what should be done about the ongoing crisis with Great Britain, and
while some thought reconciliation with Britain was still possible, others strongly believed that war was inevitable.
Their ambivalence is reflected in their actions, debates, and writings. On July 5, Congress drafted the Olive Branch
Petition, a letter to George III in which they appealed for the final time to their king to hear their grievances in order
to avoid more bloodshed. But the next day, on July 6, Congress issued on of its most important documents, their
“Declaration… [on] the causes and necessity of their taking up Arms,” written by Thomas Jefferson and John
Dickinson. It is a strong statement of grievances against Britain (including taxation without representation, interference
with commerce, and violation their rights to trial by jury) as well as a plea for peace and reconciliation. Its purpose
was to justify before the world their armed resistance to the British Parliament’s attempt to enforce an absolute
authority over the colonies: “Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great… the arms we
have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and
perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties, being with one mind resolved, to die Freemen rather than
to live as slaves.”
The “Declaration… [on] Taking Up Arms” is one of the greatest of the state papers of the Revolution and the most
important precursor to the Declaration of Independence. Before issuing the Declaration of Independence, “Congress
had produced some fifteen other state papers in the form of letters, petitions, proposals, addresses, and a speech, but
it had issued only one other ‘declaration’ as a formal precedent for the
Declaration of Independence: the ‘Declaration… [on] Taking Up Arms”
“The penultimate step to declaring
of July 6, 1775…. In it, [Jefferson and Dickinson] had acknowledged
‘obligations of respect to the rest of the world, to make known the justice
independence from England.”
of our cause’ and had ‘exhibit[ed] to mankind’ the plight of a wronged
people. Like the Declaration of Independence, the ‘Declaration… [on]
(New York Historical Society)
Taking Up Arms’ marked a decisive turning point in the struggle between
Britain and its American colonies: in this case, the move by the colonists to formal armed conflict” (Armitage, The
Declaration of Independence: A Global History, 31-32). The Declaration was issued by Congress on July 6, 1775; there
were contemporary newspaper, pamphlet and broadside printings, all very rare. The rest of this newspaper issue
contains other Revolutionary material. Early owner signature in the upper left margin. Original folds with only very light
wear and small occasional holes. Near-fine condition. A great rarity.
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94.
(JEFFERSON, Thomas and DICKINSON, John). A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies
of North-America, now met in General Congress at Philadelphia, Setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their
taking up Arms. IN: The New-England Chronicle: Or, The Essex Gazette. Cambridge, Massachusetts, Vol. VII. Numb.
365., July 21 – July 27, 1775. Folio (10 by 15 inches), one large sheet folded once for four pages.
$35,000.
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“Our Cause Is Just: Our Union Is Perfect … Being With One Mind Resolved To Die Freemen,
Rather Than To Live Slaves”: Rare 1775 Contemporary Newspaper Printing Of One Of
The Most Important Documents Of The Revolution, Jefferson And Dickinson’s
“Declaration On The Causes And Necessity Of Taking Up Arms”
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american revolution
Thomas Jefferson—“The True Ground On Which We Declare These Acts Void Is,
That The British Parliament Has No Right To Exercise Authority Over Us”:
Exceedingly Rare Collection Of First Printings Of Notorious 1774 Intolerable Acts Issued By Parliament And
George III As Punishment For The Boston Tea Party, Together With First Printings Of The 1774 Table Of
Statutes And Other Key 1774 Parliamentary Acts, Triggering The American Revolution
95. (AMERICAN REVOLUTION) (PARLIAMENT). (Intolerable Acts: Boston Port Act; Administration Of Justice Act; Massachusetts
Government Act; Quartering Act). WITH: (Quebec Act). WITH: Four additional acts and table of statutes. London, 1774. Ten
volumes. Folio, disbound, custom clamshell box. $35,000.
Very rare collection of first printings of the infamous Intolerable Acts serially enacted by Parliament in 1774 as punishment for the
Boston Tea Party, together with rare first printings of the 1774 Table of Statutes, the 1774 Quebec Act and four major 1774
parliamentary acts also targeting colonial rebellion, ultimately prompting the convening of the First Continental Congress where
Parliament’s punitive acts were cited in its Declaration and Resolves, and thereby propelled American independence. Only 1100
copies of each printed, all ten folio printings.
In late 1773 the sight of British ships laden with tea entering Boston harbor heralded “‘something worse than death—the seeds of
SLAVERY’… Boston instantly turned into a revolutionary hothouse” that produced, on one memorable October night, the legendary
Boston Tea Party.” As news of the Boston Tea Party reached England, George III and Parliament “decided to punish the city and
colony in the most draconian manner,” passing a series of what became known as the Intolerable Acts (Schama II:469). “But instead
of isolating Massachusetts, as had been hoped, these Acts demonstrated a parliamentary power more dangerous to colonial liberty
than mere taxing” (Morison, Sources, xxxiv). When Parliament passed the Boston Port Act, the first Intolerable Act, in March 1774,
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it effectively closed Boston harbor. The next Intolerable Act, the
Administration of Justice Act, offered British officials accused of
crimes new legal protections against hostile juries by authorizing the
governor to assign certain cases to trial in England. For many
colonists this was known as the “Murder Act” for providing accused
murderers an escape from colonial justice. On June 2nd Britain
“added insult to injury by expanding the Quartering Act under which
Americans were responsible for providing barracks and supplies for
the same British troops who were there to enforce the other harsh
measures. A fifth piece of legislation, the Quebec Act, was also
approved during this period… viewed in America as yet another slap
in the face. It extended Canada’s boundary to the Ohio River… and
granted French Canadians the right to practice their Catholic faith
which the vast majority of British Americans considered a treasonous
allegiance to a foreign power, the Pope. In the opinion of many
historians, the Quebec Act was perhaps the primary reason the Canadians remained loyal to Britain throughout the American
Revolution” (Chorlton, First American Republic, xxxvii). Also of note herein is a Table of Statutes, which lists the notorious Intolerable
Acts and the Quebec Act, along with four parliamentary acts also targeting the colonies. Ultimately these attempts to quell American
rebellion failed when the “colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia in September
1774, to consult as to what measures should be taken to procure a repeal of the
“A plan… to extinguish American
Acts, and a redress of other outstanding grievances. It was this Continental Congress
which, beginning as an extra-legal consultative body, developed into the federal
freedom.” (George H. Smith)
government of an independent republic” (Morison, xxxiv, 119). First editions, first
printings, issued in combined gothic and roman type, of which only 1100 copies of each act were printed; from the Sessional
Volumes of Parliament, preceding all American printings (see Report of the Committee for the Promulgation of the Statutes, 1796).
Texts very fresh with only lightest scattered foxing. An exceptional about-fine collection of Revolutionary War acts.
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george washington
Revolutionary War Autograph Envelope With George Washington’s Rare Large Free Franking Signature,
Addressed To Washington’s Stepson John Parke Custis
96.
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph free frank. No place, circa 1780. Single address leaf, manuscript on recto, custom
cloth portfolio. $15,000.
Exceedingly rare original Revolutionary autograph envelope containing Washington’s rare and extremely large free franking signature
on a leaf addressed to John Parke Custis, Washington’s stepson, Martha Washington’s son. Washington’s free franking signature
dating from the Revolutionary War is most rare.
“I have been called upon by the
This rare Revolutionary War autograph envelope bears George Washington’s
large free franking signature on the address leaf of a letter (not present) adunanimous voice of the Colonies to the
dressed entirely in Washington’s hand to his stepson, John Parke Custis, in New
Kent C[oun]ty, Virginia. Custis served as a civilian aide-de-camp to Washington
command of the Continental Army…
during the siege of Yorktown. However, Custis contracted “camp fever” there.
Shortly after the end of the Revolutionary War, Custis died at only 26 years of
It is an honor I wished to avoid, as well
age on November 5, 1781, in New Kent County at Eltham. His widow left their
two youngest children (Eleanor and George) at Mount Vernon to be raised by the as an unwillingness to quit the peaceful
Washingtons. “At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, in 1775, Congress
granted the franking privilege [permitting them to send mail without charge unenjoyment of my Family”
der their covering signature] to members of the Continental Congress and to
military personnel, thus allowing the speedy flow of official mail by either civil or
(George Washington,
military couriers… Washington used military couriers almost exclusively, merely
letter to Colonel Bassett, Jun. 19, 1775)
writing ‘Public Service’ and his signature, or perhaps ‘Free’ and his signature, or
just his signature on the cover of his letters” (Hamilton, 225-26). With portions
of the original red wax seal at the upper edge and on the lower panel. Formerly folded, mildly soiled, a few fold-tears patched with
paper, one mended with tape. A very good example of Washington’s scarce and desirable free frank signature, bold and clear.
“In America… No One Renders Obedience To Man,
But To Justice And To Law”
Important Presentation/Association Copy, One Of Only 60 Copies,
President Truman’s 1951 Address Made At The Ratification
Of The Japanese Peace Treaty
98. (TRUMAN, Harry). Address of the President at the Opening of the Conference
on the Japanese Peace Treaty, September 4, 1951. Washington, Christmas 1951.
Octavo, original half crushed russet morocco. $16,000.
Special limited first edition, one of only 60 copies with the text from
Truman’s speech at the Japanese Peace Conference, printed for President
Truman at Christmas 1951, warmly inscribed the month of publication to
Truman’s Secretary of the Air Force: “To Hon. Stuart Symington, with best
wishes for a Merry Christmas, Harry Truman, Dec. 25, 1951.”
With his ratification of the Japanese Peace Treaty in San Francisco on
September 4, 1951, President Harry Truman brought to a conclusion, in his
own words, “a bitter and costly war.” That historic event is commemorated
here in a special limited edition of only 60 copies, containing the complete “Address
of the President at the Opening of the Conference on the Japanese Peace Treaty.”
Within Truman speaks of the “long and patient negotiations… fair to both victor and vanquished,” which produced the treaty, and his
hopes for moving the world toward “a firm and lasting peace.” Truman’s warm inscription is to his fellow Missourian Stuart Symington,
who Truman appointed in 1947 as “first secretary of the air force,” then in 1950 as chair of the National Security Resources Board.
In 1951, “again at Truman’s request, he moved to the chairmanship of the scandal-plagued Reconstruction Finance Corporation,”
before serving several distinguished terms in the Senate (ANB). Text generally fresh with only light soiling to preliminary and terminal
leaves, light staining to original boards. A near-fine presentation copy with an especially memorable association.
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Commissioned by the French government to study the American
penal system in 1831-32, Tocqueville ultimately produced, in
Democracy in America, “the first systematic and empirical study
of the effects of political power on modern society” (Nisbet). “In 1835, the first volume
appeared (in French), and throughout the intellectual circles of western Europe both
democracy and America took on a new aspect and a new significance in political
speculation” (NYU, 955). In his nine-month stay in the United States, Tocqueville absorbed
a remarkable sense of the spirit and maintenance of democracy, and he affirmed his faith
in mankind’s ability to pursue the democratic society. The first part of the work was published in French in 1835 and the second part
in 1840. Each part was translated into English and published separately in both England and American, Part I in London in 1835
and New York in 1838. Part II would not be published in English translation until 1840. This 1841 American edition marks the first
time both parts of the work were published together in English. Small owner inkstamps to front pastedowns, minor marginalia to one
page (I:45). Interiors generally fresh with light scattered foxing, Volume I with expert archival repair to gutter edge of folding map (I),
slight marginal dampstaining to rear leaves, both volumes with expert cloth and text block restoration. A very good copy.
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First complete edition in English of Tocqueville’s important and
influential analysis of American democracy, one of the
outstanding intellectual achievements of the 19th century. This
important edition contains a hand-colored folding map of North
America with information from the census of 1840, published
here for the first time in America, scarce in original cloth.
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97.
TOCQUEVILLE, Alexis de. Democracy in America. New
York, 1841. Two volumes. Octavo, original brown cloth gilt,
custom clamshell box. $7000.
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“Here Began The Horrid Practice
Of Forcing Africans Into Slavery”:
First Edition Of Clarkson’s History,
1808, With Famous Folding Plate
Of The Slave-Ship Brookes
99.
CLARKSON, Thomas. The History of
the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of
the Abolition of the African Slave-Trade by
the British Parliament. London, 1808. Two
volumes. Octavo, contemporary marbled
boards rebacked. $7000.
First edition of Clarkson’s classic history of
the slave trade, with the famous large folding
engraving of the arrangement of slaves on
decks of the slave-ship Brookes according to
the “humane” Dolben Bill of 1788, in contemporary marbled boards.
Thomas Clarkson, who was “the heart and soul of the campaign for abolition,” led a
handful of fervent activists working to untie slave-holding from the fabric of British life
(Thomas, 495). His History would prove a vital document in the abolitionist struggles
of Britain and America. The famous folding engraved plate of slaves closely fitted on
decks of the slave-ship Brookes is one of the most powerful and influential images in
the history of the anti-slavery movement. In 1789, William Wilberforce had a scale
model of the Brookes built (with images from this plate pasted on its decks), which he presented to the House of Commons during one
of his most passionate and persuasive speeches. Also with folding map and engraved plate of shackles in Volume I. Dumond, Antislavery,
169. Volume I with bookplate of the noted British physician, Sir Humphry Davy Rolleston, Baronet. Interior generally fresh with light
scattered foxing, folding plates with expert paper repairs, only very minor rubbing to scarce contemporary marbled boards.
Signed By “Buffalo Bill”
100. CODY, William F. “Buffalo Bill.” Autograph
Sentiment Signed. No place, 1895. Framed piece
Fine autograph sentiment signed by the American
showman and scout, creator of the Wild West
Show, “Sincerely Yours, W.F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill,’
1895.” Handsomely matted and framed with a
bust-length photograph of Cody dressed as a
mountain man.
Framed with a hand-colored contemporary carte-de visite size photograph
of Buffalo Bill, astride his horse, his
rifle at the ready. Matted in crimson
and walnut, with a bust length photograph of Cody dressed as a mountain
man. Fine condition.
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american revolution
“Certain Units Of The Massachusetts Militia Were Designated As Minutemen…”:
Pay Receipt Signed By 11 Massachusetts Minutemen In 1775
Just A Week Before The Battles Of Lexington And Concord
101.
(AMERICAN REVOLUTION). Minutemen document signed. Newbury Massachusetts, April 11, 1775. One sheet of paper,
6-1/4 by 5-3/4 inches, manuscript in ink on recto and verso. $9200.
Very scarce and desirable receipt signed by 11 minutemen in Newbury, Massachusetts,
on April 11, 1775, an intriguing artifact of the Revolutionary War era.
The document reads “Received of Capt. Gerrish by the hand of Mr. Eliphalet Kilbon the
sum affixed to our respective names in the within, Newbury, April 11, 1775” and is signed
by John Cheney, Oliver Goodridge, Abraham Sawyer, Abner Woodman, John Carneige,
Jedediah Currier, Nath. Pearson, Nathan Adams, Jacob Hale, John Noyes, and Enoch
Boynton. Several of these names are penned on the verso, in a uniform hand, with
payment amounts noted next to each man’s name.
“A vital and necessary force,
playing a crucial role in…
the Revolutionary War”
(Independence Hall Association)
Massachusetts was officially declared to be in a state of rebellion in February, 1775. In late March of 1775, John Hancock, president
of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, “declaring that the people of Massachusetts were threatened by a powerful army,
formally called upon them to prepare to defend themselves to the uttermost. Certain units of the Massachusetts militia were designated
as minutemen, and instructed to go into swift action in the event that Gage’s troops came out of Boston on the offensive” (Alden, A
History of the American Revolution, 173). The British garrison attempted to act on its orders to disarm the rebels and arrest their
leaders, especially Hancock and Samuel Adams, which led to the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, scarcely more
than a week after this particular pay receipt was signed. Faint fold lines, mild edge-wear, archival tape reinforcement in three places
on verso. An extremely good and scarce Revolutionary War document.
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massachuset ts
general court
“[We] Urge You… To Exert Every Nerve In
This Glorious Struggle; For Should You For
Any Reason Quit Your Posts, And
Disgracefully Turn Your Backs On Your
Enemies, Wild Carnage, Barbarous And
Bloody Desolation Must Spread Like A
Hideous Torrent Over Your Ruined Country”:
A Remarkable November 1776 Broadside
Address To The Massachusetts
Soldiers Fighting The Revolutionary War
102. (AMERICAN REVOLUTION) MASSACHUSETTS
GENERAL COURT. In the House of Representatives,
November 1, 1776. Ordered, That the following
ADDRESS from the General Court of this State, to
the Officers and private Soldiers who are gone from
thence and are serving in the American Army. Boston,
1776. Broadside, handsomely framed, entire piece
measures 17 by 23 inches. $22,000.
A rare November 1, 1776 broadside address issued
by the Massachusetts government as a message of
inspiration and encouragement to the Massachusetts
troops fighting in the Continental Army with a warning
of the grave dangers that will befall them and their
families if they quit their posts.
On October 31, 1776, the Massachusetts House of
Representatives appointed four men to the committee
to write this address to the “officers and private soldiers belonging to this State, and now serving in the American Army.” (Joseph
Hawley, one of Massachusetts’ most important patriots, as well as a close and influential friend and frequent correspondent of both
Samuel and John Adams, was a major contributor.) On the afternoon of the next day, November 1, their address was accepted, and
on the 2nd it was ordered that “2000 hand-bills” of it be printed for the
“When the tyrants of the earth began
soldiers. The address gives the soldiers stirring reminders of the reasons they
are fighting the war: “When the tyrants of the earth began to transgress the
to transgress the sacred lines of
sacred line of property, and claim their fellow men as slaves… men began to
take the field of battle on behalf of freedom…. Our venerable ancestors came
property, and claim their fellow men
to this land when it was a savage and dangerous wilderness, terrible to the
civilized eye. Here they toiled and bled, with the pleasing hope of their
posterity’s enjoying that freedom for which they encountered every difficulty, as slaves… men began to take the field
and braved every danger… But the King and Parliament of Great-Britain have
been fatally persuaded to claim this whole continent, with its three millions of
of battle on behalf of freedom…”
inhabitants, as their own property… You have gallantly taken the field, and the
salvation of your country, the happiness of future generations, as well as your own, depends upon your noble exertions.” The soldiers
are assured that they will be sent supplies, but then are warned what will happen if they desert their posts: “Should you for any reason
quit your posts, and disgracefully turn your backs on your enemies, wild carnage, barbarous and bloody desolation must spread like
a hideous torrent over your ruined country.” American Revolutionary broadsides, especially war-related ones printed during 1776, are
extremely rare and desirable. “Only a small percentage of the total number of broadsides from the era of the American Revolution
has survived.” (Lowance & Bumgardner, ix-x). No copies of this broadside have appeared at auction in the last 30 years. Some
browning and spotting, reinforcement to separations at old folds.
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thomas jefferson
“Books As Well As Other Things Have Limits To Their Value Beyond Which We Would Not Go”:
1819 Autograph Letter Signed By Jefferson To His Bookseller
103. JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed. Monticello, April 11, 1819. Single leaf of laid paper (measures 7-3/4 by 7-3/4
inches) in manuscript on the recto; letter matted and framed with portrait, entire piece measures 22-1/2 by 21-1/2 inches. $48,000.
1819 autograph letter written and signed by Jefferson, penned in Monticello, written
to his bookseller John Laval, musing on book collecting.
“By 1814… Jefferson had
John Laval took over the Universal Book-Store in Philadelphia from his friend, the
acquired the largest personal
French-born Nicolas Gouin Dufief, some time after 1819. Dufief, America’s first
antiquarian bookseller, had handled the sale of Franklin’s library, and the company collection of books in the United
issued catalogues, one of which Jefferson has just received: “In the moment of my
setting out on a journey I receive Mr. Dufief’s catalogue for 1819 for which I presume I
States…” (Library of Congress)
have to thank you. Having had time to run over the first pages only I mark in pa. 13 a
copy of Scapula’s Lexicon printed at Coll. Allobr. 1616 called 8vo but I presume it is small 4to as I believe there has never been an
edition so small as 8vo printed. Be pleased to send me this copy. If well wrapped in paper it may come by mail.” He asks for the
prices of two further items, and complains, “It is a pity the prices of the books had not been printed. We are afraid to call for a book
on seeing it’s title only, as books as well as other things have limits to their value beyond which we would not go.” Letter backed with
stiff paper, with evidence of prior mounting on verso. Signature bold and clear. Fine condition.
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john adams
“Received… Compensation As President Of The United States”:
Rare 1799 Autograph Document Signed By John Adams As President,
A Receipt Form Entirely Penned And Signed By Him Acknowledging Payment For His Service As President,
104. ADAMS, John. Autograph document signed. Quincy, March 4, 1799. Original leaf (41/2 by 8-inches) in manuscript on the recto only (window-matted on leaf, total 6 by 9-inches);
framed with engraved portrait, entire piece measures 14 by 19-inches. $19,000.
Rare March 4, 1799 autograph document signed by John Adams as America’s second president, entirely penned by him from his home in Quincy with his date of March 4, 1799, Adams’
“Form of Receipt” covering payment in “Compensation as President of the United States,”
leaving a space for Meredith, Treasurer of the United States, to supply the authorized amount.
This very rare autograph document reveals the fundamentally hands-on nature of this pragmatic
Founding Father. In March 1797, when Adams moved into the President’s House in Philadelphia
following his inauguration, he was immediately dismayed by the sheer cost of the office. “Rent
for the house was an exorbitant $2,700 a year, plus another $2,500 for carriages and horses…
Adams worried that on his salary of $25,000, it would be impossible to make ends meet. They
would be more ‘pinched’ than ever in their lives he
warned Abigail…’ Yet not a word could they say. ‘We
“Patriotism burned in Adams
must stand our ground as long as we can.’ To no one
but her could ever complain.” Washington, much wealthier than Adams, had first refused
like a blue flame.” (McCullough)
a salary but, not wanting to set a precedent, took a smaller amount. In March 1799 Adams
returned home to Quincy, possibly to reduce the daunting costs of the presidency, but certainly to avoid summers in Philadelphia in
which persistent waves of yellow fever shut down Congress. “Convinced he could run the government as well from Quincy as at
Philadelphia, Adams stretched his stay at home from late March to September, fully seven months… He worked dutifully… If there
were delays in the system, they were nearly always at Philadelphia, not at his end” (526). The document reads in full: “Form of
Receipt, Received of Samuel Meredith Treasurer of the United States by the hands of Benjamin Lincoln Collector of Boston [blank
space] Dollars on amount of my Compensation as President of the United States to the 4 [sic] of march 1799. For which I have
signed Duplicate Receipts. John Adams, Quincy [blank space] 1799.” Engraved portrait containing a facsimile signature covered by
the mat. A fine signed document handsomely matted and framed.
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george a . custer
“As You Accuse Me Of Writing Short Letters I Concluded To Commence
One On As Large A Sheet Of Paper As I Could Find”:
Rare And Very Lengthy Four-Page 1859 Handwritten Signed Letter From Custer To A Female Childhood Friend
105. CUSTER, George A. Autograph letter signed. West Point, New York, April 6, 1859. Four unlined pages (attached) measuring
8 by 10 inches, with original envelope bearing wax seal. $9500.
Rare, early, and lengthy four-page 1859 autograph letter written entirely in George Armstrong Custer’s hand (and signed
“Armstrong”) to a female friend lamenting the reinstated five-year academic program at West Point, asking about mutual friends
at home, discussing his preparations for exams, and joking about the length of the letter while requesting one of similar length,
accompanied by original hand-addressed and wax-sealed mailing envelope.
The letter reads in part: “I received and read your welcome letter with great pleasure, and as you accuse me of writing short letters
I concluded to commence one on as large a sheet of paper as I could find... the Secretary of War had changed the course here from
five to four years early last fall, we were all very much pleased with that change but day before yesterday the Secretary of War
transmitted the order to change the course back again to five years notwithstanding the academic Board were strongly in favor of the
four years course, several cadets are going to resign in consequence of this
change... we are still hoping that the War Department will be induced to
“One of the best-known figures in
change the course again... Is William Strong as attentive as ever to Lottie or
has she transfered (sic) her smiles to some more favored one... Our American history and popular mythology.”
examination will commence upon the first day of June, my time is now
employed in studying Differential & Integral Calculus, French, Rhetoric,
(PBS/The West Film Project and WETA)
Drawing & Painting, together with Riding at Cavalry drills, Fencing and Infantry
and Artillery drills, we drill every evening with cannon that will carry balls three
miles and a half. We will commence with the flying artillery in a few days... Do you remember those handbills that Henry & I posted
on the Seminary one night. I do not supposed he had any idea of the authors of it... I will expect a “real long” letter in answer to this,
which will contain all news of the young folks... Hoping to hear from you soon I remain—truly your friend. &c Armstrong.”
Despite wavering by the War Department on the matter of program length at West Point, the outbreak of the Civil War ultimately
decided the matter: the term was cut from five to four years in 1861 to allow more officers. Custer, more soldier than scholar, was
among those graduates happy to leave for the battlefield—he graduated last in his class. When he entered the U.S. Service, he was
commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry, where he quickly became known for his daring—and often reckless—
exploits. The recipient of this letter was Minnie St. John, later Loranger, a lifelong resident of Custer’s adopted hometown, Monroe,
Michigan. Original postal markings and owner pencil notations to envelope. Envelope a bit worn. Letter lovely and fine with only
original folding creases and ink smudges.
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“The First Full-Scale History Of This War
By An American”
106. GORDON, William. The History of the Rise,
Progress, and Establishment of the Independence of
the United States of America. London, 1788. Four
volumes. Octavo, contemporary full brown tree calf gilt
rebacked with original spines laid down. $16,000.
First edition of Gordon’s contemporary 1788 History, a
landmark work by “one of the most impartial and reliable
of the numerous historians of the American Revolution”
(Sabin), extensively researched with the aid of Jefferson,
John Adams and Washington, among others, containing
nine engraved folding maps of the United States, with
scarce “List of Subscribers” including Founding Fathers
Washington, Jefferson and John Adams, in contemporary
calf boards.
In researching this groundbreaking History, “Gordon took copious notes
throughout the war... he wrote and spoke incessantly with ‘those in the
know,’ then incorporated what they told him within his narrative” (Raphael, Founding Myths, 252, 330n). Among those he contacted
was Jefferson, who was an early subscriber and provided Gordon with personal accounts of the war. John Adams similarly wrote
Gordon in 1777, saying: “Your design, Sir, of collecting materials for a history of the rise, progress, and issue of the American
Revolution, is liberal and generous; and, as you will find it a laborious undertaking, you ought to be encouraged.” Adams aided by
suggesting Gordon contact the Secretary of State, the War Office and other key sources. Similarly, “Washington agreed to amplify
Gordon’s research with personal reminiscences of fellow officers” (Ellis). “The first full-scale history of this war by an American”
(Howes). Armorial bookplates. Tiny bit of marginalia. Text and maps fresh with only light scattered foxing, expert paper repair to one
folding map at stub, expert restoration to boards. A splendid about-fine copy, scarce in contemporary boards.
“A Firm Foundation Must Be Laid For The Security
Of Our Rights And Liberties…”
107. (BOSTON MASSACRE) HANCOCK, John. An Oration; Delivered March 5th,
1774... to commemorate the bloody Tragedy of the Fifth of March, 1770. Boston,
March, 1774. Octavo, original side-stitched sheets. $12,800.
Scarce first periodical appearance, in the March issue of Isaiah Thomas’ Royal
American Magazine, published around March 24th, apparently about the same time
as this first periodical appearance.
Angry American colonists carried an undimmed recollection of the bloody 1770
Boston Massacre, seeing it as a turning point in “a deliberate assault of power upon
liberty” (Bailyn, 117). “The Massacre— it was called that almost immediately—
compelled attention all over again to the question of what British power was doing
in America” (Middlekauff, 206). Hancock’s powerful 1774 oration addresses fears
of standing armies by describing them as “men who have lost or given up their own
liberties,” and calls for the creation of a “Congress of Deputies from the several
Houses of Assembly on the Continent… At such a Congress, a firm foundation may
be laid for the security of our Rights and Liberties.” The first separate printing of
Hancock’s oration appeared sometime around March 24th (the date it was
advertised in the local newspapers), published in Boston by Edes and Gill (Evans 13314). Without the two engraved plates (as
usual). Only a few scattered patches of foxing, tiny stab marks at left margins with remnant of original stitches, three small holes
to pages 89-92 (not affecting Hancock’s oration). A near-fine copy uncut of a key Revolutionary War document.
1794 American Edition Of Jefferson’s Notes On The State Of
Virginia, The First American Edition To Include A Map
“I Am Certain That We Never Would Have Survived The Eisenhower Landslide
If It Had Not Been For The Effectiveness Of Our Organization”: Excellent 1952 Letter Signed By JFK
109.
KENNEDY, John F. Typed letter signed. No place, 1952.
One page, quarto, matted and framed with portrait. Entire piece
measures 25-1/4 by 18-3/4 inches. $4500.
Fine political letter signed by John F. Kennedy, written in 1952
shortly after winning election to the U.S. Senate, thanking a
campaign organizer for his hard work and support during the
campaign.
Kennedy’s letter, written when he was a Massachusetts congressman, is addressed to “Andy,” and reads: “Since I have just returned from Europe, I have been delayed in telling you how much
I appreciate all of your efforts during the past months of the campaign. I am certain that we never would have
survived the Eisenhower landslide if it had not
been for the effectiveness of our organization, an
organization, in my opinion, which was the best
that the state had ever seen. I fully realize that
this victory was won by the people such as yourself who carried out the many arduous but necessary tasks which constitute political success,
and I want you to know how grateful I am to you
for all your assistance.” Eisenhower, running as a
Republican, won the Presidential campaign in a
landslide, which Kennedy refers to in this letter.
Fine condition.
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“The Notes on Virginia laid the foundations of Jefferson’s high contemporary reputation as a universal scholar and of his present fame as a pioneer American scientist… This extraordinarily informing and generally interesting book may still be
consulted with profit about the geography and productions, the social and political
life, of 18th-century Virginia. With ardent patriotism as well as zeal for truth,
Jefferson combated the theories of Buffon and Raynal in regard to the degeneracy
of animal and intellectual life in America, and he manifested great optimism in regard to the future of the country, but he included strictures on slavery and the
government of Virginia” (ANB). The book was first privately printed edition of 200
copies in 1785 in Paris. A poor translation into French followed in 1786. This second American edition contains the famous Samuel Lewis map of Virginia for the
first time. Early owner signatures. Interior generally fresh with light scattered foxing,
expert paper repair to chart, map and last four leaves with light expert cleaning. A
scarce extremely good copy, handsomely bound.
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Second American edition, with large folding map of Virginia by Samuel Lewis
(not issued with the first American edition) and folding chart listing Indian
tribes, handsomely bound.
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108. JEFFERSON, Thomas. Notes on the State of Virginia. Philadelphia: 1794.
Octavo, 19th-century three-quarter red morocco gilt. $8500.
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kennedy assassination
“President Kennedy Has Been Shot”: Remarkable Archive Of Historic Breaking News Of
The Kennedy Assassination On Original Associated Press International Teletype Sheets Most
Scarce With Fourteen Original Wire Photos From November 22, 1963
110.
(KENNEDY ASSASSINATION). Original United Press International teletype reports of the Kennedy
assassination. Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963. Original teletype rolls, divided into over 100 segments, totaling
over 200 feet. $14,000.
Original United Press International teletype from November 22, 1963 to March 1964, with breaking news of the
Kennedy assassination, including reports of Kennedy’s death, Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration, the capture of Lee
Harvey Oswald, his killing by Jack Ruby, reaction from world leaders, as well as the opening stages of the Warren
Commission hearings and Jack Ruby’s murder trial. Offered with 14 original wire photos, including the iconic
Bob Jackson photo of Ruby shooting Oswald, together with several less often seen images from the same
incident, as well as a touching portrait of John Kennedy, Jr.
“We were working in one of the
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The 14 wire photos that are included with the archive, while mostly concerning
the events of November 22nd and its aftermath, also chronicle what would
have been the lead news of the day, had Kennedy not been shot and killed
— the tragic fire in a Fitchville, Ohio nursing home in which 65 of its residents
perished. The teletype stands as an amazing historical record of one of the
most tragic events in American history, allowing the reader to observe how the
nation and the world learned the news — in real time. Some expected tears at
margins, creases, light toning, else very good condition overall.
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Recovered by a Xavier University student working part-time in the newsroom of
the Cincinnati Post and Times-Star, the teletype dispatches chronicle some of
worst moments of the nation’s life the momentous events of those terrible four days in November 1963. As
common to most news bureaus, teletype printouts would be ripped from the
back then and we didn’t know what machine as they came across the wire and distributed to the appropriate
reporter. The teletype features updates on the events of the first several hours
after Kennedy’s slaying in Dallas, capturing the whirlwind of confusion that
to make of it.” (Bob Schieffer)
surrounded the days events: “UPR 82 URGENT (SUB KENNEDY) (DALLAS)—
-PRESIDENT KENNEDY HAS BEEN SHOT. HE IS PERHAPS FATALLY
WOUNDED…THE PRESIDENT’S BODY WAS LIMP … CRADLED IN THE ARMS OF HIS WIFE. HE WAS RUSHED TO PARKLAND
HOSPITAL …” The report also notes the initial confusion as to the origin of the shots which helped give rise to countless
conspiracy theories: “WITNESSES SAID THERE WERE THREE LOUD BURSTS OF GUNFIRE. MOTORCYCLE POLICE ESCORTING
THE PRESIDENT QUICKLY LEAPED FROM THEIR BIKES AND RACED UP A GRASSY HILL … SOME SECRET SERVICE AGENTS
THOUGHT THE SHOTS CAME FROM AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON…” Also covered is the capture and eventual slaying of Lee
Harvey Oswald, with a good deal of copy dedicated to the reactions of leaders throughout the country and around the world—
even the Soviet Union.
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americana
“We Must Not Close Our Eyes To The
Certainty That Unemployment…Will Force
A Certain Number Of Men Over The Line
From Honesty To Dishonesty, From An
Orderly Life To One Of Violence”
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111.
ROOSEVELT, Franklin Delano. Typed
manuscript of a speech. No place, 1930. Quarto,
one page, matted and framed with portrait. Entire
piece measures 20 by 16 inches. $7500.
Page of a typed manuscript of an FDR speech addressing unemployment, poverty and government
relief in America, with the President’s numerous
penciled emendations. Handsomely framed.
This page of manuscript from a Roosevelt speech
reads in part, with Roosevelt’s penciled emendations in italics: “We must not close our eyes to the
certainty that unemployment this winter will force a
certain number of men over the line from honesty
to dishonesty, from an orderly life to one of violence.
Unemployment relief being carried out in the State
of New York, at best, can do no more than prevent
actual hunger and suffering. It cannot in one winter
do more… Whenever there are sharp distinctions of
inequality in fortune, men will be especially tempted
to get by cleverness or strength what society at
such a time as this and as now constituted denies
them. It would be decent as well as wise for those
upon whom fortune has smiled to make no parade of it… humor has worn thin when a man and his family have been out of work
for months; they humanly resent all waste of money by those who still have large incomes. They know what it would buy for them,
and wonder whether the rich man really understands and is doing his bit in the world of his fellow men.” Fine condition.
Signed Original Photograph Of Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Handsomely Framed
112.
ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Original Photograph Signed. No place, no date.
Photograph measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 inches, matted and framed. Entire piece
Original photograph portrait, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the
lower margin.
Photograph is imprinted “Ortho N.Y.” in the lower right corner. Fine condition.
First Signed Limited Edition Of Theodore Roosevelt’s Outdoor Pastimes Of An American Hunter
First signed limited edition, one of 260 copies signed by Roosevelt, with
photographic frontispiece portrait and numerous photographic plates.
114. SMITH, William. The History of the Province of New-York, from the First
Discovery to the Year M.DCC.XXXII. London: Thomas Wilcox, 1757. WITH:
Continuation of the History of New York (Collections of the New-York Historical
Society). New York, 1826. Two volumes. Quarto, 19th-century three-quarter brown
calf rebacked; octavo, original half buff paper over pale blue boards, custom slipcases. $6000.
First edition of “the first and classic history of New York” (Streeter), with early 19thcentury re-engraved frontispiece view of Oswego on Lake Ontario, together with
Smith’s Continuation, published posthumously by the New York Historical Society.
Loyalist William Smith, Justice of the province of New York, left the country after the
Revolution to accept a post as Chief Justice of Lower Canada. While he had finished
his history of New York nearly up to the present time, he was persuaded “by forcible
reasons” to limit the first edition of his history to the year 1732. The unpublished remainder appeared for the first time in 1826, as
Volume IV of the Collections of the New-York Historical Society. Smith based his landmark work, a cornerstone of colonial history,
“chiefly on the Provincial Laws, the Minutes of the Council, the Journals of the General Assembly and other government records”
(Sabin 84566). In this copy, the frontispiece view of Oswego is a later version, re-engraved in Albany by D. Vaughan and printed by
Gavit & Duthie. Bookbinder’s ticket. Faint stamp on title page. Text lightly toned, a few short tears along folds of frontispiece; scattered
foxing to Continuation, outer paper hinges split, cords holding firm. Lovely copies of this seminal history.
a m eric a n a
“A Cornerstone Of Colonial History”: First Editions Of The
First History Of New York (1757) And Its Continuation (1826)
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Roosevelt colorfully relates his adventures hunting bear, deer, cougar and
other game in such locales as the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone Park.
“Like Audubon, William Elliott, and Judge Caton, Roosevelt liked to chase
deer with horses and hounds: ‘To be able to ride through woods and over
rough country at full speed, rifle or shotgun in hand, and then to leap off
and shoot at a running object is to show that one has the qualities which
made the cavalry of Forrest so formidable in the Civil War.’ This volume also
contains an excellent chapter on ‘Books on Big Game’ in which Roosevelt
reveals his admiration for two other giants among deer hunters: Judge Caton
and T.S. Van Dyke” (Wegner, 234). Preceded by the first trade edition.
Wheelock, 10. Phillips, 320. Interior fine; only lightest wear to extremities.
Spine of exceedingly scarce brown paper dust jacket renewed, with some
expert restoration to flap folds. A beautiful copy.
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113. ROOSEVELT, Theodore. Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter.
New York, 1905. Octavo, original three-quarter tan pigskin recased. $8200.
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the child ’s rights
99
“Recognizing That Mankind Owes To The Child The Best That It Has To Give…”:
Geneva Declaration Of Children’s Rights, Signed By Eisenhower, Churchill And Montgomery
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115. (CHURCHILL, Winston S.; EISENHOWER, Dwight D.; MONTGOMERY, Bernard Law) BROMAGE, William (artist).
Document signed. The Child’s Rights. No place, September 1945. Handwritten document on vellum (12-1/2 by 16
inches). Framed.
$29,000.
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Most probably produced for a fund-raising or charitable event, the document reads: “The Child’s Rights. The Declaration of
Geneva, drafted in 1922 by Eglantyne Jebb, Founder of the Save the Children Fund, has been endorsed by the leading statesmen of many countries, including successive Prime Ministers of Great
Britain, and Prime Ministers of the Overseas British Dominions, and was
“The child that is hungry must be fed;
adopted by the Assembly of the League of Nations in 1924 as the
League’s Charter of Child Welfare. By the present declaration of the
the child that is sick must be nursed;
rights of the child, commonly known as the ‘Declaration of Geneva,’ men
& women of all nations recognizing that Mankind owes to the Child the
the child that is backward must be
best that it has to give, declare and accept it as their duty that, beyond
helped; the delinquent child must be
and above all considerations of race, nationality or creed: I. The child
must be given the means requisite for its normal development both
reclaimed; and the orphan & the waif
materially and spiritually. II. The child that is hungry must be fed; the
child that is sick must be nursed; the child that is backward must be
must be sheltered and succoured.”
helped; the delinquent child must be reclaimed; and the orphan & the
waif must be sheltered and succoured. III. The child must be the first to
receive relief in times of distress. IV. The child must be put in a position to earn a livelihood & must be protected against every
form of exploitation. V. The child must be brought up in the consciousness that its talents must be devoted to the service of its
fellow men.” Set in an illuminated historiated border and signed by the artist at the bottom. Fine condition.
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Rare and lovely handwritten calligraphic document on vellum listing universal rights for children, signed by Churchill,
Eisenhower and Montgomery just four months after the end of the war in Europe. A magnificent production.
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george s . pat ton
Photographs Inscribed And Signed By Pershing, Marshall,
The Prince Of Luxembourg, And Other Military Leaders To
General George S. Patton, Annotated By His Son
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116. (PATTON, George S.) (PERSHING, John J.) (MARSHALL, George C.).
Archive of 13 photographs, ten inscribed to General Patton. No place, no date.
Ten signed photographs inscribed by the subject to General Patton, each
mounted on a 10-1/2 by 14-1/4-inch sheet of cardstock, all but one mounted on
recto and verso. $13,500.
Fascinating annotated archive of 13 photographs, ten of which are inscribed
to General George S. Patton, Jr., by such military luminaries as John J.
Pershing, George C. Marshall, and Prince Felix of Luxembourg in remembrance of the Battle of the Bulge. Patton’s son George S. Patton IV has annotated several images, noting the influence and importance of the subject
in his father’s life and military career.
The archive includes photographs inscribed by John J. Pershing (also annotated by Patton’s son, George Patton IV); George C. Marshall; Prince Felix of
Luxembourg (annotated); Charles P. Summerall (Patton’s artillery instructor at
West Point and Chief of Staff of the Army from 1926-1930); Herbert B. Crosby
(Chief of the Cavalry from 1926-30); James G. Harbord (General Pershing’s
Chief of Staff during World War I and only inscribed to Patton IV as Patton III;
there was no Patton III); Walter C. Short (U.S. military commander responsible
for the defense of military installations in Hawaii at the time of Pearl Harbor;
annotated); Fox Conner (operation officer for the AEF during World War I and
Eisenhower’s mentor); Stuart Heintzelman (general staff officer with the AEF;
curiously annotated “an exception… no great and true friend”); and one unidentified major general.
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george s . pat ton
General George S. Patton Jr.’s Personal Copy Of Saladin, Thrice Signed By Him
117.
(PATTON, George S.) ROSEBAULT, Charles J. Saladin, Prince of Chivalry. New York, 1930. Octavo, original green cloth;
custom clamshell box. $12,500.
First edition of Rosebault’s biography of Saladin, who captured Jerusalem and then fought Richard the Lionheart’s crusaders, this
especially memorable association copy belonging to General George S. Patton Jr., signed by him on book’s spine and front board,
and inscribed by him on the half title in the year of publication, “G.S. Patton Jr, May 5, ‘30.”
“General George S. Patton Jr. has earned a place in the pantheon of authentic American heroes…. [Yet] his great success on the
battlefield did not come about by chance…. He read voraciously… During the interwar years Patton consulted an eclectic list of the
famous and the lesser known, ranging from Napoleon and Clausewitz to du Picq, Jomini, Cromwell, Xenophon and Frederick the
Great (D’Este, Patton, 3-4, 317-18). This rare association copy of Rosebault’s Saladin—Patton’s own copy from that period—is thrice
signed by him, as was his custom: once on the spine, once on the front cover, and signed and dated inside the book itself, in this
case on the half title. Patton served in Washington, DC in the Office of the Chief of Cavalry, Plans and Training from 1928-31. Saladin
was the Muslim sultan of Egypt, Syria, Yemen and Palestine. In wars against the Christian crusaders, he achieved great success with
the capture of Jerusalem in 1187, ending 88 years of occupation by the Franks. Pope Gregory VIII issued a papal bull proposing the
Third Crusade to regain the Holy City for the Christians. It was led by Richard the Lionheart. Patton’s library, which was almost entirely
inherited by his son, Major General George S. Patton IV, was given to West Point, with just a small portion of books inherited by other
descendants or friends. Text generally clean, with faint marginal dampstaining along a few edges. Covers and spine dampstained
from a fire in Patton’s house, with restoration to spine ends. Good condition, rare and desirable from Patton’s military library.
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“If He Does Not Go I Will Go Any Way For This May Be The
Last War And I Want To Get In One At Least”: 28-Year-Old
Second Lieutenant George Patton Writes To His Mother, 1914
118.
PATTON, George S. Autograph letter signed. Pride’s Crossing,
[Massachusetts], August 1914. One leaf, folded once to make four pages,
5 by 6-3/4 inches, written on three pages. $6500.
Revealing three-page autograph letter signed by 28-year-old Second
Lieutenant George S. Patton, Jr., to his mother, telling her that retiring
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Leonard Wood told him that if he is sent to
Europe as an observer during the World War, he will take Patton with him,
noting that if General Wood does not go, “I will go any way for this may
be the last war and I want to get in one at least.”
This letter reads in part: “Dear Mama: I went to N.Y. Sunday and saw Gen.
[Leonard] Wood and asked him about granting a leave he said it was
possible but asked that I wait two weeks by that time he will know whether
or not he is going as an observer and if he goes he will try to take me with
him. The fact of his going and of his taking me are both secrets so do not
mention them.” Fine condition.
“It Is General Patton’s Desire That Tasks
Be Assigned And That They Be Rehearsed
And Rehearsed By Those Charged With
The Execution… It Is Directed That
Training Be Conducted In An Atmosphere
Of Combat Reality…”: Secret Official
Correspondence File Of Patton’s Deputy
Commander, With His Letters To Patton
And Other Generals, Including An “Ok/ P”
From General Patton
119.
(PATTON, George S.) KEYES, Geoffrey.
Archive—Secret Official Correspondence File,
with related documents and insignia. North
Africa; Italy, November 28, 1942-August 28,
1943. Eighty-seven pages, Mostly 8-1/2 by 10-1/2
on lightweight paper, attached at the top to manila
file folder, 9 by 11-3/4 inches, stamped in red
“SECRET.” $7500.
Secret Official Correspondence File of Patton’s Deputy Commander, then-Major General Geoffrey Keyes, with his letters to Patton
and other Generals—Including an “O.K./ P.” from General Patton on a 1943 request from French Vice Admiral François Michellier.
Also with official letters “For the Commanding General” and from Keyes written by him during Operation Torch (North Africa) and
Operation Husky (Sicily), with related insignia. From Lieutenant General Keyes’ estate.
The W.T.F. – Western Task Force – was commanded by Major General George S. Patton, Jr. Aimed at Casablanca, it was one of three
amphibious task forces assigned to seize the key ports and airports of Morocco and Algiers simultaneously. Consisting of the U.S.
2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions, 35,000 troops were in a convoy of over 100 ships providing logistic
support for the North African campaign. Maj. Gen. Keyes was Patton’s Deputy Commander. OPERATION TORCH was the invasion
by American and British forces of French North Africa during the North African campaign in November 1942. OPERATION HUSKY
was the Allied invasion of Sicily in July-August 1943. From the estate of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes. Signs of use, but overall
in excellent condition.
120. RIDGWAY, Matthew. Photograph signed. Normandy,
June 6, 1944. Vintage photographic print, measuring 10
by 8 inches. $2500.
“Something Has To Happen To People’s Souls Before They
Are Going To Give The Rights Of Citizenship To All The
People Of Our Country, Regardless Of Color Or Creed”:
Extraordinary Signed Eleanor Roosevelt Letter
121.
ROOSEVELT, Eleanor. Typed letter signed. Washington, DC,
February 19, 1944. Large octavo, one and a half pages, matted and framed
with portrait. Entire piece measures 23-1/2 by 14-1/2 inches. $7200.
Fine and revealing 1944 Eleanor Roosevelt typed letter discussing civil
rights in America, signed by her. Handsomely framed with a portrait.
Roosevelt’s letter reads in part: “I quite agree with you that a year of this
type of contact would be good for your young people, but
it would not solve the colored question because you would
find them setting up separate projects just as they are
doing in the Army today for colored and white. Something
has to happen to people’s souls before they are going to
give the rights of citizenship to all the people of our country,
regardless of color or creed. That does not mean you have
to ask them to dinner. It only means giving them the rights
that go with citizenship. The right to an equal opportunity
for an education. The right to equal justice before the law.
The right to obtain a job according to their ability to hold it.”
In a postscript, the First Lady has written, “Mrs. Levy
practically agreed she would give them a monthly
subscription as I do.” Fine condition.
a m eric a n a
On the night of June 5, 1944, Matthew B. Ridgway (18951993), in command of the 82nd Airborne Division,
parachuted with his men behind German lines in
Normandy. The 82nd Airborne helped disrupt German
communications in the area, paving the way for the successful landing of Allied forces
on the beaches of Normandy the following day. A career military man, General
Ridgway converted the 82nd division into the 82nd Airborne and was responsible for
the planning and execution of the first major airborne assault by the U.S. Army, the attack on Sicily in 1943. Photograph bears
surface creases that do not detract from the overall presentation. Very good condition.
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A dramatic and unusual official United States Army
photograph of American Marines on Omaha Beach on
June 6, 1944, inscribed and signed on the reverse by
one of D-Day’s major players, 82nd Airborne Commander
Matthew B. Ridgway: “M G. Ridgway Major General,
Comdg 82d Airborne Division D-Day, 06 June 1944.”
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Dramatic D-Day Photograph,
Signed By 82nd Airborne Commander
General Matthew Ridgway
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geoffrey keyes
The Creation Of West Germany, 1945: Unique Hand-Colored And Annotated Map
Outlining The Division Of Germany According To The Berlin Declaration,
Produced By The Military Just After Germany’s Surrender
122.
(WORLD WAR II) KEYES, Geoffrey, Lt. Gen. Archive: Hand-colored and annotated map outlining the
division of Germany; 25 contemporary V-Mail letters from Keyes to his wife. Waiblingen-bei-Stuttgart,
Germany, June 1945. Broadside, map measures 22 by 29 inches. V-Mail letters each measure 4-1/4 by 5-1/4
inches. $18,000.
Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes’ unique hand-colored
and annotated map outlining the division of Germany per
the Berlin Declaration, produced just after Germany’s
unconditional surrender, along with 25 contemporary letters
by Keyes to his wife.
“People of this world, look upon this city
and see that you should not and cannot
abandon this city and this people.”
It was agreed at the Yalta Conference, held in Crimea,
(Ernst Reuter, 1948)
February 4-11, 1945, that after the war, Germany would be
split into four occupied zones: American, British, French and
Russian. On May 7, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, to
take effect the following day. The Berlin Declaration of June 5, 1945, confirmed the division of Allied-occupied
Germany into four occupation zones according to the Yalta Conference.
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Also present are 25 pages of V-mail, each
4-1/2 by 5-1/4 inches, from Lieutenant
General Keyes to his wife, May-August 1945.
Excerpts: “The capitulation of the Germans
yesterday has us all on the hump—just as
much so as while we were still fighting… We are still awfully busy even if the fighting has ceased on this front… VE Day!!
Now if we can quickly wind up the Jap affair we can really relax… We move to Salzburg this week… Well here we are
installed in the Archbishop’s Palace sweetheart each room is large enough for a battalion almost… flew to 3d Army to
attend the homecoming ceremonies for Gen. Patton. It really was a great show and he was in rare form – Had a nice visit
with him… With the approaching end of the Jap war it will certainly be open season on generals!” From the estate of
Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes. Map folded into quarters, with a few minor wrinkles, pinholes at corners from posting
it on a wall or bulletin board. Near-fine condition, an exceptional archive.
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Eight areas are outlined by hand in various
colors. There are 17 landkreis at the western
and southern borders of this map which are
not outlined. These areas are in the French
occupied zone. France was not represented
at Yalta and Russia would only agree to a
separate French occupation zone “within
the British and American zones.” It is possible that when this map was printed, it was
not yet determined if the 17 non-outlined
landkreis were American. The four divisions
were not confirmed until the Berlin
Declaration on June 5, 1945, the day after
this map was published. The French zone
includes the stadtkreis Baden-Baden and
Bavaria. The French zone bordered mostly
France and Switzerland, but also small parts
of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Austria.
(Included is a color photocopy of the four
occupied zones indicating the area depicted
in the Administrative Map of WesternGermany here offered.)
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The map is titled “Administrative Map /
Western-Germany ” and dated “4 June
1945.” The landkreise (rural district), stadtkreis (urban district within landkreis), and
land boundaries (made up of adjoining
stadtkreis) are noted. Identified with flags,
there are three Region Headquarters
(Darmstadt, Marburg, Stuttgart) and five
R.B. Headquarters (Frankfurt, Kassel,
Wiesbaden, Mannheim, Karlsruhe).
geoffrey keyes
americana
Winner Of The Distinguished Service Medal With Two Oak Leaf Clusters,
Silver Star With Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion Of Merit, Bronze Star: Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes’
Uniform, Cap, And Overcoat, With Related Letters And Documents
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123.
(WORLD WAR II) KEYES, Geoffrey, Lt. Gen. World War II Officer’s Uniform, Cap, Overcoat, with related letters and
documents. No place, 1942-45. Archive: military uniform, cap, wool overcoat; related letters and documents.
$20,000.
Well-preserved archive of three-star World War II Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes’ military uniform, cap, and wool overcoat, with
many related letters and document—including his appointments signed by Woodrow Wilson and others—and original photographs
of him in uniform with Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman.
During World War II, Keyes was Chief of Staff, 2nd Armored Division (1940-1942), Commanding General 9th Armored Division
(1942), Deputy Commanding General Western Task Force [North Africa] under Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. (1942-1943), Deputy
Commanding General I Armored Corps [North Africa] under Gen. Patton (1943), Deputy Commanding General 7th Army [Sicily]
under Gen. Patton (1943), Commanding General Provisional Corps [Sicily] appointed by Gen. Patton (1943), Commanding General
II Corps [Italy] (1943-1946). He accepted the surrender of Palermo, Sicily, on July 22, 1943. After the war, he served in Germany,
Italy, and Austria until his retirement in 1950.
This archive includes: (1) Keyes’ two-piece
three-star uniform. (2) Keyes’ three-star khaki
overseas cap. Included is a 10 by 7-1/4-inch
photocopy of a January 1944 photograph taken
in Italy, picturing Keyes, wearing this cap, with
Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr. (3)
Keyes’ military wool overcoat, double-breasted..
Included is a 4-1/2 by 3-3/4-inch photograph
showing Keyes wearing this overcoat as he
greets troops at Christmas. (4) President
Woodrow Wilson appoints Geoffrey Keyes “First
Lieutenant of Cavalry.” Partly Engraved
Document Signed “Woodrow Wilson,” August
17, 1916. Blue War Office seal. (5) Ceremonial
Tassel. (6) Small collection of promotion
documents to various military ranks. (7) Special
Orders No. 17, War Department, January 20,
1942, announcing the temporary appointment
of Keyes to brigadier general. (8) Five original
V-MAILS from Keyes to his wife. (9) Threequarter length photograph of Keyes as
Commanding General II Corps, wearing the
overseas cap here offered. (10) Bust
photograph of Keyes in uniform wearing the
three-star overseas cap here offered. (11)
Original photograph of General of the Army
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Keyes, circa 1946.
(12) Original U.S. Army Photograph of President
Harry S. Truman presenting a letter expressing
congratulations and gratitude to Keyes.
From the estate of Lieutenant General Geoffrey
Keyes. Excellent condition.
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The Sinking Of Japan’s “Golden
Submarine”: Fascinating Archive Of Signed
Statements And Reports Concerning The
Successful Attack On Japanese Submarine
I-52 In June, 1944, Which Was Carrying
Over Two Tons Of Gold Bullion
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124.
(WORLD WAR II). Archive related to the
sinking of Japanese Submarine I-52. No place,
1944. Various sizes and formats, mostly quarto, many
items staple-bound or in original wrappers. $5500.
Longer than a football field, I-52 was a cargo submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy used during World War II for a secret mission
to occupied France. The I-52 had left Japan with 2.2 metric tons of gold, along with 228 tons of tin, molybdenum, and tungsten, 54
tons of raw rubber, and 3 tons of quinine. Unbeknownst to Tokyo and Berlin, the I-52’s route and cargo were known to the Allies, who
had broken a host of Axis ciphers. On June 23, 1944, just after I-52 rendezvoused with a German sub in the mid-Atlantic, Lt. Cmdr.
Jesse D. Taylor took off from the aircraft carrier “Bogue.” He dropped flares and two 500-pound bombs and watched as the
submarine desperately sought to dive. Taylor, listening to undersea sounds radioed by acoustic buoys, heard an explosion and a
metallic groan as the submarine lost air and sank with more than 100 men. AS Taylor’s patrol ended, he was relieved by Lt. William
Gordon who, hearing faint propeller noises, dropped a second acoustic torpedo. The U.S. Navy credited both Taylor and Gordon with
the sinking of Japan’s “Golden Submarine.” Fine condition.
“With The Hope That He Will Find This Book…
Reflective Of His Own Political Philosophy”:
Signed Limited First Edition Of Mandate For Change,
Warmly Inscribed By President Eisenhower To His Brother
125.
EISENHOWER, Dwight D. The White House Years. Mandate
for Change 1953-1956. Garden City, 1963. Thick octavo, original tan
cloth, acetate dust jacket, slipcase. $11,000.
Signed limited first edition, presentation/association copy, one of
1500 copies, this copy without a numbered limitation page, inscribed
by Eisenhower in the year of publication on a tipped-in leaf: “For my
eldest living brother, Edgar. With the hope that he will find this book
interesting and accurate and—within reason—reflective of his own
political philosophy. Devotedly, Ike. 14 October 1963.”
Mandate for Change, the first of Eisenhower’s books on his presidency,
covers the critical years of his first term, in which he dealt with issues
such as the end of the Korean War, the Cold War, trouble in the Suez
and the Rosenberg case. Attorney Edgar N. Eisenhower was the eldest
of the five Eisenhower brothers. “The elder Eisenhower gained national
attention during his brother’s presidency with conservative criticism of
administration policies. But when Edgar criticized, the President wasn’t surprised. In fact, he quipped to reporters: ‘Edgar has been
criticizing me since I was five years old,” (United Press International obituary). Book fine. Very light soiling to publisher’s slipcase. A
fine inscribed copy with exquisite provenance.
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Historically important archive of documents concerning the June 24, 1944 sinking by a U.S. bomber of
the Japanese Submarine I-52, with a cargo bound for
Nazi Germany which included over two tons of gold
bullion. Includes signed statements of military and civilian personnel involved in the attack, including the statement of Lt. William
Gordon, one of the two pilots credited with the sinking of Japan’s “Golden Submarine.”
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“The Most Famous Actress The World Has Seen”:
Signed By Sarah Bernhardt, Limited Edition Of Her Memoirs,
One Of Only 250 Copies
126.
BERNHARDT, Sarah. Memories of My Life. New York, 1907. Thick
octavo, original white cloth gilt, custom clamshell box. $4500.
Limited first American edition of Bernhardt’s Memories of My Life, signed by
her, scarce unnumbered copy, one of 250 in the limited “autograph edition,”
with frontispiece and over 25 full-page illustrations, in original gilt-stamped
cloth with comic mask blindstamped to the front board.
This intimate account of Bernhardt’s life is “intensely readable… central to our
knowledge of her life up to and through her first American tour of 1880-1881”
(Gottlieb, Sarah Bernhardt). With frontispiece portrait and over 25 full-page
illustrations. Issued the same year as the first American and English trade
edition (the latter as My Double Life), no priority established. Dramatic
Bibliography, 66. Interior very fresh and clean, only lightest soiling to cloth. A
fine signed copy.
Signed By Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron,
Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax And Over 50 Hall Of Famers, Most
Signed At Cooperstown, Scarce Association Copy Of Baseball’s 100
127.
ALLEN, Maury. Baseball’s 100. New York, 1981. Tall octavo, original
pictorial green wrappers.
$6500.
First edition of Maury Allen’s Baseball’s 100, his
ranking of the top players in baseball history, a
very scarce association copy containing nearly
100 signatures of baseball legends, including
DiMaggio, Mantle, Aaron, Musial, Mays, Koufax,
Berra, Seaver, Carew, Pee Wee Reese, Ted
Williams, Whitey Ford, Brooks Robinson, and
many more—including 59 Baseball Hall of
Famers, some signing more than once, featuring
signatures on the half title, title page, rear blanks
and inner wrapper, and many on the players’
accompanying images.
This scarce copy of Baseball’s 100 by famed sportswriter Allen is signed
by 59 different Baseball Hall of Famers, most at Cooperstown, many
signing on their full-page photographic image, including: Ted Williams,
Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Rod Carew, Pete Rose, Yogi
Berra, Whitey Ford, Tom Seaver, Johnny Bench, Lou Brock, Carl
Yastrzemski, Rich Allen, Frank Robinson, Juan Marichal, Harmon
Killebrew, Phil Rizzuto, Fred Lynn, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Duke
Snider, Catfish Hunter and many others. Ninety-eight signatures in all
(including duplicates). Precedes the cloth edition. Owner inscription,
occasional marginalia. A few of the signatures include inscriptions.
Signatures and inscriptions clear and dark, interior generally fresh, slight
edge-wear to wrappers. An extremely good association copy.
128. GARBO, Greta. Signature. No place, 1928. One page
measuring 7 by 6-1/4 inches. $3000.
“I Am Kind Of A Loner. I Hate To Get Mixed Up In A ‘Herd Of Thinking’”:
Fine John Wayne Letter, Mentioning “The Millions Of People That Are Being Murdered
And Mistreated In Vietnam And Cambodia,” Boldly Signed
129. WAYNE, John. Typed letter signed. Beverly Hills, California, June 22,
1978. One page, small quarto, matted and framed with portrait. Entire piece
measures 17 by 14 inches.
$5500.
Excellent John Wayne letter in which he refers to himself
as “kind of a loner,” boldly signed by him, handsomely
framed with a photograph of Wayne in western garb,
holding a rifle in one hand and maintaining contact with
his holstered pistol with his other hand.
The letter is addressed to Mrs. Nicole Lenzi, and reads: “I
signed the photograph, but I did not sign the petition. The
reason—I am kind of a loner. I hate to get mixed up in a
‘herd of thinking.’ There are so many inequalities that are
more deserving of our attention. The millions of people
that are being murdered and mistreated in Vietnam and
Cambodia—we do nothing about that, so it’s hard for me
to put my name to a petition to stop killing seals.” Framed
in charcoal gray, black trim, and gilt. Shown with a photograph of Mr.
Wayne wearing western garb, holding a rifle in one hand, and maintaining
contact with his hip pistol with his other hand. Includes the original
envelope. Fine condition.
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MGM make-up man Cecil Holland appeared with Garbo in a cameo
role in Mata Hari, and he was Make-Up Supervisor of Grand Hotel
where Garbo spoke her iconic line: “I want to be alone.” Holland
(1887-1973) acted in over 30 silent movies, mostly shorts, beginning
in 1914. Being an expert in applying his own character make-up,
Holland started doing make-up for other actors in the films in which
he appeared, eventually leaving acting in favor of full-time make-up. He was the first head of the make-up department at MGM.
Holland made his final appearance in film in his only talkie, Mata Hari, filmed in 1931. In the title role, Greta Garbo asked a blinded
World War I soldier a question during a hospital visit to her lover, Ramon Novarro. Holland in a cameo role, was the blinded soldier.
Lengthy 1913 inscription to Holland by Edison silent screen star Marc MacDermott on verso (no show-through). MacDermott
inscription retraced to correct fading. Glossy cut-out photograph of MacDermott neatly affixed at lower left. Fine condition.
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Rare inscribed Greta Garbo signature—“To Cecil Holland / Greta
Garbo / 1928”—on an autograph album page with a photograph of
the actress neatly cut from a larger glossy photograph affixed at right.
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Greta Garbo Signs An Autograph For MGM
Make-Up Man Cecil Holland, Who Later
Appeared With Her In A Cameo Role In Mata Hari
History, P hilosophy & R eligion
magna carta
“One Of The Central Documents In The History Of Western Civilization… The Symbol Of Political Liberty…
The Foundation Of Modern Constitutional Government”
130. (MAGNA CARTA). Magna Carta in F… (London), 1529 (colophon dated 1539). Tall 12mo (2-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches), early
20th-century full gilt-paneled brown morocco gilt. $18,000.
Rare early printing of the Magna Carta—“one of the central documents in the history of Western civilization… the symbol of
political liberty… [and] the foundation of modern constitutional government” (Viorst, Great Documents of Western Civilization,
112)—most handsomely bound, a copy given by leading Philadelphia lawyer and collector Simon Gratz.
The Magna Carta—the Great Charter of English liberties granted by King John in
1215, one of the most influential documents ever published—holds “a unique
place in popular imagination; quite early in its history it became a symbol and a
battle cry against oppression, each successive generation reading into it a
protection of their own threatened liberties… In the United States both the
national and the state consititutions show ideas and even phrases directly
traceable to Magna Carta” (New Britannica VI:485). It has “rightly [become] a
sacred text, the nearest approach to an irrepealable ‘fundamental statute’ that
England has ever had” (Pollock & Maitland I:173).
Richard Pynson, royal printer to Henry VII and VIII, began publishing the earliest
English statutes as early as 1508. This edition is Pynson’s rival Robert Redman’s
third; he previously brought out a 1525 12mo and a 1534 octavo. The 1529 date
on the title page appears to be a mistake for 1539, as given in the colophon,
consistent with the 1540 start date of the almanac on the title page’s verso. All
16th-century printings of the Magna Carta are extraordinarily rare and desirable.
They are often found defective; this copy is complete. Text is in Latin and Law
French, printed in Gothic type. STC 9273. Marginal inkstamp to recto of page [1]:
“Gift of Simon Gratz, Esq. November 1925.” Gratz (1838-1925) was an eminent
Philadelphia attorney perhaps best known for his more than five decades of
service on the city’s Board of Education. Occasional old ink marginalia. Text
generally clean. Occasional small marginal losses; closed tear to page [3]
restored. A handsomely bound legal cornerstone in fine condition with
distinguished provenance.
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hi s t o ry , p hil o s o p hy & reli g i o n
charles montesquieu
“One Of The Greatest Masterpieces Of Political Theory”
131.
MONTESQUIEU, Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de. The Spirit of Laws… With Corrections and Additions
communicated by the Author. London, 1750. Two volumes. Octavo, period-style full speckled brown calf.
$16,000.
First edition in English of Montesquieu’s classic De L’Esprit Des Loix, an enormous influence on American and French revolutionary
thought, translated by Thomas Nugent and published just two years after the first French edition, handsomely bound.
“One of the most remarkable works of the 18th century… Montesquieu’s theories underlay the
thinking which led up to the American and French revolutions, and the United States Constitution
“Useless laws weaken
in particular is a lasting tribute to the principles he advocated” (PMM 197). “The theories of
Montesquieu had a most important and far reaching influence on the thinking of the framers of the
the necessary laws.”
United States Constitution” (Sowerby III:2325). With woodcut-engraved ornamental initials and
tailpieces, woodcut-engraved vignettes to title pages. Kress 5057. CBEL II:800. Goldsmiths 8571. Text very fresh with only light
scattered foxing, a few pages with minor expert paper repairs. A scarce exceptional copy in fine condition, handsomely bound.
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h i s t o r y, p h i l o s o p h y & r e l i g i o n
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“The First Modern Attempt To Analyse Human Knowledge”
132.
LOCKE, John. An Essay concerning Humane Understanding.
In Four Books. London, 1706. Folio, early 19th-century full dark brown
tree calf gilt neatly rebacked with original spine laid down. $4000.
1706 edition, the last folio edition of Locke’s remarkable study of
the nature of knowledge and the last with alterations by Locke. A
handsome, wide-margined copy.
“Locke was the first to take up the challenge of Bacon and to attempt to estimate critically the certainty and the adequacy of human knowledge when confronted with God and the universe”
(PMM 164). Locke’s conclusion—that while man can never attain
a perfect and universal understanding of the world, he can gain
sufficient knowledge to secure his own well being—became a
touchstone for the Age of Enlightenment. Yolton 65. See PMM
164. Bookplate of renowned American banker Frank A. Vanderlip,
Sr., who rose to prominence around the turn of the last century as
the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury during the McKinley administration and later helped lay the groundwork for the Federal
Reserve Act. Also with the bookplate of Vanderlip’s son, Frank
Vanderlip, Jr. Text clean and fine. A handsome copy of this folio
edition of a cornerstone of modern philosophical thought.
“The Jews Wish To Have A State, And They Shall Have One”
133. HERZL, Theodor. A Jewish State: An Attempt at a Modern Solution of the Jewish
Question. New York, 1904. Octavo, modern black cloth with contemporary black morocco
gilt panels laid down.
$4200.
Scarce first American edition of Herzl’s landmark manifesto for an independent Jewish
state, “one of the most important books in the history of the Jewish People.”
First published in Vienna in 1896 as Der Judenstaat and first published in English that same
year (in London by David Nutt), this work inaugurated Herzl’s work in “transform[ing]
Zionism from a weak and insignificant movement into a world organization and a political
entity that Great Britain was prepared to accept as the authorized representative of the
Jewish people. This in turn led to the Balfour Declaration and eventually to the founding of
the State of Israel” (Encyclopedia Judaica 8:419-20). “Herzl’s book… crystallized the idea
of a national home for the Jews… By his work he transformed the Jewish people from a
passive community into a positive political force” (PMM 381). With iconic photographic
portrait of Herzl on the balcony of the Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel, by E.M. Lilien. With original
front free endpaper mounted and original rear free endpaper bound in. Gift inscription dated
March 31, 1917 in “Jerusalem, Palestine.” Text generally clean. Small chips to half-title,
original rear free endpaper expertly re-attached. Moderate age-wear to contemporary
morocco panels; gilt bright. Very good condition. Scarce and significant.
134. SMITH, Adam. The Theory of Moral Sentiments. London,
1792. Two volumes. Octavo, contemporary full brown tree calf
gilt. $4800.
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“Smith Himself Ranked It Above The Wealth Of Nations”:
First Posthumous Edition Of Smith’s Landmark Theory Of
Moral Sentiments, 1792, The First To Include The “Thoroughly
Revised, Greatly Expanded Text” Of The 1790 Edition
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First issued in 1759, Moral Sentiments laid the foundation for
Wealth of Nations. With Moral Sentiments and Wealth of Nations,
Smith proposed “not merely a treatise on moral philosophy and a
treatise on economics, but a complete moral and political
philosophy” (Palgrave III:412). This scarce first posthumous edition
is the first to include the “extensive revisions” of the initial two-volume edition of 1790, which appeared shortly before Smith’s death
that year: offering the “combination of a thoroughly revised, greatly expanded text and a new publishing format… the changes and
additions made are very significant” (Tribe 36; Sher in Tribe, 17). Stated Seventh Edition. Precedes the first American edition by over
two decades. Volume I with early inked notation; one spine label without volume number. Small early shelf labels to spine ends. Text
very fresh, spine labels expertly restored. A handsome near-fine copy, in contemporary calf.
“His Most Important Early Philosophical Work… The First
Bomb Hurled Against The Ancien Régime”: Scarce First Edition
Of Voltaire’s Letters Concerning The English Nation, 1733
135. VOLTAIRE, pseudonym of Arouet, François-Marie. Letters Concerning
the English Nation. London, 1733. Octavo, period-style full paneled brown
calf. $4000.
First edition of Voltaire’s commentary on English institutions, published one
year before the French first edition, the first published work to relate the tale
of Newton’s falling apple, handsomely bound.
“Much struck by the admirable English phlegm and toleration of free thought
and eccentricity, [Voltaire] wrote the Letters, the most sympathetic of critiques”
(PMM 204). “Four letters deal directly with Newton and his theories and
include, for the first time, the famous anecdote of the falling apple, which gave
birth to the law of gravitation” (Babson 242). Of specific American interest is
Letter IV, concerning William Penn and the founding of Pennsylvania as a
haven for Quakers. When published in French in 1734, the work first appeared
as Lettres écrits de Londres sur les Anglois; later in the same year it was retitled
Lettres philosophiques, the title by which it is generally known. Mahaffey, 129.
Sabin 100751. Bookplate of renowned bibliophile A. Edward Newton, a close
friend and associate of A. S. W. Rosenbach, along with a laid-in autograph card signed to Newton from Seymour de Ricci, a foremost
authority on rare books, discussing editions. With a French postmark and cancelled stamps, addressed in manuscript hand to
Newton. A fine copy of one of Voltaire’s seminal works, with an exceptional provenance.
First posthumous edition of Smith’s first book, this greatly
expanded edition issued only two years after his death, the first to
contain the “very significant… extensive revisions” of the twovolume 1790 edition, a work increasingly regarded as “one of the
truly outstanding books in the intellectual history of the world”
(Amartya Sen), handsomely bound in full paneled calf.
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114
“A Powerful Influence On The Framers Of The Constitution”
136.
HOBBES, Thomas. Leviathan, or, The Matter, Form, & Power of a
Common-wealth Ecclesiastical and Civil. London, 1651 [i.e., 1680]. Folio,
18th-century full brown paneled calf rebacked. $6000.
Third edition of one of the most controversial and important tracts
ever written in political philosophy and a major influence on the
framers of the Constitution, with copper-engraved allegorical frontispiece.
“This book produced a fermentation in English thought not surpassed until the advent of Darwinism” (Pforzheimer). “Few books
have caused more or fiercer controversy… The most profound materialistic system of modern times” (Rosenbach 36:345). Hobbes
concluded that an individual should, unless his life is threatened,
submit to the State. [He was] “the most original political philosopher
of his time” (PMM 138). “Hobbes had a fundamentally pessimistic
view of human nature… [which] had a powerful influence on the
framers of the Constitution… When John Adams wrote that ‘he who
would found a state, and make proper laws for the government of it,
must presume that all men are bad by nature,’ he was expressing an
idea that was derived at once from Hobbes” (Lutz & Warden, 38).
Third edition. “From the type, paper, and general appearance this
edition would seem to be the one which Anthony à Wood said was
‘reprinted [in London] again with its old date [in] 1680’… the present is a paginary reprint of the first edition” (Pforzheimer). Wing 2248. Pforzheimer 492. Macdonald & Hargreaves 42. Early
owner ink signature to letterpress title page. Occasional faint foxing; a few pages mildly embrowned. An attractive copy.
“The Unfolding Of A Mind Of Genius In Dialogue With Itself”
137.
MONTAIGNE. The Essayes or, Morall, Politike, and Militarie
Discourses. London, 1632. Folio (8 by 11-1/2 inches), contemporary full
speckled brown calf rebacked. $5000.
Third edition in English of Montaigne’s seminal masterpiece, with the
important Elizabethan translation of John Florio used by Shakespeare
as a source for The Tempest (circa 1611), scarce in contemporary
calf boards.
“Montaigne devised the essay form in which to express his personal
convictions and private meditations, a form in which he can hardly be
said to have been anticipated… He finds a place in the present canon,
however, chiefly for his consummate representation of the enlightened
skepticism of the 16th century, to which Bacon, Descartes and Newton
were to provide the answers in the next” (PMM 95). Here is “the
unfolding of a mind of genius in dialogue with itself and with the world”
(Hollier, 250). “It is generally accepted that Shakespeare used Florio’s
translation when writing the passage on the natural commonwealth in
his Tempest” (Pforzheimer 378). Initially published in French in 1580,
Montaigne’s Essayes were first published in English in 1603, with this
translation. STC 18043. ESTC S114977. Lowndes, 1588. Library
bookplate. Penciled owner signature. Interior fresh with only light
scattered foxing, small expertly repaired closed tear to gutter edge of
engraved title page, mild edge-wear to contemporary calf boards. An
extremely good copy.
“If Everything Else In Our Language Should Perish, It Would
Alone Suffice…”: 1661 Cambridge King James Bible
au t um n 2014
138.
(BIBLE). The Holy Bible, Containing the Old
Testament and the New… Cambridge, 1661. Small, thick
octavo, mid-18th century full brown gilt-paneled morocco
gilt rebacked with original spine laid down, custom
clamshell box. $6000.
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The King James Version of the Bible, first published in
1611, has exercised an incalculable impact on piety,
language and literature throughout the English-speaking
world. Macaulay praised it as “a book, which if everything
else in our language should perish, would alone suffice to
show the whole extent of its beauty and power” (PMM
114). With elaborately engraved title page, decorative
woodcut initials, tailpiece (leaf [3L3r]). Ruled in red
throughout. Separate New Testament and metrical psalter title pages. Without Apocrypha (not called for). Darlow & Moule 534.
Herbert 674. Armorial bookplates. Large ink initial “F” to front free endpaper. Old family record to verso of front free endpaper,
following leaf and verso of title page. Interior quite fresh and clean, with a few minor tears. An excellent Bible in very nearly fine
condition, distinguished in handsome morocco-gilt.
First Edition In English Of Calmet’s “Most Valuable,”
Monumental Dictionary Of The Holy Bible, 1732,
Illustrated With 160 Engravings
139.
CALMET, Dom Augustin. An Historical, Critical,
Geographical, Chronological, and Etymological Dictionary of
the Holy Bible. London, 1732. Three volumes. Folio (10 by 16
inches), period-style full speckled calf gilt. $8500.
Scarce first edition in English of Augustin Calmet’s impressive
biblical dictionary, illustrated with 160 copperplate engravings
(over 50 double-page) depicting scriptural places, people and
traditions, the Duke of Bedford’s copy, very handsomely bound.
A French Benedictine abbot, historian and pioneering biblical
exegete, Antoine Augustin Calmet authored several key theological
texts as well as this comprehensive dictionary of “all the Proper
Names mentioned in the Old or New Testament, whether of Men,
Women, Cities, Countries, Rivers, Mountains &c.” In large part it
collects explanatory essays from Calmet’s “epoch-making” 1707
commentary on the Latin Vulgate (Jewish Encyclopedia). “Most
valuable… In Volume III is a very extensive Bibliotheca Sacra [a
catalogue of editions of the Bible] which… displays great erudition and research” (Lowndes, 350).First published in French in two
folio volumes in 1720; “a supplement (also folio) was added in 1728. An improved and enlarged edition in four folio volumes was
published in 1730” (Catholic Encyclopedia). Armorial bookplates of the seventh and ninth Dukes of Bedford; the volumes hail from
the library at Woburn Abbey. Scattered light foxing, occasional light marginal dampstaining. Minor loss to lower corners of a few
leaves. Archival tissue repair to fore-edge of frontispiece, Volume I. Expert paper repairs to the dedication leaf and a few splits to folds
on folding plates. An impressive production in excellent condition, most handsomely bound. Scarce.
Handsomely bound 1661 Cambridge edition of the
venerable King James Bible, “the most celebrated book
in the English-speaking world” (Campbell, 1).
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116
Grose’s 1812 Treatise On English Military Antiquities
And Armor, Illustrated With Over 100 Engraved Plates
140. GROSE, Francis. Military Antiquities Respecting a History of
the English Army from the Conquest to the Present
Time. WITH: A Treatise on Ancient Armour and
Weapons. London, 1812. Two volumes. Large thick
quarto, early 20th-century full crimson morocco gilt,
tan calf doublures; leather-edged slipcases. $3500.
Third edition of Grose’s Military Antiquities, with his
Treatise on Armour and Weapons. Illustrated with over
100 engraved plates depicting soldiers, arms and
armor, siege equipment and fortifications, with
vignette title pages and frontispieces. Beautifully
bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe.
Grose (1730-1791), who has been called a sort of
“antiquarian Falstaff,” turned to writing after squandering his inheritance. Tapping his early interest in heraldry and antiquities and his skills as a draughtsman,
he began in 1773 to publish his most popular work
Antiquities of England and Wales, an extensive work
which not complete until 1787. “ Military Antiquities was originally published in London, 1786-88. Lowndes, 948-49. Grose’s name
misspelled on spines of bindings. Fine condition, a beautifully bound copy.
“The Qualities You Have Shewn In The Progress Of This Business Have Made Me Earnestly Wish To Improve
The Acquaintance That We Have Thus Happily, Though Accidentally Begun…”
141. BLACKSTONE, William. Autograph letter signed. Lincolns Inn
Fields, February 22, 1778. One page, quarto, matted and framed with
portrait. Entire piece measures 23-1/4 by 19 inches. $7500.
Fine autograph letter signed by the great English jurist, judge and
politician William Blackstone, attractively framed with an engraved
portrait.
The letter reads: “I have received the copies of the draught, for which
I thank you. Notwithstanding all our diligence, I observe, from looking
over Sir S. J. Janssen’s lists in Mr. Howard’s book, that we have omitted to get in any account of the transports, from the sessions of the
division of the lower hamlets which (like Westminster) has a separate
commission from the rest of the County of Middlesex. The omission is
of no great consequence, any further than as it impeaches
the accuracy of the table, and may make a small alteration
in the average for the County of Middlesex. If Mr. Hatsel
will write a line to the Sheriff of Middlesex, the deficiency
may be supplied in the course of two days. In your list,
have you the name of Mr. Elwes, Member for Berks, a
man of excellent understanding and a very good Justice
of Peace? Believe me sincere when I assure you, that the
qualities you have shewn in the progress of this business
have made me earnestly wish to improve the acquaintance that we have thus happily, though accidentally begun.” Fine condition.
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raphael holinshed / shakespeare
An Elizabethan Cornerstone And A Major Source For Shakespeare: Holinshed’s Chronicles, 1587,
Second And Best Edition
142.
HOLINSHED, Raphael. The First and Second Volumes of Chronicles, Comprising: 1. The Description and historie of
England. 2. The Description and historie of Ireland.. 3. The Description and historie of Scotland. Now Newlie Augmented and
Continued… to the yeare 1586. London, 1587. Three volumes bound in two, as often. Thick folio, 19th-century three-quarter dark
burgundy calf. $27,000.
Greatly revised and expanded 1587 second edition of the greatest Elizabethan repository of English history, an important source
(this edition) for Shakespeare’s plays, with woodcut initials and title pages. Five of the six textual cancellations have been made
in this copy (as in most copies). Attractively bound.
As the foremost British history available at the time, the Chronicles did more to shape Elizabethan literature than any English historical
work. “The Elizabethan dramatists drew many of their plots from Holinshed’s pages,” and this second edition is demonstrably the
edition employed by Shakespeare as the principal source of his “history” plays. “Nearly all of the historical plays, as well as Macbeth,
King Lear, and part of Cymbeline, are based on Holinshed” (DNB). In fact, Shakespeare drew not only his plots from Holinshed, but
occasionally his phrases. The complete story of the rise and fall of Macbeth can be found in the Scottish history (Part III, pp. 170-76).
In this copy five of the six offending sections are cancelled, as usual—“the Privy Council’s action apparently took place before
substantial sales occurred” (Clegg, “Which Holinshed?” in Huntington Library Quarterly, Volume 55). Text in black-letter. STC 13569.
Bookplates. Occasional early ink annotations, extensive marginalia to the table in Volume III. Light marginal dampstaining to
approximately first 20 leaves of the first volume, and last 20 leaves of the second volume. Repairs to joints, restoration to bumped
corners, some wear to boards. A near-fine copy. Scarce and desirable.
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historie of cambria
“The First And Rarest Of All Editions”: Illustrated Historie Of Cambria, Now Called Wales, 1584,
The First Work To Claim The Welsh Discovered America, With Early References To King Arthur
143. (CARADOC OF LLANCARFAN). The Historie of Cambria, now called Wales: A part of the most famous Yland of Brytaine,
written in the Brytish language aboue two hundreth yeares past... London, 1584. Small octavo, late 19th-century full brown
morocco gilt. $14,000.
First edition of this rare and important history of Wales and Welsh royalty, illustrated throughout with woodcut portraits. This work
was the first to attribute the original discovery of America to the Welsh in the 12th century and contains two very early references
to King Arthur, including a description of the discovery of the bones of King Arthur and his queen: “the bones were of marvelous
bignes, and in the scull were ten wounds, of which one was great, and seemed to be his deaths wound: the Queenes haire was to
the light faire and yellowe, but as soone as it was touched it fell to ashes” (page 238). Handsomely bound.
“The first and rarest of all the editions” (Sabin 40914) of this famous history of Wales and Welsh royalty from the 7th to 13th centuries
and the “Princes of Wales of the blood royall of England” from Edward I to Elizabeth. The work was translated into English in the 16th
century by Humphrey Llwyd but remained in manuscript. David Powell, a Welsh historian, “was requested by Sir Henry Sidney, lord
president of Wales, to prepare for the press an English translation… though Llwyd’s translation was the basis, Powell’s corrections
and additions, founded as they were on independent research, made the ‘Historie’ practically a new work… and later historians of
Wales have to a large extent drawn their material from it” (DNB). Printed in Roman and black letter. Illustrated with woodcut portraits,
title page, large decorative woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces. STC 4606. Small inkstamp, shelf label; occasional old ink marginalia.
Slight rubbing to joints. A very nearly fine copy, handsomely bound.
119
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1590 julius caesar
“The Most Widely Studied Military Handbook In Literature”:
1590 Edition In English Of Caesar’s Commentaries
144.
CAESAR, Gaius Julius. The Eight Bookes of Caius Iulius Caesar Conteyning his Martiall Exployts in the Realme of Gallia
and the Countries Brdering upon the Same… Translated out of Latin into English by Arthur Golding. London, 1590. Small octavo,
modern full dark brown calf. $15,000.
Second edition of Golding’s landmark English translation of Caesar’s Commentaries, the first complete translation of Caesar into
English and the first to include the “Exposition of the old Names of the Countries, Cities, Townes, etc.,” attractively bound.
Caesar’s only extant work apart from his history of the Roman Civil Wars and a few letters,
“If you must break the law,
his Commentaries is “the most widely studied military handbook in literature and a model of
clear, straightforward composition” (Hornstein, 81). The eighth book of the Commentaries
do it to seize power:
was written by Aulus Hirtius, one of Caesar’s generals and one of the consuls appointed
immediately after Caesar’s assassination. “It is quite certain that Shakespeare was well
in all other cases observe it.”
acquainted with his work” (DNB). Golding was only the second translator to render Caesar’s
Commentaries into English, the first being John Tiptoft, whose version appeared in 1530;
the 1565 first edition of Golding’s translation is considered “the first English translation of De Bello Gallico, with the eighth book by
Aulus Hircius” (Pforzheimer 410). Text printed in Gothic type. Lowndes, 345. A few spots of foxing, minor marginal stain to leaf E1.
Attractive binding fine. A handsome copy of this early translation of a classic text.
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marie antoinet te / napoleon
“De La Biblioteque [Sic] De Mon Frere L’Empereur Napoleon”:
The Mémoires Of Cardinal De Retz And Joli, 1777-1779, Five Volumes From The
Library Of Marie-Antoinette, And A Rare Association Volume From The Library Of
Napoleon Bonaparte, Inscribed By His Brother Joseph To Napoleon’s Longtime
Trusted Friend And Secretary, Baron Méneval
145.
(MARIE ANTOINETTE) (NAPOLEON BONAPARTE) GONDI, Jean François Paul de, Cardinal de Retz.
Mémoires du Cardinal de Retz. [Volumes I, III-VI]. Geneve, 1777. WITH: [Volume II] Geneve, 1779. WITH: JOLI,
Guy. Mémoires de Guy Joli… et Mémoires de Madame la Duchesse de Nemours. Geneve, 1777. Six volumes
altogether. Small octavo (4 by 6-3/4 inches), contemporary full brown polished calf gilt, armorial coat of arms (I, III-VI),
contemporary full mottled calf gilt (II), custom wrappers, custom clamshell box. $38,000.
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Cardinal de Retz played a central role in the deadly politics of the
Frondist era in France (1648-52), when a rebellion arose against
Anne of Austria (regent for her son, Louis XIV) and her minister
Cardinal Mazarin. “His Mémoires, composed circa 1675-79…, cover
his youth, his political career during the Fronde, his conflict with the
crown, and the beginning of his exile after he lost his battle to
Mazarin. They stop abruptly in 1656, during a papal conclave in
Rome. Part of an important tradition of aristocratic political and
personal memoirs in 17th-century France, they… provide an advance psychological analysis of the secret motivations of his public
acts” (Stefanovska in Lyons & Wise, Chance, 184, 183n). This classic political history and autobiography clearly reveals
“the influence not only of Machiavelli and of Montaigne but of Hobbes, Naudé and Pascal (Lyons & Wise, 13, 191).
Mémoires du Cardinal de Retz first appeared in a three-volume edition in 1717, published in Nancy, Joli Mémoires first
published in 1718. With woodcut-engraved vignettes to title pages (I-IV); woodcut engraved head- and tailpieces. Text
in French. Graesse VI:94. Marie-Antoinette formed two libraries, one at at the Tuileries and one at the Petit Trianon.
Volumes in her library at Petit Trianon (Volumes I,
III-VI of this copy) are identified by a gilt-stamped
cipher with the initials ‘C[hateau] T[rianon]’ surmounted by a crown (Olivier 2508, fer 15) at the
spine end, sometimes also on the upper board
(Fletcher, 74). Volumes I, III-VI with inkstamps to
title pages stating from “Bibliotheque du premiere
consul.” Volume II with unidentified armorial bookplate, occasional lightly penciled marginalia, and
small ink mark to margin (p. 387). Trace of bookplate removal (I). Interiors quite fresh with only
light scattered foxing, tiny bit of loss to corner not
affecting text (II:83), a few minor marginal paper
flaws, faint occasional marginal dampstaining in
one volume (IV) only, light edge-wear. An exceptional association set in extremely good condition
with a most rare provenance.
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Rare 1777-79 editions of the four-volume Mémoires of Cardinal de
Retz and the 1771 two-volume Mémoires de Guy Joli and Madame
la Duchesse de Nemours, possessing an exceedingly rare provenance
in association with two of the most legendary figures in French
history— Marie-Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte. Five volumes
(I, III-VI) are from the library of Marie-Antoinette, bound in
contemporary calf gilt and displaying her distinctive gilt-tooled
armorial coat of arms on the boards, along with her gilt-stamped
crowned cipher “CT” on the spines. Volume II, bound in contemporary
mottled calf gilt, contains a lengthy gift inscription by Joseph
Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte—“de la biblioteque [sic]
de mon frere l’ Empereur Napoleon” (from the library of my brother
the Emperor Napoleon)— to Baron Claude Francois Méneval,
Napoleon’s trusted private secretary and his “only really close friend
and confidant.”
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122
“Yo La Reyna”: Signed By Queen Isabella Of Spain,
Document Addressing Financial Concerns Of Her Loyal
Courtier And Companion, Beatriz Galindo, “La Latina”
146.
(ISABELLA, Queen of Spain). Manuscript document signed.
Sevilla, February 20, 1502. Single quarto sheet, manuscript in secretarial
hand on recto, signed by Queen Isabella, measures 9 by 12-1/2 inches;
matted and framed with portrait, entire piece measures 26 by 21
inches. $7500.
Lovely official manuscript document from 1502 signed by Queen
Isabella of Spain “Yo la Reyna,” addressing the financial concerns
of one of her favorite courtiers, her Latin teacher and loyal
companion Beatriz Galindo.
Written in a clear Spanish court hand, headed at the top “La Reyna,”
endorsed “Por mandado de la Reyna” (by the order of the Queen)
and countersigned by Pedro de Almazán, royal secretary. This
document absolves Beatriz Galindo of any money owed the Queen by
Galindo’s late husband—and the Queen’s late secretary—Francisco
de Madrid, who had died fighting against the Moors a few months
prior. Beatriz Galindo was perhaps the brightest star of a constellation
of female scholars and counselors that flourished in Isabella’s court,
known as the “docta puellae.” Galindo was referred to by contemporary
chroniclers as “La Latina”; she taught the Queen Latin—beginning when
the Queen was 30, and Galindo only 16!—and also taught the Queen’s
daughters Isabel, Juana, María and Catalina (i.e., Catherine of Aragón, who would go on to become Queen of England). It was Isabella
who arranged Galindo’s 1495 marriage with her royal secretary, Francisco Ramírez de Madrid, a captain in the army and a widower.
Galindo was at the queen’s side when she died, and accompanied her body from Medina del Campo to Granada, where she was
interred. Faint fold lines, mild edge-wear to right margin of document. A lovely signed framed piece.
A Guide To 18th-Century Foot Care, Marie Antoinette’s Copy,
Beautifully Bound With Her Gilt Arms
147.
(MARIE ANTOINETTE) LAFOREST, Nicholas-Laurent. L’Art de Soigner
les Pieds. Paris, 1782. Small octavo, contemporary full brown morocco,
elaborately gilt-stamped spine and covers bearing the armorial crest of Marie
Antoinette. $16,500.
Second edition (first published in 1781) of this classic podiatric work, written by
the chiropodist of Louis XVI and the royal family, with the gilt arms of Marie
Antoinette, beautifully bound.
In the list of 24 books of “Natural history, medical and physical sciences of Marie
Antoinette,” drawn up by Quentin-Bauchart (1886, II, p. 239, No. 49 of Les
Femmes Bibliophiles de France), this volume was one of the five still in private
hands and came from the collection of Baron Pichon. This work by NicholasLaurent Laforest is one of the early classics on podiatry, this second edition
containing an additional chapter on the care of the feet of soldiers, and also with
two folding engraved plates depicting podiatric instruments and various deformities
of the feet. Text entirely in French. Armorial bookplate of the Marquis de Fortia
[d’Urban], owner of the Château Fortia and its vinicultural interests. Armorial
bookplate and armorial paper bookmark of Alain de Rothschild, a 20th-century member of the prominent pan-European Rothschild
banking family. An about-fine copy, in beautiful armorial binding of Marie Antoinette.
“Every Englishman Ought To Possess This Interesting And Important Biography”:
First Edition Of Clarke And M’Arthur’s Impressive, Illustrated Life Of Nelson, 1809
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148.
(NELSON, Lord Horatio) CLARKE, James Stanier
and M’ARTHUR, John. The Life of Admiral Lord Nelson,
K.B. from His Lordship’s Manuscripts. London, 1809.
Two volumes. Thick folio, contemporary full tan polished
calf gilt rebacked with original spines laid down. $4800.
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First edition of “the fullest, and in many respects the
best” biography of Britain’s greatest naval hero, “forming
a complete naval history of the last half-century,”
illustrated with engraved frontispiece in Volume I
envisioning Nelson’s apotheosis, 16 finely engraved fullpage plates (including five maps and plans, the Battle of
Trafalgar among them) and four engraved vignettes.
Clarke and M’Arthur’s work—“great not only in size, but in
conception”—enjoys a reputation as “the fullest, and in
many respects the best biography” of Britain’s greatest
naval hero, based as it is “on original documents and
letters entrusted to the authors” (DNB). Copies found with
varying number of plates. Lowndes, 472. Foxing to plates,
text clean. Corners restored. An attractive, very good copy.
“A Good And Gallant Work”: Paulo Paruta’s History Of Venice,
1658 First Edition In English—Baron Lechmere’s Copy
149.
PARUTA, Paulo. (CAREY, Henry, Second Earl of Monmouth,
translator). The History of Venice… likewise, the Wars of Cyprus…
Wherein the Famous Sieges of Nicosia, and Famagosta, and Battel
Lepanto are Contained. London, 1658. Two parts in one volume. Small
folio, modern half tan calf. $5500.
First edition in English of this 17th-`century history of Venice, translated
by Henry Carey, second Earl of Monmouth. Baron Lechmere’s copy,
with his armorial bookplate. Attractively bound.
The second part contains the history of the Turkish conquest of Cyprus
in 1570-71. First published in Venice in 1605. Wing P636. Blackmer
1260. Atabey 929. Engraved armorial bookplate of Nicholas Lechmere,
the Baron Lechmere (1675-1727), dated 1703. Later bookplate. Fine
condition. An attractive volume, with distinguished provenance.
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124
150. “Vinegar Bible,” 1717.
“ vinegar
bible ,” 1717
150. BIBLE. The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and the New. Oxford, 1717, 1716. Two volumes. Elephant folio (13-1/2
by 20-1/2 inches), contemporary full crimson morocco gilt rebacked with original spines laid down.
$18,500.
Pictured opposite.
“Perhaps The Most Important Landmark In Doré’s Career”: His Great Folio Bible,
With 238 Full-Page Wood-Engravings, Large Format Copy In Full Contemporary Morocco-Gilt
151.
(DORÉ, Gustave). The Holy Bible. London and
New York, circa 1867. Two volumes. Thick folio (12 by 15
inches), contemporary full brown morocco gilt. $6500.
One of the earliest editions in English (all undated) of
Gustave Doré’s great folio Bible, splendidly illustrated
by him with 238 full-page wood-engravings and beautifully bound in contemporary full morocco-gilt.
“In the 1870s, The Doré Bible was perhaps the most
treasured (and expensive) book in the world” (Malan,
81). Certainly, it proved a milestone in the artist’s career.
“The Bible was enthusiastically sponsored by one of the
greatest French publishers of illustrated books of the
day… Looking through these illustrations today it is impossible to recapture the positive furor of enthusiasm
with which they were received on their first appearance”
(Muir, 224). Because of the demand, a number of editions in English saw print between 1867 and 1903 in a
variety of formats: this set is among the earliest editions,
containing 238 plates (later editions had only 205) and
in the large format of 12 by 15 inches. Scattered light
foxing; contemporary morocco in wonderful condition. A
beautiful copy.
In 1709 John Baskett purchased the exclusive royal patent to print Bibles in England, control of which his family retained until 1799.
This magnificent edition of the Bible is Baskett’s most important work, highly regarded for its large, elegant type; its 60 striking
copper-engraved vignette head- and tailpieces depicting some of the most dramatic moments of Scripture; and its many delicately
engraved historiated initials. This edition takes its nickname from a misprint found in the headline above Luke 20 (leaf [G6v]) that
mentions the parable of the “vinegar” instead of the “vineyard.” Scholars and collectors alike today esteem the “Vinegar Bible” as
one of the most beautiful and legible editions of Scripture ever published. “Two distinct varieties occur” (Darlow & Moule). This copy
is variety A (no priority established), with additional engraved general title page depicting Moses writing the first words of Genesis
(here bound as frontispiece); view of Oxford on other general title page; and vignette title page for New Testament depicting the
Annunciation, dated 1716. However, this copy also includes the engraved general title page, engraved by Sturt, depicting a church
interior with figures of Aaron and Moses, which is generally found in Variant B, here bound in as the title page of Volume II. Includes
Apocrypha. Evidence of bookplates; ownership inscriptions dated 1866 to 1875 of the Gabbett Dickin family. Top edge of title page
trimmed, interior generally clean with some browning and spotting, occasional small stains, small marginal repair to 2M5 in Volume
I. Contemporary morocco-gilt bindings with expert restoration to extremities. A beautiful copy of this distinguished edition.
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First edition of the monumental, splendidly illustrated “Vinegar Bible,” a “magnificent edition” (Darlow & Moule) with wonderfully
engraved frontispiece and vignette title pages, 60 detailed copper engravings, beautifully bound in contemporary gilt-decorated
morocco with gilt armorial centerpieces.
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Baskett’s Magnificently Illustrated 1717 Elephant Folio “Vinegar Bible,” Beautifully Bound
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126
winston churchill
“That No Man Who Had Been A Nazi Can In 1946 Be A Foreman In A Mine When
In 1945 No Man Could Be A Foreman Unless He Was A Nazi”:
Churchill’s Own Signed Retained Manifesto On Postwar German Reconstruction
152.
CHURCHILL, Winston. Holograph manuscript signed. London, July/August, 1946. Ten pages, measuring 7-1/2 by 9-1/2
inches, stationery embossed with House of Commons stamp on upper left of each sheet. $19,500.
Churchill’s own signed retained manifesto on Postwar German reconstruction, an original manuscript draft of a Labour Party report
by William Wells, who had sided with Churchill as Leader of the Opposition, which also discusses denazification and the Potsdam
agreement. Undoubtedly Churchill used what Wells wrote in this tenpage, 1200-word report in formulating his own Conservative Party’s
“A man larger than life, composed of
policy on raising German morale and lowering the British cost of
administering their zone in postwar Germany.
bigger and simpler elements than ordinary
This ten-page manuscript is in the hand of William Wells (1908-1990)
men, a gigantic historical figure during his
who represented Walsall (1945-1955) and Walsall North (1955-1974) as
a member of the Labour Party in the House of Commons. He was elected
own lifetime, superhumanly bold… an
in the July 5, 1945 Labour landslide which resulted in Clement Attlee
replacing Conservative Winston S. Churchill as Prime Minister. There was
orator or prodigious powers, the savior of
a Sub-Committee of the Select Committee set up by the House of
Commons to make a report on expenditures in the British Zone in
his country, a mythical hero… the largest
Germany. The Committee submitted its report in July 1946, concluding
that the cost of supporting the British Zone in the year 1946-47 would
human being of our time.” —Isaiah Berlin
be over £80 million, an amount Britain could not afford. In the report
here offered, there are corrections, additions, and deletions by Wells, a
member of the Select Committee, who ostensibly presented his final report to the Committee. What appears to be the final draft of
Wells’ report was undoubtedly used by Churchill, Leader of the Opposition, as it more resembled his own party lines than the Labour
Party’s. Light fingerprint smudge at signature. Fine condition.
“When I Look At A Map Of The World And I Notice The
Minuscule Dot That Is The State Of Israel,
I Cannot Help Tormenting Myself With The Question Of
How This Tiny State Will Survive.”
david ben - gurion
Rare Archive Of Ten Letters Signed By David Ben-Gurion From 1953-56,
Including Five Signed By Him As Prime Minister
153.
BEN-GURION, David. Archive of ten letters signed. Israel, October 11, 1953-May 3, 1956. Ten letters. Ten sheets of ivory
paper (each 6-1/4 by 8-1/2 inches), each with two-hole punch in right margin. $20,000.
A rare collection of ten letters signed by Ben-Gurion, four entirely penned and signed by him (two written as Israel’s first Prime
Minister) and six typed letters signed by him on official letterhead of the State of Israel (three as Minister of Defense and three in
his second term as Prime Minister), all in Hebrew, including letters to prominent members of the Knesset and the Ministry of
Education, as well as political opponents and prominent journalists, expressing his deep concerns over Israel’s future in the world,
strife over its borders and settlements, immigration and a looming threat of war in 1955 with news of ships headed for Egypt.
This fascinating archive of ten letters signed by Ben-Gurion spans three crucial years and features five letters signed by him as Prime
Minister. The chief architect of the State of Israel, Ben-Gurion became its first Prime Minister in February 1949, serving until
December 1953, when he moved to the kibbutz of Sede-Boker. Appointed Minister of Defense in February 1955, he returned as
Prime Minister at the end of that year, remaining in the post until his resignation in 1963. In this archive are two autograph letters
entirely penned by him and signed as Israel’s first Prime Minister, and three typed letters signed by him in his second term, along
with two autograph letters entirely penned and signed by him while at Sede-Boker, and three typed letters signed by him while
serving as Minister of Defense under Prime Minister Moshe Sharett. Ben-Gurions’s October 11 letter as first Prime Minister, in
particular, movingly speaks to his concern Israel’s survival—“When I look at a map of the world and I notice the minuscule dot that
is the State of Israel, I cannot help tormenting myself with the question of how this tiny state will survive.” That concern is amplified
in his 1955 letter reporting ships headed to Egypt—“loaded with tanks, guns, aircraft and submarines.” Four autograph letters signed
(two on letterhead, two on lined paper); six typed letters signed on letterhead. Only a few faint foldlines. A rare archive in fine
condition, with Ben-Gurion’s cursive and signatures bold and clear.
128
“In Devotion And Gratitude… Bill”: Presentation Copy
Of Alcoholics Anonymous, The Famous “Big Book,”
Inscribed By Bill Wilson
154. WILSON, Bill. Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many
Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism.
New York, 1948. Octavo, original navy cloth, dust jacket, custom
chemise and half morocco clamshell box. $12,500.
First edition, 12th printing, presentation copy, of A.A.’s “Big Book,”
inscribed: “For M——, In devotion and gratitude. Ever, Bill. BH,
2/5/53.”
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Bill Wilson first published the Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book” in
1939, a particularly trying time in American history. The Great
Depression had driven many Americans to desperation while
the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 ensured that alcohol was
readily available. The “Big Book” plumbs the depths of addiction and depression and includes case histories of many of
the original members of A.A. Immensely popular, this first
edition continued to be reprinted without change until 1955
when a second edition appeared. Only a little gilt remaining
on mildly toned spine of book. Some light creasing and a few
closed tears to edges of bright dust jacket. An extremely good
copy, most desirable inscribed by Wilson.
Signed By Sigmund Freud
155. FREUD, Sigmund. Autograph Document Signed. Vienna,
December 13, 1926. One page, octavo, matted and framed with
portrait. Entire piece measures 17 by 15 inches. $4500.
Customs declaration, signed by Sigmund Freud, handsomely
framed with a waist-length photograph of Freud smoking
a cigar.
The document, written in German,
is addressed to the Customs Office
at Vienna’s Northwest Train Station,
and reads (in translation): “I hereby
declare that the carpet sent to me
from Berlin is a gift from my sister
and has been in constant use for
17 years and absolutely cannot be
considered an article for sale. Its
value should be 1,000 shillings.”
Fine condition.
E conomics
129
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ec o n o m ic s
fischer bl ack
“Some People Stay Eternally Young And Just Keep On Learning”:
First Edition Of Exploring General Equilibrium, Inscribed The Month Before His Death By Fischer Black,
Co-Creator Of The Famed Black-Scholes Formula, To His Colleague, Economist Peter L. Bernstein
156. BLACK, Fischer. Exploring General Equilibium. Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1995. Octavo, original black cloth, dust
jacket.
$8500.
First edition of the last book by Black—considered the “Einstein of Finance”—inscribed by him shortly after publication and
the month before his early death to his colleague, the economist Peter L. Bernstein: “Peter—As you have shown over and
over, some people stay eternally young, and just keep on learning—Fischer 7/4/95.”
Black, often viewed as the “Einstein of Finance,” saw Exploring General Equilibrium as “his magnum opus… the end result of
almost 30 years of sustained thinking about some of the deepest problems in economics” (Mehrling, Fischer Black). Published
shortly before his death, this opens “up doors for further research… It is divided into three sections: the first outlines Black’s
assessment of open questions and stylized facts… the second looks at different issues in general equilibrium theory… The third
section… provides an extremely useful guide to general equilibrium macroeconomics” (Goenka, Economic Journal). The
recipient is renowned economist and financial historian Peter L. Bernstein, whose work on efficient market theory “changed
trading behavior on Wall Street” (New York Times). At Bernstein’s death in 2009, the Wall Street Journal paid tribute by noting:
“Investing has yielded a few stars so famous they are known by first name. Warren Buffett is one. Peter L. Bernstein… was
another.” Not long after Black’s death in 1995, Bernstein recalled Black’s “first article appearing in our maiden issue” of his
influential Journal of Portfolio Management, and observed: “I am fortunate to have an autographed copy of Fischer’s last major
publication, Exploring General Equilibrium... Like everything Fischer wrote, the book is full of gems” (Fischer Black: In
Memoriam).A very scarce inscribed copy in fine condition.
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economics
130
“The Most Famous Methodological Piece Within 20th Century
Economics”
157.
FRIEDMAN, Milton. Essays in Positive Economics. Chicago, 1953.
Octavo, original blue cloth, dust jacket.
$5800.
First edition of the work containing the first appearance of Friedman’s pivotal
essay, “Methodology of Positive Economics,” hailed as “the most cited,
influential, and controversial piece of methodological writing in 20th-century
economics,” in very scarce dust jacket.
“The most famous methodological piece within 20th century economics is
Milton Friedman’s ‘Methodology of Positive Economics.’ This piece is taken to
advocate prediction-ism as the most important goal for and criterion of the
success of economic theories” (Eric Schliesser, “The Stigler-Kuhn
Correspondence and the Philosophial Prehistory of Prediction in Chicago
Economics”). Small loss to initial blank likely from excised owner signature.
Book fine; dust jacket with expert restoration.
“The First To Set Forth The Theory That Labor-Time Is A
Direct Measure Of Money In A Systematic Way” (Marx)
158. GRAY, John. Lectures on the Nature and Use of Money. Edinburgh /
London, 1848. Octavo, original dark green cloth. $4200.
First edition, exceedingly scarce presentation copy, of Gray’s final economics
work, marking a radical shift from his early Ricardian socialism, featuring
his “most open embrace of the doctrines of Adams Smith” (McNally),
containing rarely found presentation leaf partially printed and completed in
unidentified manuscript hand presenting this to “The Right Hon. The Earl
of Jermyn’s” (a subsidiary title of the Marquess of Bristol) of Ickworth,
Suffolk, together with the library shelf label of the family’s magnificent
Ickworth estate.
Gray, “a founding father of
Ricardian socialism in the
1830s” (Rothbard, Austrian
Perspective, 395) here signals
a change from his “idea of
central planning and his antipathy to competition,” arguing instead “that a full and
efficient utilization of resources could be secured by a fundamental reform of the
monetary system” (ODNB). Arguing against communitarianism, he endorses a system
where “the great principle of individual competition would be left free and unfettered
as the air we breathe’“ (emphasis in original, 125). Goldsmiths 35713. Kress C7414.
Presentation leaf partially printed and completed in unidentified manuscript hand
presenting this work to “The Right Hon. The Earl of Jermyn’s” (a subsidiary title of the
Marquess of Bristol). A fine presentation copy.
131
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ec o n o m ic s
benjamin graham
“No One Has Ever Become Poor Reading Graham” (Warren Buffett):
Exceptionally Rare First Edition Of Graham’s The Intelligent Investor, In Original Dust Jacket
159.
GRAHAM, Benjamin. The Intelligent Investor. A Book of Practical Counsel. New York, 1949. Octavo, original blue
cloth, dust jacket.
$15,000.
Extremely rare first edition, early issue of Graham’s classic work, in original first issue dust jacket.
After the overwhelming success of his groundbreaking work, Security Analysis, in 1949 Benjamin
Graham, “motivated by the need for consumer education and protection… produced a version
of his investment text designed for the individual investor. Such a reader was likely to be put off
by the size and depth of Security Analysis… The Intelligent Investor was a hit... Wall Street
professionals found it indispensable. Because it was so widely read, the book brought greater
visibility, respect and prestige to the field of security analysis” (Lowe, 129-30). “Security Analysis
and The Intelligent Investor are still considered the ‘bibles’ for both individual investors and Wall
Street professionals” (Buffer Stock Project). First-issuedust jacket, with $3.50 price and “Editor
of Barron’s” on front flap. Book fine; expert restoration to rarely found first-issue dust jacket.
“Serious physicists read
Sir Isaac Newton…
Serious investors read
Benjamin Graham.”
(Investopedia)
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economics
132
Keynes’ A Treatise On Money, In Rare Original Dust Jackets
160.
KEYNES, John Maynard. A Treatise on Money. London, 1930.
Two volumes. Octavo, original blue cloth, dust jackets.
$7500.
First edition of Keynes’ important work on monetary theory, in rare
original dust jackets.
“The world-wide slump after 1929 prompted Keynes to attempt an
explanation of, and new methods for controlling the vagaries of the tradecycle” (PMM 423). “In 1930, Keynes brought out his heavy, two-volume
Treatise on Money, which effectively set out his Wicksellian theory of the
credit cycle. In it, the rudiments of a liquidity preference theory of interest
are laid out and Keynes believed it would be his magnum opus…
[however, criticism was swift and extreme] and the Treatise led to the
formation of a reading group, known as ‘the circus,’ composed of young
Cambridge economists Richard Kahn and others” (History of Economic
Thought). As a result of the controversy over the Treatise on Money, and
the subsequent discussions and debates that arose from it, Keynes
produced his greatest work, The General Theory, which literally began a
revolution in American economics. AMEX 254. Books near-fine, with a
single tear to head of each spine and slight toning to spines. Rare dust
jackets with expert restoration. A desirable copy.
“One Of The Founders Of Modern Economics”
161. MALTHUS, Thomas Robert. Principles of Political Economy Considered
with a View to their Practical Application. London, 1820. Octavo, contemporary
full speckled brown calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spine. $8200.
First edition of this important classic of economic theory, in contemporary
calf-gilt.
“There can be no doubt that [Malthus’] importance for economists today rests mainly on his Principles of Political Economy. It was because
of this latter work that Keynes reinstated Malthus as a major figure in
modern economic thought” (New
Palgrave). “One of the founders of
modern economics,” Malthus was
credited by Keynes with framing
the theory “that a lack of effective
demand can cause economic crises” (PMM 251). “In his Principles
of Political Economy, Malthus was
proposing investment in public
works and private luxury as a
means of increasing effective demand, and hence as a palliative to
economic distress” (DSB). Goldsmith 22767. Kress C577. Faint scattered foxing to text,
contemporary calf-gilt handsome. A handsome copy in near-fine condition.
133
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ec o n o m ic s
jesse l . livermore
“Profits Always Take Care Of Themselves, But Losses Never Do”:
Limited First Edition Of How To Trade In Stocks, 1940, Most Rare Signed By Livermore
162. LIVERMORE, Jesse L. How to Trade in Stocks: The Livermore Formula for Combining Time Element and Price. New York,
1940. Octavo, original blue cloth, original slipcase, custom box. $25,000.
Limited first edition, one of fewer than 500 copies specially printed on rag paper, of the only book by one of Wall Street’s most
flamboyant stock traders, featuring the first in-depth explanation of the famed Livermore Formula, his highly successful trading
method still in use today, and containing 16 full color charts, signed by Livermore.
The only book written by Jesse L. Livermore, widely believed to be the subject of
Edwin Lefèvre’s fictional biography and investment classic Reminiscences of a
Stock Operator. One of the most flamboyant figures on Wall Street in the first half
of the 20th century, Livermore made and lost several fortunes and was even
blamed for the stock market crash of 1929. Intrigued by Livermore’s career,
financial writer Edwin Lefèvre conducted weeks of interviews with him during the
early 1920s. Then, in 1923, Lefèvre wrote a first-person account of a fictional
trader named “Larry Livingston,” who bore countless similarities to Livermore, ranging from their last names to the specific events of
their trading careers. Although many traders attempted to glean the secret of Livermore’s success from Reminiscences, his technique
was not fully elucidated until this work was published in 1940. How to Trade in Stocks offers an in-depth explanation of the Livermore
Formula, the trading method, still in use today, that turned Livermore into a Wall Street icon. Published the same year as a trade
edition. Although the limitation statement suggests that 500 copies of the limited edition were produced, the late collector/dealer of
Wall Street books Rod Klein asserted that the true number of limited editions was probably far fewer than 500. In fact, even the trade
edition sold quite poorly. Livermore committed suicide the same year this book was published, too tortured by depression to enjoy
the $5 million he had amassed. Accordingly, signed copies are exceptionally rare. With the owner inscription, “Property of: Constance
Hazard Siegel,” founder of Hazard & Siegel, “the oldest independent broker/dealer in Central New York. It has its roots in the 1960’s
as Graceffo and Siegel, and then became Hazard & Siegel in the 1970s,” at a time when she was one of the few women stock brokers
in the country (Hazard & Siegel). A fine signed copy.
Travel & Exploration
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t r avel & e xplo r at i o n
134
india
“A Just Portrait Of The Enchanting Features Of India”:
With 24 Large Splendid Hand-Colored Views Of Indian Scenery
163. (INDIA) FORREST, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Ramus. A Picturesque
Tour along the Rivers Ganges and Jumna in India: Consisting of Twenty-four
Highly Finished and Coloured Views… from Original Drawings Made on the
Spot. London, 1824. Large quarto (10-1/2 by 13 inches), late 19th-century
three-quarter red morocco gilt. $25,000.
First edition of this renowned India color-plate book, boasting 24
splendidly hand-colored aquatint views after original drawings by Forrest
and large folding map showing the Ganges and the Jumna, handsomely
bound by J. Adams.
A spectacular series of views made by Forrest during a voyage along the Ganges
and its tributary the Jumna, including plates of Benares, Allahabad, Lucknow,
Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra. With folding engraved map, hand-colored vignette title page and vignette tailpiece, and 122-page history of India. Plates
watermarked 1825; Abbey notes watermarks of 1824. Tooley 227. Abbey, Travel
441. Occasional inoffensive foxing, usual light offsetting. Binding handsome. A
near-fine copy of an impressive production.
135
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t r a v el & e x p l o r a t i o n
john harris
“A Great Collection”: 1764
Edition Of Harris’ Compleat
Collection Of Voyages And
Travels, Including Cortes,
Drake, Magellan, And Others,
Beautifully Illustrated
With 61 Maps And Plates
164.
HARRIS, John. Navigantium
atque Itinerantum Bibliotheca; Or, a
Compleat Collection of Voyages and
Travels. London, 1764. Two volumes.
Folio, period-style full sprinkled calf
gilt. $21,000.
Desirable 1764 (third) edition, revised
and considerably enlarged, with 39
engraved plates and 22 magnificent
engraved maps, many of which are
folding. Includes descriptions of
America, the South Seas, the West
Indies, the North Pole, Russia, China,
Africa and India.
“A great collection” (Cox I, 10).
Scholar, scientific writer and topographer John Harris, a distinguished member of the Royal Society, first published this work in 1705 to compete with
Churchill’s 1704 collection of voyages. Harris’ work differed from his rival in aiming to provide a comprehensive history
rather than simply a collection of previously published narratives. “Harris ‘edits’ these voyages by pruning, rearranging,
‘digesting’ in his own words with quotations interspersed taken from the originals. He adds some valuable and useful
historical accounts of the growth of trade, habits of commerce, growth of Companies with exclusive rights, etc.” (Cox).
Among the voyages included are those of Magellan, Drake, Cavendish, Cortes, Schouten, Hawkins, Narbrough and
Dampier, as well as many others. “To the original extensive collection are added accounts of voyages complete since the
first publication: Christopher Middleton to Hudson’s Bay, 1741-42; Bering to the Northeast, 1725-26; Woodes Roger’s
circumnavigation, 1708-11; Clipperton and Shevlocke’s circumnavigation, 1719-22; Roggeveen to the Pacific, 1721-33;
and the various travels of Lord Anson, 1740-44 (Hill 774, 775). Sabin 30483. Maps and plates beautiful and fine, text
with just a bit of scattered faint marginal dampstaining in Volume I. Beautifully bound.
137
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the holy l and
“One Of The Great Books On The Topography Of The Holy Land”
165.
(HOLY LAND) FULLER, Thomas. A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine and the Confines Thereof, with the History of the Old and
New Testament acted thereon. London, 1650. Folio, contemporary full calf. $11,500.
First edition of this classic work, with engraved title page, engraved armorial plate, large detailed folding map of Palestine on two
sheets, 20 double-page maps—including one of Jerusalem—and seven double-page plates.
Fuller’s work is noted for the splendid maps of the Holy Land, elaborately detailed with vignettes, emblems and scenes. “This curious
and singular work is not a mere geographical work, but contains many things relating to Jewish antiquities, and to the manners and
customs of the people” (Lowndes, 848). “Pisgah-Sight is one of the great books on the topography of the Holy Land” (Maps of the
Holy Land, 130). Based on printed sources rather than actual travel, Fuller’s great work reflects the European interest at the time in
the topography of the Holy Land, as well as the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and the Temple. Wing F2455. A few early ink
annotations. A few minor expert paper repairs to a few folding plates and plans. Pastedowns present but unstuck; strips of vellum cut
from a charter of Richard II used to reinforce hinges. Light rubbing to corners and spine head. Internally very fine and crisp, an
excellent and desirable copy in sound and attractive contemporary calf boards.
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138
Burton’s Scarce First Footsteps In East
Africa, With Four Chromolithographs
166.
(AFRICA) BURTON, Richard F. First
Footsteps in East Africa; or, An Exploration of
Harar. London, 1856. Octavo, early 20th-century
three-quarter brown morocco gilt. $4000.
First edition of one of the best and most soughtafter of Burton’s works, his account of his visit to
the forbidden city of Harar and his ill-fated expedition into Somalia, illustrated with four chromolithographs and two maps.
Following the legendary journey to Mecca disguised
as a Muslim that made him a household name,
Burton rested in Cairo and there met Johann Krapf, a pioneer explorer of East Africa. Kraft inspired
Burton to attempt to become the first European to cross Africa from the Indian to the Atlantic
Ocean. “To test his capacity for African exploration, Burton first made a journey to the ‘forbidden’
city of Harar in Somaliland, where the emir was reputed to execute all infidels on sight [and where
it was rumored no white man had ever gone before. Disguised as he had been in Mecca, as an
Arab merchant] Burton entered the city. But Harar capitulated to Burton as Jericho to Joshua.
Then disaster struck. Hostile Somalis attacked the camp at Berbera. Stoyan was killed; Burton and Speke escaped with their lives
but only after being within a hair’s breadth of death and having sustained terrible wounds. Ever after Burton bore on his cheek a
hideous disfiguring scar where a Somali lance had transfixed his jaw” (McLynn, 59). This copy is second issue, as usual; the first
issue was suppressed due to its Appendix IV, which detailed Nubian rituals of female circumcision (omitted in the second issue) and
is, according to Penzer, “exceedingly rare and practically unobtainable.” Penzer, 60-63. Gift inscription. Interior fine; light rubbing to
extremities. An about-fine copy.
“The Most Significant American Nature Writer Before Thoreau
And A Nature Artist Who Rivals Audubon”
167.
(AMERICAN SOUTH) BARTRAM, William. Travels through North & South
Carolina, Georgia, East & West Florida, the Cherokee Country...
Philadelphia, 1791. Thick octavo, contemporary full brown tree sheep early
rebacked with original spine laid down, custom box. $15,000.
First edition of Bartram’s classic work, a masterpiece that “would ensure
him a permanent place in American natural history,” containing
frontispiece portrait of the chief of the Seminoles from a drawing by
Bartram, engraved by James Trenchard, folding map of East Florida, and
seven engraved botanical and zoological plates (one folding). In
contemporary sheep.
“William Bartram was the most significant American nature writer before
Thoreau and a nature artist who rivals Audubon… Long recognized as an
American classic, Bartram’s Travels recounts his journeys through the
wilderness from 1773 to 1776 in prose famous for its celebratory intensity”
(Library of America). “Bartram’s account of the remote frontier, of the
plantations, trading posts, and Indian villages at the end of the 18th century is unrivaled” (Streeter II:1088). “He not only offers us
pictures of Indian life, and sketches of the striking peculiarities of the tribes he visited, but he gives us tables of the names and
localities of the numerous towns of the populous nations of the Creeks and Cherokees” (Field 94). Sabin 3870. Early inked owner
signatures, penciled owner inscription. Inked date below title page imprint. Small red bibliographic notation. Interior generally fresh
with light scattered foxing, minor marginal dampstaining, occasional minor expert archival tissue repairs, light edge-wear, rubbing to
boards. An extremely good copy of this American classic.
charles wilkes
139
“Perhaps The Greatest Achievement In The Field Of Exploration That This Country Has Ever Known”
au t um n 2014
168. (AMERICAN WEST) WILKES, Charles. Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition. During the Years 1838, 1839,
1840, 1841, 1842. Philadelphia, 1845. Six volumes (including atlas). Large octavo, original brown cloth. $13,000.
Wilkes stands alongside James Cook as the most important explorer of the Pacific; he is certainly the most important naval scientist
in American history. Between 1838 and 1842 his six-vessel expedition carefully charted the expanse from the northwest coast of
North America to the shores of Antarctica, from the western coast of South America to the South Pacific islands. He surveyed nearly
300 islands along with 1500 miles of the Antarctic coastline; Wilkes’
maps were so accurate that the charts were still in use for Marine
landings in World War II. Wilkes also encountered natives of various
cultures, many of whom are pictured in the handsome plates. Chief
among the maps that accompany his narrative is the “Map of the
Oregon Territory.” It extends inland past the Rocky Mountains and
includes an important inset of the course of the Columbia River. The
map is “in many respects the most detailed of this extensive area yet
published… for the main Oregon region and the Hudson’s Bay
Company territories to the north it was an accurate, really quite
extraordinary, map. This map had much influence on the later maps of
the area” (Wheat II, 457-58). This large-paper 1845 edition was
preceded only by the first trade edition in 1844 (150 sets printed) and
special limited edition (100 sets printed, 25 of which were destroyed
by fire). Howes W414. Evidence of bookplate and spine label removal,
tape repairs to verso of one map. An exceptional set with only
occasional light foxing to plates. Rare, especially in original cloth.
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Large-paper copy in original cloth of perhaps the earliest acquirable edition of “the beginning of accurate western cartography,”
the narrative of Wilkes’ landmark Pacific expedition (Goetzmann, 57), with five large folding maps, nine additional maps, and 64
steel-engraved plates. One of 1000 large-paper copies, published just one year after the first edition of only 250 sets.
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charles spencer francis
“One Of The Most Sought Of All Books Relating To Montana”:
One Of Only 15 Copies, Inscribed By The Author In The Year
Of Publication, With 48 Vintage Albumen Prints
169. (AMERICAN WEST) FRANCIS, Charles Spencer. Sport
among the Rockies. The Record of a Fishing and Hunting
Trip in North-Western Montana. By the Scribe. Troy, New
York, 1889. Thick quarto, original publisher’s three-quarter
brown morocco, custom slipcase. $55,000.
Limited first edition, one of only 15 copies issued for private
distribution, a collection of 25 letters authored by newspaper publisher
Charles Francis, this presentation copy inscribed by him in the year of
publication to “Mr. L. L. Warren, with the compliments of Charles S. Francis, Aug. 15, 1889,” featuring 48 vintage albumen prints
(each five by eight inches and mounted on heavy card stock) displaying exceptional images of 19th-century Western America. This
extremely scarce copy from the library of photographer and musician Graham Nash, with his signed bookplate.
“One of 15 copies printed for private distribution… This is a series of 25 delightful letters written by Charles Francis for the Troy
Times, telling of a hunting trip to Montana in August and September of 1888” (Streeter VII:4110). The volume’s “magnificent and
important mounted original photographs… are by the author himself and constitute an immensely important record of the Far
Northwest, its towns, ranches, Indians, agencies, the Baker Massacre; Trapper Bill Weaver, Piegan Indians; the Big Horn; Starvation
Camp; western horses and Indian ponies; horse thieves; Blackfoot Agency; life among the Indians; cattle ranges and ranches; Great
Falls, its mushroom growth, future, etc. The volume is a veritable ‘book of the plains… one of the most sought of all books relating to
Montana” (Eberstadt 136:445). After assuming ownership of the Troy Times, Francis journeyed with three fellow “Trojans… to the
great Northwest in search of game, fish and adventure.” Francis’ exceptional albumen prints herein express the finest qualities of
19th-century American photography, which met “the challenge of depicting a new world without a long tradition of visual models
[and] engendered a realistic, vernacular style of plain expression… [with] a confidence in fact and in the eloquence of clear exposition”
(Waking Dream, 124). Volumes variously bound with 48 to 49 albumen prints. Eberstadt 136445. With tipped-in bookplate of
photographer and collector Graham Nash, signed by him. Bright unfaded prints, tiny bit of wear to margin of one leaf (113) and very
lightest dampstaining to lower edges of some leaves without affecting plates or text; light edge-wear to original boards. An outstanding
near-fine copy of this extremely scarce presentation copy in original morocco.
“Revealed A Strange And Unknown World,
Full Of Exciting Wonders”
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170. (AMERICAN WEST) LEWIS, Meriwether, and CLARKE,
William. Travels to the Source of the Missouri River and
Across the American Continent to the Pacific Ocean.
London, 1815. Three volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century
three-quarter navy morocco gilt. $18,000.
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“The importance of exploring this area [beyond the Missouri
River] had been evident to Thomas Jefferson as early as
1783… but it was not until 20 years later that Jefferson, then
President of the United States, saw the realization of his
idea… The purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France
in December 1803 greatly increased the importance of the
expedition, which finally began its long journey [in 1804]… They wintered in the Mandan villages in the Dakotas and in the Spring
pushed on west across the Rocky Mountains and then down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean… they arrived back in St. Louis
in September 1806 to the amazed delight of the nation which had given them up for lost. Though unsuccessful in their attempt to
find a transcontinental water route, they had demonstrated the feasibility of overland travel to the western coast” (PMM 272). “The
Lewis and Clark expedition stands as a major event in American history… The explorations revealed a strange and unknown world,
full of exciting wonders, and pointed the way to its possibilities for future development” (Downs, Books that Changed America, 40).
Sabin 40830. See PMM 272. Minor reinforcement to verso of map along fold, text and maps clean and bright, morocco-gilt bindings
fine. A beautifully bound copy of this classic of American exploration.
“The British Provinces In America Are, Without A Doubt, The Most
Flourishing And Interesting Section Of The British Colonial Empire”
171. (CANADA) BOUCHETTE, Joseph. The British Dominions in North America;
or a Topographical and Statistical Description of the Provinces of… Canada.
Two volumes. WITH: A Topographical Dictionary of the Province of Lower
Canada. London, 1832. Together, three volumes. Quarto, contemporary full
brown diced calf gilt. $6000.
Second edition, with frontispiece portrait, 19 aquatint and lithographic views,
including a lovely double-page prospect of Montreal, and 11 maps and plans,
including a folding plan of Halifax Harbor. Together with a first edition of
Bouchette’s Topographical Dictionary, issued to coincide with the release of the
revised edition of The British Dominions in North America, handsomely and
uniformly bound in contemporary diced calf-gilt.
“This authoritative, informative guide does include personal reminiscences of 40 years as a naval, military and civilian officer” (Waterston,
51). In 1807 “Bouchette went to London to draw the authorities’ attention to the importance of establishing the boundary between Lower
Canada and the United States exactly. He emphasized the need to plot the 45th parallel with accuracy… On 18 February 1814
Bouchette presented before the House of Assembly his project to produce a large-scale map of Lower Canada accompanied by a
topographical dictionary” (Archive of Canada), which appeared as A Topographical Description of the Province of Lower Canada (1815).
This work officially established the southern boundary from the British view. With three engraved tables at rear of Volume I. Abbey, Travel
622. Occasional marginal foxing, text generally quite clean. Minor rubbing to extremities. A very handsome copy.
Second English edition, “a reproduction, in larger type and
better paper, of the Philadelphia [first] edition of 1814”
(Sabin 40830), published one year after that edition, with
large folding map and five additional maps.
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scotl and
“Edina! Scotia’s Darling Seat! All Hail Thy Palaces And Towers”
(Burns): First Edition Of Swarbreck’s Sketches In Scotland,
With 25 Lovely Elephant Folio Lithographs
172.
(SCOTLAND) SWARBRECK, Samuel Dukinfield. Sketches in
Scotland. London, 1839. Elephant folio (15 by 21 inches), original half
black morocco. $7000.
First edition, with tinted lithograph title page and 24 lovely large tinted lithographs
of views, street scenes and antiquities of Scotland, mostly in Edinburgh and the
lowlands, after sketches made by Swarbreck during his 1837 tour.
Printer and lithographer Charles Joseph Hullmandel pioneered the use of the
then-new process of lithography in England. “Among the many artists who
availed themselves of his processes for the reproduction of their drawings were
Stanfield, David Roberts, Haghe, Nash, and Cattermole” (DNB). The
lithographs he made from Swarbreck’s sketches show his masterly use of
gradations of tones and highlights that give the appearance of soft watercolor
washes so suited to landscape painting. Abbey, Scenery 492. Very faint
marginal dampstaining and only slight pinpoint spotting to lovely plates, light
wear and soiling to binding. An exceptionally good copy. Scarce.
173.
(EVEREST) GREGORY, Alfred. The Picture of Everest. London, 1954. Slim
quarto, original gilt-stamped Japon vellum, dust jacket. $4200.
“The Most Elaborate And Comprehensive History Of Manhattan”
174. (NEW YORK CITY) STOKES, Isaac Newton Phelps.
The Iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498-1909. New
York, 1915-1928. Six volumes. Quarto, publisher’s threequarter vellum gilt, blue cloth boards, original cloth
slipcases and chemises. $18,000.
Limited first edition of this monumental history, one of
360 copies printed on English hand-made paper (of a
total edition of only 402 copies), with hundreds of maps,
views and architectural illustrations assembled from
countless original sources. Original prospectus laid into
Volume I. A fine copy, rare in this condition.
“The most elaborate and comprehensive history of
Manhattan” (Howes, 561). This sweeping survey presents
detailed chronologies and summaries of events and personages in the history of New York City, interspersed throughout with maps,
documents, photographs, engravings, and facsimiles, including charters, ordinances and proclamations, handbills, broadsides,
surveys, plans, portraits and numerous illustrations relating to the history of New York from the “period of discovery” through the
Dutch and English settlements and the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the period of invention, prosperity, and progress, reconstruction,
industrial and educational development, and the modern city (to 1909). The set contains more than 4300 pages with hundreds of
maps and illustrations assembled from numerous original sources. Howes S1026. Expert repairs to original slipcases only. Books and
plates fine. A stunning set.
The Picture of Everest includes 43 color photographs taken by Alfred Gregory,
the expedition’s still photographer and an experienced mountaineer. Neate
332. Signed on the fly title by Gregory, Michael Ward, George Lowe, George
Band, Michael Westmacott, Charles Evans, Charles Wylie, Wilfrid Noyce, John
Hunt, Tim Bourdillon, Griffith Pugh, Edmund Hillary, and reporter James (later
Jan) Morris of The Times of London. The only member of the expedition not
represented here is Tom Stobart. Bookplate and ownership signature dated
October 1954 of noted mountaineer George Lowe who, with those whose signatures appear here, served on Sir John Hunt’s
successful 1953 British expedition of Everest. Interior fine. Blue staining to front board from dust jacket. Toning to spine of dust
jacket. An extremely good copy with exceptional provenance, most scarce signed by the Everest team.
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First edition of climber Alfred Gregory’s pictorial memoir of the 1953 British
Everest expedition, signed on the fly title by 12 members of the expedition,
including leader John Hunt and Edmund Hillary, who summited the mountain,
and reporter James Morris, who covered the expedition. The copy of
mountaineer and expedition member George Lowe, with his bookplate and
ownership signature dated in the year of publication.
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The Picture Of Everest, Illustrated With 34 Color Photographs,
Signed By Edmund Hillary And 11 Other Everest Expedition Members
And Reporter James Morris, Climber George Lowe’s Copy
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new zeal and
Barraud’s New Zealand, 1877, One Of The Finest Color Plate Books Dealing With New Zealand,
With 24 Large Elephant Folio Color Lithographic Views
175. (NEW ZEALAND) BARRAD, C.D. New Zealand Graphic and Descriptive. London, 1877. Elephant folio (17-1/2 by 23 inches),
original three-quarter black morocco. $12,000.
First edition, with 30 striking elephant folio plates, 24 of them printed in color and mounted, of scenery throughout New Zealand.
One of the finest color plate books dealing with New Zealand.
“From his youth Barraud had displayed artistic talent, and for the first 26 years of his life in New Zealand he travelled widely in his
spare time over a large area of the North and South Islands, sketching in the various provinces, and recording his impressions of the
attractions of New Zealand. Many of these sketches he worked up to a larger scale, and the climax of this activity came in 1875 when
he decided to sail to England to take advice on the publication of his work. This was published in 1877 under the title New Zealand,
Graphic and Descriptive... The book contained 24 full-page colour lithographs of landscapes and numerous other plain lithographs
and woodcuts dealing with aspects of native life in New Zealand. Several of the lithographs are of considerable historic interest,
particularly that portraying the Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed in the Tarawera eruption” (Encyclopaedia of New
Zealand). Colors vivid and beautiful throughout, marginal wear and repair to margins only of last plate; boards lightly rubbed, gilt
bright. A near-fine copy of this impressive production.
With 16 Plates Engraved By William Blake: “One Of
The Most Vivid Indictments Of Slavery Ever Penned”
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176.
(SOUTH AMERICA) STEDMAN, J.G. (BLAKE, William,
illustrator). Narrative of a Five Years Expedition Against the
Revolted Negroes of Surinam, in Guiana, on the Wild Coast of
South America. London, 1796. Two volumes. Quarto, late 19thcentury full speckled polished calf gilt.
$8500.
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In 1771, Stedman volunteered to accompany an expedition sent
out by the Dutch to suppress a revolt in the wealthy South
American colony of Surinam (Dutch Guiana). “[Stedman’s]
narrative is a model of what such a book should be… The field of
his curiosity embraced not only all branches of natural history, but
also economical and social conditions. His description of the
cruelties practised on the negroes, and of the moral deterioration
resulting to their masters, forms one of the most vivid indictments
of slavery that have ever been penned” (DNB). The 16 plates engraved by William Blake “have long been recognized as among the
best executed and most generally interesting of all his journeyman work” (Keynes, 98). Each of Blake’s arresting engravings
successfully blends his own inner vision with Stedman’s, and include often-reproduced slave tortures, wonderfully humanoid
monkeys, the skinning of a giant anaconda, and an emblematic representation of “Europe Supported by Africa & America.” Blake
relied heavily on the engraving work that he did for many of Johnson’s publications to sustain him at this point in his career. Bookplate.
Leaf Rr3 in Volume II with marginal paper repair. Occasional mild foxing to and offsetting from few plates, a few of which have been
professionally cleaned; joints expertly repaired. A very handsomely bound copy in excellent condition.
Muirhead Bone’s 120 Large Folio Illustrations Of Old Spain,
Signed By Bone And His Wife
177.
(SPAIN) BONE, Muirhead. Old Spain. Two volumes. WITH: Two
Drypoints. London, 1936. Together, three volumes. Elephant folio (14-1/2
by 21 inches), original full brown pigskin gilt; etchings in original matching
portfolio with brown paper boards. $8500.
Signed limited first edition of this monumental collection of Spanish
landscapes, cityscapes and interiors, one of only 265 sets, with 120
large full-page illustrations in various media (three double-page, many in
color) by Muirhead Bone and descriptions by Gertrude Bone, signed by
both, with the additional portfolio of two original drypoint etchings, each
signed by Muirhead Bone.
Originally trained as an architect, Muirhead Bone’s art “reflects the mind of
the architect, an almost mathematical feeling for strains and stresses”
(DNB). Bone’s preferred media were etching, dry-point and lithography.
“In the art of dry-point, Bone did not, from his first attempts, take long to
achieve a mastery which it was well-nigh impossible to improve upon,
certainly not as a technical process” (Kenneth M. Guichard). Appointed
official British war artist during the First World War, he produced 150 lithographs of the conflict, published by the War Department
in 1917. For many years, the Bones lived in Italy and Spain. Inscribed in volume I by fellow Scottish artist W. Russell Flint. Laid into
this copy are two autograph letters signed: one from Muirhead Bone to Flint, demonstrating the close friendship between the two,
the other from Mary Bone to the recipient of this volume answering questions on Bone’s technique. A few spots to portfolio boards
only, plates and text beautiful and bright. Fine condition.
First edition of Stedman’s scarce and important Narrative, with
three folding engraved maps, a folding aquatint engraving, and
77 engraved plates, including 16 engraved by William Blake.
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“Photographs That Are Among The Finest
Made In 19th Century Italy”: Fine Large
Folio Album Of 30 Lovely Carlo Ponti
Original Photographs Of Venice
178.
(VENICE) PONTI, Charles [Carlo]. Souvenir
Photographique de Venise. Venice, circa 1890. Oblong
folio, original blue cloth, all edges gilt. $5200.
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Superb collection of 30 large albumen photographic
prints of views of Venice. Most images measure approximately 13 by 10 inches, finely printed and
mounted on heavy cardstock.
“Every major Italian city—or famous locality—had its
contingent of accredited photographers. Once they
had acquired a firm footing, they spread out across
the country and abroad… In Venice, the studio established by Carlo Naya grew enormously and turned out
large-format architectural views, impressively composed. On a par with Naya was Carlo Ponti, another
great publisher of topographical views of Venice”
(Frizot, A New History of Photography, 159). Ponti
(1823-93) was a Swiss-born photographer known as
the inventor of the megalethoscope, a viewing device
for photographs. “Carlo Ponti’s background as an optical-instrument maker complimented his natural artistic sensibilities, resulting
in photographs that are among the finest made in 19th century Italy” (“Images of Italy,” Mt. Holyoke College Exhibition Catalogue,
1980, 50). Text in French. A few images with minor spotting or marginal toning, most quite clean and fine. A bit of darkening to
original cloth. Near-fine condition, a lovely collection of photographs of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Richly Illustrated And Finely Bound
Large Folio Atlas Of Australasia
179. (AUSTRALIA) GARRAN, Andrew. The Picturesque
Atlas of Australasia. Sydney and Melbourne, 1886. Three
volumes. Large folio (14 by 18 inches), early full black
morocco gilt. $9000.
First edition of this profusely illustrated late 19th-century
history of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific,
with 23 color-printed maps (seven large folding), 41 fullpage wood-engravings, and hundreds of fine in-text woodengravings of historical scenes and personages, local
customs, natural history and landscapes.
This monumental history of “down under” includes maps of
Tasmania, Oceania, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands and New
Guinea. Numerous historical essays detail aboriginal life, as
well as the European explorations and colonial settlements.
Early gift inscription. Scattered light foxing, morocco-gilt
binding very handsome. A nearly fine copy.
Music
147
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m u s ic
johann sebastian bach
“Unparalleled In The History Of Music”:
Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier: Extraordinarily Rare First Edition In Contemporary Boards
180.
BACH, Johann Sebastian. Das wohltemperirte Clavier, oder Präludien und Fugen durch alle Töne. Zurich, 1801-02.
Two volumes. Oblong quarto, contemporary marbled boards with original leather spines rebacked and laid down, custom
chemises, slipcase. $22,000.
Rare first edition of both parts of Bach’s masterpiece in musical instruction, fully engraved.
Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of 48 preludes and fugues in all the major and minor keys, occupies a pivotal position in
the keyboard repertoire. Students are still required to study this work, and seasoned performers are praised for their interpretations
of it. The Well-Tempered Clavier “surpasses, in logic, in format and in musical quality, all earlier endeavors of the same kind by other
masters… The work shows a perfectly balanced contrast between free and strict styles, each represented by several different types
of prelude and fugue. Bach’s writing… represents the culmination
of a 20-year process of maturation and stands unparalleled in
the history of music” (New Grove). Bach completed Part I in
1722 and Part II in 1744. After Bach’s death in 1750, the work
circulated in manuscript. “In 1782 Mozart arranged several of
the fugues for chamber-music combinations… and in 1783
Beethoven played the Well-Tempered Clavier at the age of
thirteen in a famous performance” (Fuld, 674). The complete set
of fugues reached print in 1801, when three editions were
published at about the same time, all of which are considered
first editions. Fuld, 118. RISM B 499. Kinsky, 120. Reversed
volume numbers revised in a contemporary hand on boards,
minor pencil markings (some in red) to text in Volume II. Usual
wear to boards, plates bright and clean with only occasional
scattered foxing. An extraordinary copy, in contemporary boards,
of this landmark musical classic. Rare.
“Beethoven’s Greatest Music”:
First Edition Of The String Quartet Opus 130
181. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van. Troisième Quatuor pour 2 Violons,
Alte & Violoncelle… Oeuvre 130. Vienne, 1827. Folio, original unbound
parts, modern portfolio. $4000.
First edition in original unbound parts (published simultaneously with
the full score) of Beethoven’s incomparable string quartet opus 130,
fully engraved.
Beethoven spent his final years writing “exclusively in the medium of
the string quartet. The five late string quartets contain Beethoven’s
greatest music, or so at least many listeners in the twentieth century
have come to feel… The range of Beethoven’s thought in the late
quartets is immense, outdistancing that of his contemporaries in every
respect. Even within individual quartets Beethoven encompasses both
deep seriousness and lighthearted gaiety without incongruity” (New
Grove II:387; XVIII:281). Beethoven’s late string quartet in B flat (opus
130) departs radically from conventional quartet form. Its six movements
range from pensive passages to profoundly emotional ones, such as the
slow fifth movement, with its halting middle section marked by Beethoven “beklemmt,” or “oppressed.” Beethoven wrote of this
part that it had moved him more than any other of his compositions. The quartet was originally rounded off by a long fugue, but
this met with incomprehension at the quartet’s premiere. Beethoven uncharacteristically chose to bow to public opinion, and
excised the fugal movement (published separately as opus 133), replacing it in the version published here with a new, lightfooted finale—the last complete piece that Beethoven ever composed. He died on March 26, 1827. Kinsky-Halm, 395.
Signatures loose in first violin part, expert restoration to spine margin of spread with title page; all parts are quite fresh and
clean. A beautiful copy.
First Edition Of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Number
24, Dedicated To His Likely “Immortal Beloved”
182. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van. Sonate pour le Piano Forte
composee et dediee a Madame la Comtesse Therese de
Brunswick. Leipzig, 1810. Oblong folio, modern beige cloth;
pp. 13. $7800.
First edition, fully lithographed, of Beethoven’s Opus 78,
dedicated to Therese de Brunswick, whom many historians
believe to be Beethoven’s famous “Immortal Beloved.”
“Whether Therese de Brunswick and Beethoven were ever
affianced; whether they loved without the need of a declaratory
word; whether Therese hoped in vain for that word to be spoken;
whether Beethoven, conscious of his defects, shrank from
speaking it; whether he feared to drag her down to his social
level: none of this is known. But of their strong mutual regard there is no doubt. Therese understood all that was good and great
in him, and she among all the women in Beethoven’s life was best fitted to be the mate and companion for whom he longed.
There is no record of their parting; only a hint of regret long afterwards.” For years there has been a great debate over who was
the intended recipient of Beethoven’s passionate letter addressed to his “Immortal Beloved”; “in the present century the verdict
has been mainly in favour of Therese von Brunswick” (Blom, 545-7). Kinsky, 209. Light dampstaining (mostly marginal)
throughout. Rare.
“Dwarfs Any Symphony That Preceded It”:
Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony,
The First Edition Authorized By The Composer
183.
BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van. Sinfonia eroica, composta per
festeggiare il sovvenire di un grand’uomo… Op. 55. Bonn and Cologne,
1822. Octavo, modern three-quarter brown morocco gilt. $8500.
First authorized edition of the full score of Beethoven’s “Eroica”
Symphony, fully engraved—“still the longest extant perfect design in
instrumental music.”
The Eroica or Third Symphony, composed in 1804, was originally
dedicated to Napoleon, whose military victories Beethoven saw as blows
struck on behalf of the oppressed common man. The symphony was just
finished when news arrived that the great liberator had declared himself
Emperor. Beethoven was furious: “Now he too will trample on all human
rights and indulge only his own ambition. He will place himself above
everyone and become a tyrant.” Angrily Beethoven tore away the titlepage of the manuscript, bearing the dedication to Napoleon. The symphony as issued celebrates instead the idealized figure
of “a great man” (un grand’uomo). “In expressing this heroic concept Beethoven, the idealist, produced music which for
grandeur, spaciousness, majesty, eloquence, and sheer drama dwarfs any symphony that preceded it” (Cross, I:57). The full
score of the Eroica was first published at London in 1809, in an unauthorized edition that is now extremely scarce; this 1822
first German edition is the first publication of the full score authorized by the composer. Stamp on title page. An excellent copy
of this historic score, handsomely bound.
“More An Expression Of Feeling Than A Painting”:
First Edition Of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” (Sixth) Symphony
184. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van. Sixieme symphonie Pastorale en
fa majeur… Oeuvre 68. Leipzig, 1826. Royal octavo, early gray
paper boards with vellum spine and corners. $8500.
First edition of the full score of Beethoven’s Sixth (Pastoral)
Symphony—“What a cheerful, genial, beneficent view over the
whole realm of Nature and man!” (Grove, Beethoven, 227).
The announcement of Beethoven’s concert of December 22, 1808
appearing a few days earlier in the Wiener Zeitung referred to “A
Symphony, entitled: ‘A Recollection of Country Life.” The word
“pastoral” is first found in a violin part (now in the Gesellschaft der
Musikfreunde, Vienna) used at the first performance. Beethoven
feared that the “program” aspect of the symphony would overwhelm
the music, and he warned that the symphony was “More an
expression of feeling than a painting.” Despite the composer’s
admonition, the “Pastoral” is program music at its best, a vivid
expression of feelings inspired by the natural world—especially the
realistic birdcalls in the coda of the second movement, and the
small-town brass band and “muttering of thunder” in the third movement (Sherman & Biancoli, 581). Kinsky-Halm, 163.
Fuld, 560. Occasional foxing; title page remargined. Corners slightly bumped, a bit of soiling to vellum. An attractive copy.
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johannes brahms
First Edition Of A Major Brahms Serenade,
Presentation Copy Inscribed By Him
185.
BRAHMS, Johannes. Serenade D dur fur grosses Orchester componirt von Johannes Brahms. Op 11. Partitur.
Leipzig, 1860. Large octavo, original green printed wrappers, cloth spine, custom chemise, slipcase. $18,500.
First edition, inscribed by Brahms on the front wrapper in the year of publication and signed “J. B.”
Brahms completed this major serenade while in his mid-twenties.
“In 1857 he obtained his first official position when he was
engaged for three months by the princely court of Detmold as
pianist-in-residence and conductor of the choir society, part-time
duties he performed for three years. This post provided valuable
practical experience and left him enough time for his own work…
(including) the two delightful Serenades for orchestra” (Karl
Geiringer). In 1853 Brahms had given his first concert at Leipzig
and drew the attention of the publishing firm of Breitkopf and
Haertel, which undertook the publication of his compositions.
Variant title page, without price beneath the publisher’s imprint.
McCorkle, 31-36. Wrappers and spine with light wear, closed tear
to rear cover; interior bright and fine. Very desirable inscribed.
151
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m u s ic
george gershwin
Inscribed By George Gershwin: An American In Paris, First Edition
186. GERSHWIN, George. An American in Paris. An Orchestral Tone Poem. Piano solo. New York, 1929. Large quarto, original
printed tan paper wrappers, custom cloth clamshell box. $25,000.
“The most incredibly talented,
prolific, and extraordinary
First edition of the piano score (preceding the full score), inscribed by Gershwin:
“Sincerely—George Gershwin / Oct. 10, 1929 / New York City.”
An American in Paris is one of Gershwin’s most ambitious compositions. He wrote at the
time of the premiere: “This new piece, really a rhapsodic ballet, is written very freely and
is the most modern music I’ve yet attempted. The opening part will be developed in typical
composer of the century.”
French style, in the manner of Debussy and The Six, though the themes are all original.
My purpose here is to portray the impression of an American visitor in Paris, as he strolls
(Michael Feinstein)
about the city, and listens to various street noises and absorbs the French atmosphere.”
“In An American in Paris he showed that even without studying with Boulanger he could
imitate the insouciance of Les Six—the group of young
composers who were all the rage in Paris—and make use of
polytonal harmonies out of Stravinsky, while writing tunes that
were memorable and completely Gershwinesque” (David
Schiff). This copy was inscribed by Gershwin six weeks after he
made his conducting debut with An American in Paris at
Lewisohn Stadium of City College of New York. First edition of
the piano arrangement (preceding the full score). Carnovale W3.
Faint fold lines. A fine copy, very rare and desirable inscribed.
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152
giacomo puccini
The Vocal Score Of Puccini’s Girl Of The Golden West, Signed By Puccini,
Toscanini And Members Of The Cast On Its Premiere At The Metropolitan Opera House
187.
PUCCINI, Giacomo. La Fanciulla de West (The Girl of the Golden West). Milan, 1910. Quarto, modern half dark
brown morocco, original wrappers bound in. WITH: Playbill from the first performance. Both enclosed in custom cloth
clamshell box. $12,000.
First edition, piano-vocal score for Puccini’s classic opera of the American West, signed by Puccini on the date of the
opera’s premiere at the Metropolitan Opera House and signed as well by conductor Arturo Toscanini and various members
of the original cast (Emmy Destinn, Adamo Didur, Dinh Gilly, Angelo Bada, and Giulio Rossi). Together with an original
playbill for the performance.
This copy is inscribed on the title page (in a hand other than Puccini’s) “To Mr. J. P. Sanborn, with the Composer’s
Compliments— New York, Dec. 10, 1910,” with Puccini’s full autograph signature appearing below. The signatures of
Toscanini and the cast members appear on the page listing the performers. “On his first visit to the United States, in 1905,
Puccini saw a performance of David Belasco’s horse opera The Girl in the Golden West and was fascinated by the old stage
wizard’s tricks with moving scenery and an elaborate snowstorm... But it was not until he had returned to Italy that he finally
decided to make this play the vehicle for his next operatic score” (100 Great Operas and Their Stories, 216). The only signature absent among the cast members is that of Enrico Caruso, who performed the role of Dick Johnson. Trimmed, clipping
the signatures of two of the cast members (Rossi and Bada). Hopkinson 7A. Score in fine condition, playbill with some
restoration to rear wrapper and repair to inner hinges of some pages.
Stravinsky’s First Great Work: The Firebird, First Edition
First edition, piano score of Stravinsky’s first ballet.
189.
GERSHWIN, George. Program signed, for a performance by the
Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Seattle, December 15, 1936. Legal folio, one
page, framed with portrait. Entire piece measures 21 by 19 inches. $4800.
Fine 1936 program for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra signed by composer
George Gershwin. Handsomely framed with portrait.
Among the Gershwin compositions performed at the concert were Concerto
for Piano and Orchestra, a suite of songs from Porgy and Bess, and Rhapsody
in Blue. Fine condition.
m u s ic
Program Signed By George Gershwin, 1936
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The Firebird is the work which first earned Stravinsky a reputation beyond
Russia’s borders. The ballet draws on Russian folk-tales, bringing together
the Romantic interest in the supernatural and in nationalist feeling.
“Stravinsky worked on his music for a year, usually aided by Fokine, who
had prepared the scenario. ‘They worked very closely together, phrase by
phrase,’ wrote Lincoln Kirstein in his biography of Fokine… Stravinsky
completed his score in May 1910, and on June 25 L’Oiseau de Feu (The
Fire-Bird) was presented at the Paris Opéra with Fokine, Madame Fokina,
and Karsavina as the principal dancers… On the opening night Debussy
rushed backstage to embrace Stravinsky” (Cross, II: 779). The Firebird, in
its Tchaikovskian and Rimskian lushness, stands in stark contrast to the
spare, restrained works of Stravinsky’s later, “neo-classical” period, and he
was eventually to repudiate it. Yet he reworked it into an orchestral suite in
several different versions, and continued to perform it throughout his career.
The score for piano
was published about the same time as the full score, “priority uncertain”
(Fuld, 142). De Lerma, O9. Small stamps of Parisian dealers on front wrapper
and title page. Interior fine, with only light spotting to title page, text block
expertly reinforced; only light wear to fragile wrappers. Near-fine condition.
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188.
STRAVINSKY, Igor. [Russian title in Cyrillic.] L’Oiseau de Feu.
Conte Dansé en 2 Tableaux. Moscow, 1910. Large quarto, original printed
wrappers, custom chemise and slipcase. $10,000.
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Art, Architecture & Illustrated
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a r t, a r c h i t e c t u r e & i l l u s t r at e d
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james joyce / henri matisse
Signed By Both Joyce And Matisse: The First Illustrated Edition Of Ulysses
190.
JOYCE, James (MATISSE, Henri, illustrator). Ulysses. With Illustrations by Henri Matisse. New York, 1935. Large quarto,
original gilt-stamped brown cloth, custom chemise and slipcase. $35,000.
First illustrated edition of Joyce’s landmark Ulysses, one of only 250 copies (from a total edition of 1500) signed by both James
Joyce and Henri Matisse. One of the 20th-century’s most desirable illustrated books, combining the work of two great modern
artists. A fine copy.
One of the most arresting and intriguing collaborations in 20th-century literature. The 26 beautiful full-page illustrations by Matisse
accompany the text of Joyce’s Ulysses, including six soft-ground etchings with reproductions of the sketches on blue and yellow
paper. “One of the very few American livres de peintres issued before World War II. According to George Macy [this work’s designer],
who undertook this only American publication of Matisse’s illustrations, he asked the artist how many etchings the latter could provide
for $5000. The artist chose to take six subjects from Homer’s Odyssey” (Artist and the Book 197). Without original cardboard
slipcase. Slocum & Cahoon A22. LEC 71. Fine condition. Most scarce and desirable signed by both Joyce and Matisse.
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a r t , a rchi t ec t u re & ill u s t r a t e d
the rose garden of persia
“The Softest And The Richest Language In The World Is The Persian”:
The Rose Garden Of Persia, First Edition, Elegantly Bound By De Sauty
191.
COSTELLO, Louisa Stuart. The Rose Garden of Persia. London, 1845. 12mo, early
20th-century full crushed green morocco gilt. $8000.
First edition of Costello’s translations of Persian poetry, with works of many poets, including
Hafez, Rumi, and Omar Khayyam, featuring 12 illuminated pages, beautifully bound in full,
elaborately gilt-tooled crushed morocco by de Sauty.
An accomplished painter of miniatures and copyist of illuminated manuscripts, Costello also
published several well-received volumes of lyrical poetry. The renditions of selections from
famous Persian poets in this book are “highly ornamented with decorative borders”—each
page of text is within red ornamental frames in one of eight designs, and 12 pages are printed
in blue or green, red and gold—“deriving from original manuscripts held by the Asiatic
Society… Her paraphrases of sections of the Quatrains of ‘Umar Khayyam… compare
creditably with the celebrated translation by Edward Fitzgerald” (DNB). Elegantly bound by
Alfred de Sauty in full crushed morocco featuring large and lovely gilt arabesques with small,
floral red inlays to both boards. Celebrated for his elegant and intricate tooled bindings, de
Sauty was active in London until 1923; he then moved to Chicago and worked for the bindery
of R.R. Donnelley. Allibone, 432. A fine copy, beautifully bound.
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156
goya
Goya’s Masterpiece Desastres De La Guerra:
Extraordinary 1863 First Edition, One Of Only 500 Copies,
Complete With 80 Original Etchings
192.
GOYA Y LUCIENTES, Francisco José de. Los Desastres de la Guerra. Madrid, 1863. Two volumes. Total of 80 numbered
and titled copperplate etchings done with drypoint, burin, aquatint and lavis, on wove paper with watermark J.G.O. and palmette.
Oblong folio, contemporary half red morocco gilt.
$225,000.
“The greatest antiwar
manifesto in the history
First edition, second issue, of “the most brutally savage protest against cruelty and war which
the visual imagination of man has conceived”—one of only 500 copies in the first printing. Fine,
early impressions, with tonal variations in the lavis that disappear in later editions.
Napoleon’s invasion of Spain in 1807 and 1808 brought about the abdication of the Bourbon
of art.” –Robert Hughes rulers and sparked violent protests against the French. During the war years, Goya vented his
horror and outrage at the atrocities committed by soldiers and compatriots alike: “In 80 small,
compact images, each etched with acid on copper, Goya told the appalling truth. He aimed a high-power beam on hideous sights:
guerillas shot at close range; the ragged remains of mutilated corpses; and the emaciated victims of war’s partner famine. Never
before had a story of man’s inhumanity to man been so compellingly told, every episode reported with the utmost compassion, the
human form described with such keen honesty and pitying respect” (Goya in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 25-26). “Nothing in
art reflects with more terrible emphasis the horrors of war than Goya’s Desastres de la Guerra… As a satirist he may be misanthropic
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and bitter… but in the unflinching courage with which he probes right to the heart of social rottenness he proves himself the true
satirist who battles with abuses” (Hind, 255-56). Perhaps because Goya did not intend to see Desastres through publication, the
series as a whole is somewhat less coherent than the two series of prints Goya issued while alive, Los Caprichos and Tauromaquia.
Plates 2-47 depict scenes of war, possibly as witnessed by Goya during his travels to and from Zaragoza in 1808, but most likely from
newspaper and other accounts; plates 48-64 record the famine that ravaged Madrid from 1811-12, done shortly thereafter; the
remaining 16 images are more fantastic, politically satirical images, which have been variously dated, most likely from circa 1815-17.
As the subjects and themes evolved throughout
the creation of Desastres, so did the artist’s
approach, moving from a highly detailed style to a
much less finished technique. “He still stands as
one of the greatest virtuosi of an art which had
only been introduced a few years before his work
commenced” (Hind, 252). This work is most
scarce and extremely difficult to obtain, as over
the years copies have found their way to museums
or to print dealers. This first edition has appeared
at auction only four times in the last 25 years.
This is a second-issue copy of the first printing,
with corrections to the captions of plates 9, 3236, 39 and 47. Harris Ib. A beautiful copy in fine
condition with clean, sharp impressions.
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“The Same Religious Force As The Bible Itself”:
First American Edition Of Chagall’s Second Series
Of Bible Illustrations, With 96 Heliogravures
And 24 Color Lithographs
193. CHAGALL, Marc. Drawings for the Bible. New York, 1960. Folio, original
pictorial boards, dust jacket, shipping carton.
$12,500.
Rare first American edition of Chagall’s second series of illustrations for
the Bible, with 96 black-and-white heliogravures, as well as 24 color
lithographs prepared by Chagall especially for the present work and printed
by Mourlot Frères.
This breathtaking blend of Chagall’s
childhood experience of the world of the
Hebrew Bible as “another world that still
existed behind the world of workaday reality” began with his experience in
Palestine during a 1931 trip. His illustrations constitute an “astonishing unity of
word and image, of visual representation and nonvisual suggestion… The picture is not there to
cover, sustain or adorn the event, but to report it plainly and yet in all its temporal and eternal
significance… Chagall’s Bible etchings have the same religious force as the Bible itself” (Meyer,
383, 388, 393). The massive undertaking occupied Chagall off and on from 1931 to 1956, and
again between 1958-59 (this edition). Printer Fernand Mourlot ran a lithography press where
such greats as Braque, Matisse, Picasso, Miró and, of course, Chagall came to have their designs
printed and to learn about this still nascent medium. With an introduction by Gaston Bachelard,
translated by Stuart Gilbert. Appeared simultaneously from Verve in French, also in a trade edition. Sorlier 75. See Cramer 42. Only two very small closed tears to bright and beautiful dust
jacket. A fine copy, in the original shipping carton.
Jerusalem Windows, Boldly Inscribed By Chagall,
With Two Original Color Lithographs
194.
CHAGALL, Marc. Vitraux pour Jerusalem. Monte Carlo, 1962.
Folio, original gray raw silk, photographic endpapers, dust
jacket, acetate, slipcase. $9800.
First French edition of Chagall’s Jerusalem Windows,
boldly inscribed by Chagall and dated 1965, with two
original full-color lithographs specially prepared by
Chagall for this edition and with numerous beautiful color
lithographic reproductions of the artist’s work.
Illustrated are various drafts as well as the final
versions of the 12 stained glass windows (one for
each of the tribes of Israel) and designed by
Chagall for the synagogue of the HadassahHebrew University Medical Center. Issued the
same year as the very similar English-language
edition titled Jerusalem Windows. Text in French,
See Sorlier, Chagall 78; Sorlier, Chagall Lithographs
365-66; Cramer 49. Small notation to corner of
slipcase. A fine inscribed copy.
“His Strongest Illustrations”: 1893-94 First Edition Of Beardsley’s
King Arthur, His First Illustrated Book
195. (BEARDSLEY, Aubrey) MALORY, Thomas. The Birth, Life and
Acts of King Arthur, Of His Noble Knights of the Round Table…
London, 1893-4. Two volumes. Quarto, original ivory cloth. $5000.
First edition, one of only 1500 copies of the two-volume issue, with
16 full-page and four double-page illustrations, 43 borders, and
288 in-text decorations.
“William Morris’ view of a book as a unified work of art … resulted in
the production of several profusely decorated Malorys… An immediate response to the Kelmscott books was J.M. Dent’s Morte Darthur
(1893-94),” containing illustrations and embellishments “by the
then-unknown Aubrey Beardsley. Though a Burne-Jones influence
was evident in the early chapters, Beardsley soon developed the Art
Nouveau style... his knights, lethargic and spiritless, are completely
dominated by their mistresses and the fays. Far from glorifying chivalric romance, Beardsley satirized it, shocking Victorian sensibilities” (Lacy, 46). The work won him “instant recognition… The
Malory drawings are his strongest illustrations” (The Artist and the Book 16). Originally
published in two issues, both in 12 separate parts: 300 numbered copies in gray
wrappers, (later bound in three volumes, usually full vellum); and 1500 copies in
green wrappers (later bound in two gilt-decorated cloth volumes, as here. Bookplates. Interiors lightly embrowned. Inner paper
hinges partly split; bindings sound. Cloth slightly darkened and soiled, bright gilt only lightly rubbed. An extremely good copy of the
scarce first edition of this beautiful production.
“Only Poe Could Have Written The Poems. Only Dulac
Could Have Illustrated Them”: Limited Edition Of The Bells,
With 28 Color Plates By Dulac, Signed By Him
196.
(DULAC, Edmund) POE, Edgar Allan. The Bells and Other Poems. New
York and London, circa 1912. Tall quarto, original full vellum gilt. $3800.
Signed limited first edition, one of 750 copies
signed by Dulac, illustrated with 28 brilliant
mounted color plates and Dulac’s gilt bell motif
on the deluxe vellum binding.
A striking departure from Dulac’s work to this point,
his watercolors for The Bells were “overstreaked
with gilt in some cases, crayon in others, to produce rich haunting effects… [One contemporary
review declared,] ‘Sometimes Dulac’s pictures are
deep-colored and intense, sometimes dim and
ghost-like. But one and all are sensitized to record
impressions of unearthly beauty or horror. Only
Poe could have written the poems. Only Dulac
could have illustrated them’” (Hughey 29). This
collection contains “Annabel Lee,” “The Raven,”
“Ulalume,” “Tamerlane” and 42 other poems.
Without original silk ties. A fine signed copy.
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“The Most Authoritative Artist And Poet Of Modern
Arabia”: Signed Limited Edition Of Kahlil Gibran’s
Twenty Drawings, 1919, One Of Only 100 Copies
Specially Bound And Autographed
197. GIBRAN, Kahlil. Twenty Drawings. New York, 1919. Folio,
original white Japanese paper spine, gold Japanese paper
boards.$9000.
Signed limited first edition, one of 100 copies
signed by Gibran, beautifully illustrated with a
color frontispiece and black-and-white drawings
by Gibran.
Best known for his poetry, Kahlil Gibran was a
gifted artist, having studied with Rodin in Paris.
This first volume of Gibran’s artwork in English
(and only his second book published in the
United States) contains 20 of his early works,
primarily of nudes. “When Twenty Drawings was
published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1919, it was reviewed as having drawings ‘of graceful emotional
exposition of form” (The Nation, 1922). This title
sold only a few hundred copies at the time of
publication, and Gibran continued to toil in obscurity until the publication of The Prophet in
1923, also illustrated by Gibran, which became
the third best-selling work of poetry of all time.
Front inner paper hinge split, plates fine; a bit of
toning and wear to binding as usual. An extremely good copy. Rare.
“Commitment To The Human Spirit”:
Scarce Association Copy Of Heath’s Dialogue With Solitude
198.
HEATH, Dave. A Dialogue with Solitude. New York, 1965. Quarto, original
gray cloth, original dust jacket. $6000.
First edition of Heath’s seminal photobook, featuring 82 vibrant duotone plates,
this scarce association copy signed by photographer Margery Lewis Smith, longtime
partner of this book’s dedicatee, renowned photographer W. Eugene Smith.
Shortly after its publication in 1965, Dave Heath’s Dialogue with Solitude was
recognized as one of the decade’s most important photobooks. “Working under the
heady influences of Robert Frank, Aaron Siskind and Eugene Smith, Heath forged a
style that felt at once intimate and reportorial… Dialogue with Solitude is a period
piece that resonates” (Village Voice). “A book that has achieved cult status,” Heath’s
photobook is particularly noted for its attempt “to photograph internal emotions…
[by investigating] the essential solitude of an individual through a series of sequences”
(Parr & Badger II:104). This notable copy is from the library of photographer Margery
Lewis Smith and is signed by her. Smith was the longtime partner of the book’s
dedicatee W. Eugene Smith, who is paid further tribute in Heath’s preface, praising
him as one who “chose, as an affirmative value of life, engagement in and commitment
to the human spirit.” Book fine; small closed tears, light rubbing to bright near-fine
dust jacket. A near-fine copy with a notable association.
“A Major Role In Changing The Character
Of The American City”
Zora Neale Hurston’s Stories,
Illustrated By Betye Saar,
One Of Only 300 Copies Signed By Saar
200.
HURSTON, Zora Neale. Bookmarks in the Pages of
Life. A Selection of Short Stories… with Serigraphs by Betye
Saar. New York, 2000. Folio, original publisher’s three-quarter
brown morocco and patterned paper boards, uncut. Housed in
publisher’s cloth clamshell box. $4200.
Signed limited first edition of this selection of Hurston’s stories,
illustrated with six lovely folio serigraphs by Betye Saar. One of
only 300 copies signed by Saar.
This selection brings together six of Hurston’s best stories—
“Magnolia Flower,” “Mother Catherine,” “High John De Conquer,”
“The Conscience of the Court,” “The Bone of Contention,” and
“Now You Cookin’ with Gas”—each illustrated with one of Saar’s
serigraphs, which are colorful prints of collages
made using fragments of fabric, paper and
faded photographs. Tiny bump to clamshell box.
A splendid production in fine condition.
“One of the most prolific commercial architectural firms in
the history of American architecture” (ANB). To noted
historian Carl Condit, “Graham, Anderson, Probst & White
were among the leaders of their profession. Their work
covered the full spectrum of urban building... all of it done
at the highest level, from Beaux-Arts Classicism to Art
Deco.” The firm and its architects “played a major role in changing the
character of the American city between 1910 and 1930” (Chappell, 2). Their stellar commitment to Chicago was exemplified “through
such buildings as the Field Museum of Natural History, Union Station, the Wrigley Building, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, the Civic
Opera Building, and the Merchandise Mart. The firm was known throughout America by such other buildings as the Equitable
Building and Chase National Bank in New York” (ANB).A fine copy of a magnificent production.
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Signed limited first edition, one of only 300 copies
signed by Edward E. Probst and Marvin G. Probst and
presented to Ernest F. Brunknow, the firm’s structural
engineer, two majestic folio volumes containing 389
folio photogravures, drawings and diagrams of some of
the most famous buildings in America—“all done at the
highest level from Beaux Arts to Art Deco”—in
publisher’s full morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe.
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199. GRAHAM, Ernest and PROBST, Edward et al. The
Architectural Works of Graham Anderson Probst &
White. London, 1933. Two volumes. Folio, original full
crushed brown morocco gilt, custom slipcases. $9500.
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162
cats
“Time Spent With Cats Is Never Wasted”:
Splendid Large Folio Original Signed Color Aquatints Of
Cats By Jacques Nam, With Engaging Texts By Colette
201.
NAM, Jacques Lehmann and COLETTE, (Sidonie-Gabrielle).
Chats. Paris, 1950. Large original portfolio (18 by 21 inches) with cloth
spine and illustrated front board, containing six loose folio gatherings
and five original aquatints (as issued).
$16,500.
Limited first edition, one of only 350 copies, of five wonderful portraits
of cats, each signed and numbered by Jacques Nam, accompanied by
amusing commentaries by Colette.
“Time spent with cats is never wasted” (Colette). Jacques Nam was
known primarily for his paintings and illustrations of animal subjects,
mostly cats, which found their ways into the Salon d’Automne and the
National Gallery of Beaux Arts. Colette’s works “express a sensibility
shaped by the style of the belle époque and informed by a sensual
responsiveness to the life of nature and the
world of childhood” (Drabble, 213). Text in
French. Plates and text fine, original portfolio
lightly soiled. A beautiful copy.
202.
LACLOS, Pierre Choderlos de. Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
Londres [i.e., Paris], 1796 [i.e., 1812]. Two volumes. Octavo, early
20th-century full plum morocco gilt. $8500.
“One Of The Greatest Of American Illustrated Books”:
Fine First Edition Of The Knave Of Hearts
203.
(PARRISH, Maxfield). SAUNDERS, Louise. The Knave of
Hearts. New York, 1925. Folio, original black cloth, mounted cover
illustration, glassine.
$5500.
First edition of “one of the greatest of American illustrated books”
(Porter, 84), the last and most lavish book illustrated by Maxfield
Parrish, with mounted cover design, pictorial endpapers, 14 full-page
color plates and nine in-text color illustrations. A beautiful copy.
By 1900, Maxfield Parrish had become “recognized as one of America’s
most successful artists, achieving national popularity for his distinctively
elegant style, detailed backgrounds and glowing colors” (Dalby, 42). He
agreed to illustrate his friend Saunders’ play “on account of the bully
opportunity it gives for a very good time making the pictures. Imagination
could run riot, bound down by no period, just good fun and all sorts of
things” (Yount, 86-88). Without very scarce box. Yount, 86-91. Cotsen
9724. Bookseller ticket. Book nearly fine, with only a few spots of faint
foxing, very minor creasing to plate at page 10, and slight soiling to rear
cloth. Some chipping to scarce glassine. A beautiful copy.
This splendid edition of Laclos’ Les liaisons dangereuses is the novel’s
most renowned illustrated edition. These two volumes display 15
engravings by the most skilled engravers of the era, images that richly
convey Laclos’ eroticized view of a struggle for power at the heart of
French aristocracy. First issued only seven years before the French
Revolution, this “underground classic… [is] so perfect a construction
of a drama through letters that no one… has ever been able to rival
Laclos’ mastery of the genre. It is a perfection that for several reasons
may make Les liaisons dangereuses… the best, the most extreme,
and the last of its kind” (Hollier, 537-43). This edition’s “striking plates
by Monnet and Mlle. Gérard form the outstanding contemporary interpretation of Les liaisons dangereuses. They are not likely to be
superseded, however often this celebrated novel is illustrated” (Ray 82).Text in French. Ray 82. Owner signatures. Spines gently
toned. Fine condition, beautifully bound.
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Scarce illustrated edition of Laclos’ masterpiece, with 15 full-page
engravings (including two frontispiece plates) that “form the
outstanding contemporary interpretation” of this celebrated novel of
sexual intrigue, very handsomely bound in rich morocco-gilt.
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“The Best, The Most Extreme, And The Last Of Its Kind”:
Scarce 1812 Edition Of Laclos’ Erotic Masterpiece,
The Most Famous Illustrated Edition, With 15 Engraved Plates
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joan miró
Extraordinary Complete Set Of Ten Striking Miró Color Lithographs, Eight Double-Page,
With Numerous Additional Illustrations, One Of Only 100 Copies Boldly Signed By Miró
204. MIRÓ, Joan. Tapis de Tarragona. Barcelona, 1972. Fifteen singlefolded sheets loose in lithographic self-wrapper, cloth chemise and
slipcase. $7800.
Rare complete set of ten quarto color lithographs (eight double-page) by
acclaimed modern artist Joan Miró, also featuring numerous additional
illustrations, one of only 100 copies boldly signed on the limitation page
by Miró.
This work deals with the lithographs for Miró’s iconic tapestry, Tapís de
Tarragona, the only remaining Miró piece of its size since the only other
comparable work was destroyed in the World Trade Center. Here, piece by
piece, in accessible quarto size, one can see the details that went together
to form basis for the final tapestry. This beautiful set of lithographs features
eight double-page color lithographs laid loose inside self-wrappers which
also feature lithographs on the front and rear covers (a total of ten
lithographs). The lithographs are printed on Guarro paper and the full
sheets, unfolded, measure 12-1/4 inch by 9-1/8 inch. Beautifully
published by Sala Gaspar of Barcelona, the images have been enriched
by text written by Rafael Orozco, Maria Lluisa Borràs and Josep Royo. The
total edition of this work (signed and unsigned) was 1200 copies. Text in
Catalan, Spanish, French, and English. A beautiful and rare signed item in
fine condition.
The magnum opus of Isaac Ware, independent
architect and draughtsman to the board of
Windsor and Greenwich, later master of the Carpenter’s Company. “A massive compendium, this volume codified the existing mid-18th-century ideas on architecture, summarizing
Burlingtonian Palladian tendencies, but including as well a variety of other views… Ware
makes his aim clear in his preface, stating that ‘by these means we hope to lay down in one
body the whole science of architecture, from its rudiments to its utmost perfection; and
that in a manner which shall render every part of it intelligible to every reader” (Avery).
Fowler 436. Engraved armorial bookplate. Just a touch of rubbing to corners; text and
plates clean and fine. A splendid volume.
Oscar Wilde First Edition, The Black Sun Press—A Beautiful Copy
206.
WILDE, Oscar. L’Anniversaire de l’Infante. Illustrations par
Alastair. Paris, 1928. Folio, original cream paper wrappers, glassine,
marbled slipcase.
$8500.
Rare limited deluxe first edition, one of only 10 copies on Japon Impérial
out of 110 printed, with nine full-page illustrations by Alastair and
published by Harry and Caresse Crosby’s Black Sun Press.
This special edition of Wilde’s “The Birthday of the Infanta,” originally
published in English in The House of Pomegranates in 1891, was designed entirely by Alastair, with nine full-page and numerous marginal
illustrations by him. “Alastair” was the pseudonym of Baron Hans
Henning Voight, German-born artist, dancer and mime, who derived his
provocative style of illustration directly from Aubrey Beardsley. His pictures are known for their combination of “decorative elegance with a
fascination with the perverse, sinister and satanic” (Peppin &
Micklethwait). Caresse and Harry Crosby’s Black Sun Press “is one of
those happy combinations of husband and wife working together, which
always lend added charm to a private press and they make a point of
providing interesting illustrations” (Ransom, 178). With forward by
Harry Crosby. Text in French. Book fine, illustrations vivid and beautiful.
Only light edge-wear to original glassine and slipcase. A fine copy. Rare.
First edition of this magnificent treasury of architecture, “one of the best known of 18thcentury architectural text-books,” with engraved
frontispiece and 114 finely engraved architectural plates, many folding, and including many
designs of the great 17th-century architect Inigo
Jones. Beautifully bound in finely restored contemporary calf-gilt.
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205.
WARE, Isaac. A Complete Body of
Architecture. London, 1756. Tall, thick folio,
contemporary full tan speckled calf expertly
rebacked with original elaborately gilt-decorated
spine neatly laid down. $8800.
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“A Massive Compendium,” With 114
Fine Large Folio Engraved Plates,
Including The Designs Of Inigo Jones
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166
Inscribed And Signed By Andy Warhol With His
Trademark Drawing Of A Broken Heart
207.
WARHOL, Andy. Andy Warhol’s Exposures. New York, 1979. Tall
quarto, original black cloth, dust jacket. $3200.
First trade edition, American issue, of Warhol’s candid and engaging
photobook, featuring 360 full-page halftones, boldly inscribed in black
felt pen by him on the half title, “To Cliff,” with Warhol’s trademark
sketch of a broken heart and signed with his flourish.
“I don’t think Studio 54 is like
pagan Rome. I think it’s like
junior high school.” This collection of Warhol’s photographs includes wonderful
sections on President Jimmy
Carter, Truman Capote, Dali,
Studio 54 and numerous celebrities, artists and musicians. The impromptu artistry
of Exposures and other photobooks, expressing “the freewheeling existential exuberance and energy of Warhol…
[became] a primary inspiration for the Japanese photobook” (Parr & Badger II:144). “My
idea of a good picture,” Warhol writes here, “is one of a famous person doing something
unfamous. It’s being in the right place at the wrong time.” Preceded by a signed limited
edition of 1000 copies in full morocco. Published the same year as the English issue.
Small scratch to rear panel of colorful dust jacket. An about-fine inscribed copy.
Inscribed, Signed And Initialed By Andy Warhol,
With An Original Sketch By Him Of A Campbell’s Soup Can
208. WARHOL, Andy. The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B and Back
Again). New York and London, 1975. Octavo, original half orange cloth, dust
jacket. $4000.
First edition, first printing, inscribed on the half title, “To
Ellie” and signed by Andy Warhol, with an original sketch of
a Campbell’s soup can inscribed “Soup” by him; additionally
initialed by him “AW” in black felt tip ink, perpendicular to
his signature.
The father of pop-art waxes philosophic about art (“An artist is
somebody who produces things that people don’t need”),
beauty (“Beautiful people are more prone to keep you waiting
than plain people are…”) and success (“Think rich. Look
poor”). Expected light bleed-through from Warhol’s initials to
title page. Book fine, dust jacket near-fine with slight wear to
top edge of front panel, minor dampstaining to edges visible
only from verso. Desirable signed, initialed and inscribed by
Warhol with an original, iconic sketch.
Fifty Photographs, Limited First Edition Initialed And
Additionally Inscribed Edward Weston
“I Have Been A Little Out Of Sorts Myself…”:
Scarce Letter Signed By Frank Lloyd Wright
210.
WRIGHT, Frank Lloyd. Typed letter signed. Taliesin, Spring Green, Wisconsin,
April 8, 1943. One page, oblong narrow octavo, matted and framed with a portrait. Entire
piece measures 18-1/4 by 11-1/2 inches. $4000.
Fine typed letter signed by the great architect, discussing a building project, finely
framed with a photograph of Wright.
Wright’s letter is addressed to Jim Smith, secretary of Cooperative Homesteads, Inc., in
Royal Oak, Michigan, and reads, “I have been a little out of sorts myself. But I intended to
get to Detroit and let you have a
man a little later when the coast
is clear. Aaron’s suggestions
(raising the utilities-floor, concentrating more on saturated earth
than ramming, change in framing) were made by myself to
Aaron who passed them on to
you. I will come over for a day as
soon as I can.” Fine condition,
handsomely framed.
To many Edward Weston is “the quintessential 20th-century
American photographer” (Grove Encyclopedia of American
Art, 194). “Possibly no one in our time has explored so
many facets and recorded so many aesthetic possibilities” (Merle Armitage). “I do
not know any formal rules of composition,” Weston writes in his Epilogue, “nor do I
recognize any boundaries to subject matter. Subject matter is everywhere: it may be
an old shoe, a cloud, or my own backyard.”
With essays by Robinson Jeffers, Merle Armitage, Donald Bear, and Weston himself, Fifty
Photographs reflects Weston’s remarkable range as a photographer, from vast landscapes to
intimate portraits, none of which had previously appeared in book form. “It makes visible the real
legacy of Weston’s work, the way it influenced so much of what would come after” (Roth, 128).
Open Book, 150. Jack Nisberg was a highly respected fellow photographer whose images
regularly appeared in Look, Newsweek, Vogue and The New York Times. Text and images fine,
light edge-wear to boards, loss to spine ends and edges of very scarce dust jacket. An extremely
good inscribed copy.
|
Signed limited first edition, one of 1500 copies initialed
by Weston, this copy additionally inscribed by him on the
copyright page, “Inscribed for Jack Nisberg, Cordially
Edward Weston 5-26-’50,” containing Weston’s own
selection of his 50 “favorite photographs,” none previously
appearing in book form.
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209.
WESTON, Edward. Fifty Photographs. New York,
1947. Quarto, original half black cloth, dust jacket. $4000.
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168
“Better To Reign In Hell Than Serve In Heaven”
211. (DORÉ, Gustave) MILTON, John. Milton’s Paradise Lost. London
and New York, 1866. Large folio (13 by 17-1/4 inches), contemporary full
red morocco gilt. $4500.
First edition of Doré’s interpretation of Paradise Lost, with 50 stunning full-page folio engravings, “matched only by his illustrations
for Dante’s Inferno,” very handsomely bound in full crimson morocco-gilt by A.W. Bain.
Only Doré’s illustrations for Dante’s Inferno match his work on
Paradise Lost in epic scope and acute lyric sensitivity. In his designs
for this volume, we see full-blown the Romantic reading of Milton—
as a celebrator of radical genius—that drew the poets of the Romantic
movement to Milton, and a half-century of book illustrators to Doré.
“None can dispute the fact that here, as in all other works he has
attempted to interpret, Doré stands as a giant among his contemporaries and predecessors” (New York Times). A beautiful about-fine
copy in rich morocco gilt.
“The Timelessness Of These Rocks And These Hills”:
Signed Limited Edition Of Andrew Wyeth’s Paintings
Of Pennsylvania And Maine
212.
(WYETH, Andrew) MERYMAN, Richard. Andrew Wyeth.
Boston, 1969. Oblong folio, original half light blue reverse calf,
clamshell box. $5800.
Deluxe signed limited first edition, one of only 300 copies, with
165 full-page color and black-and-white reproductions of
Wyeth’s paintings of Pennsylvania and Maine.
In the tradition of his father, N.C. Wyeth, and the Brandywine
artists, Andrew Wyeth achieved acclaim for his naturalistic
portrayals of the Pennsylvania countryside and the seacoast of
Maine. His watercolors and tempera paintings capture the
essence of the two regions, while conveying a sense of loneliness
and nostalgia. “I can do an awful lot of thinking and dreaming
about the past and future—the timelessness of these rocks and hills—about all the people who have existed here.” After the prints
were completed and approved by Wyeth for this volume, the original plates were destroyed. Spine lightly rubbed. Fine condition.
169
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C hildren ’s Literature
| C hil d re n ’ s li t er a t u re
c . s . lewis
“The Most Sustained Achievement In Fantasy For Children By A 20th-Century Author”:
Scarce Complete First Edition Set Of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles Of Narnia, In Original Dust Jackets
213.
LEWIS, C.S. Chronicles of Narnia. London, 1950-56. Together, seven volumes. Octavo, original colored cloth, dust
jackets. $49,000.
First editions of all seven books in Lewis’ cherished Chronicles of Narnia, “intoxicating to all but the most relentlessly
unimaginative of readers,” all in original dust jackets. Generally excellent condition.
Lewis is likely best remembered for his beloved fantasy series, the Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis was “concerned to do for
children what he had done for an adult readership in his science fiction… to re-imagine the Christian story in an exciting
narrative context… [The Narnia books are] intoxicating to all but the most relentlessly unimaginative of readers, and must be
judged the most sustained achievement in fantasy for children by a 20th-century author” (Carpenter & Pritchard, 370). “The
stories are unforgettable not only for the excitement and suspense of the adventures but also for the strong emotions they
describe so well… [and they are] further enriched by Lewis’ skillful use of language”
(Silvey, 406). Unlike most fantasy series, “each book has something new and different
“Narnia! It’s all in the
to offer and there is no weakening of either inspiration or interest” (Eyre, 132). All seven
books were “illustrated by Pauline Baynes in delightful fashion. She was also responsible wardrobe just like I told you!”
for the now amazingly rare gray dust wrapper” of the first book (Cooper & Cooper,
206). “Adored by children and academics alike, these books are extremely collectible, sought-after and scarce” (Connolly,
186). Fantasy and Horror 5-176. Owner signatures, gift inscriptions. Booksellers’ small tickets in Dawn Treader and Horse.
Small inkstamp to rear pastedown of Last Battle. Books near-fine to fine, a few books with light toning to spines and extreme
edges of boards. Dust jackets extremely good to fine, minor restoration to Caspian and Silver Chair dust jackets. Complete first
edition sets of the Narnia books are increasingly scarce and most desirable.
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Chil dren’s l it er at ure
170
“Now I’m The Grandest Tiger In The Jungle!”:
First American Edition Of The Story Of Little Black Sambo
214.
BANNERMAN, Helen. The Story of Little Black Sambo. New York,
[1900]. 16mo, original half tan cloth, pictorial paper boards. $3500.
First American edition, published the year after the first, of Bannerman’s
“intensely amusing and imaginative little story” (Connolly, 31), featuring 27 fullpage color-printed wood engravings by the author.
“Bannerman wrote this story during a long railway journey to India… When first
published in October 1899, [it] was a revolutionary-style picture book… The
format of the book encouraged its handling by young owners, and the pages
alternated between text and illustrations in a manner very appealing and appropriate
to its compact size… Very few copies of the original printing have survived”
(Schiller, 381-6). The first edition numbered only 500 copies. After much
controversy surrounding the priority of early American editions, scholarly consensus
now holds this edition to be the first. Barton, 116-17. Interior clean and fresh,
binding sound and strong. Boards lightly rubbed. A near-fine copy.
First Issue Of Through The Looking-Glass, Beautifully
Bound In Full Onlaid Morocco-Gilt By Wood
215.
CARROLL, Lewis. Through the Looking-Glass, and What
Alice Found There. London, 1872. Small octavo, late 19th-century
full onlaid green morocco gilt; original cloth bound in. $4500.
First edition, first issue, of Carroll’s second Alice volume, with 50
illustrations by John Tenniel, beautifully bound in full green
floriated onlaid morocco-gilt by Wood.
A sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the LookingGlass “equals its predecessor in the brilliance of its nonsense, and
features many characters who quickly
became immortals of children’s
literature… the Red Queen, the White
Queen, Tweedledum and Tweedledee,
Humpty Dumpty, and the White Knight”
(Carpenter & Prichard, 527). With 50
woodcut illustrations and frontispiece
by John Tenniel. First issue with misprint
“wade” on page 21. Williams, Madan &
Green 82, 84. Bookplate of Percival
Merritt, the accomplished book
collector known primarily for his
extensive Walpole collection. Interior
generally quite nice, light rubbing to
binding, toning to extremities. A lovely
copy in near-fine condition.
“In Memory Of A Glorious Sound-Filled Week”
First edition of Goldman’s most popular book, his loving lampoon of swashbuckling
fantasy; this presentation copy inscribed by him to Joseph Mayer, ADR supervisor
for the beloved 1987 film adaptation, “8 May 87. For Joe Mayer, In memory of
a glorious sound-filled week. God bless, William Goldman.”
“Now, My Dears… Don’t Go Into Mr. McGregor’s Garden”:
First Trade Edition Of The Tale Of Peter Rabbit
217.
POTTER, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. London and New York,
1902. 16mo, original gray paper boards rebacked with original spine laid
down, custom chemise and clamshell box. $12,000.
First trade edition—among the earliest issues, with first-state text and
earliest endpapers—of Potter’s first book, one of the most popular of not
only her but also all children’s tales, with 30 charming color illustrations.
In 1893, young Beatrix Potter, on holiday with her parents in Scotland,
composed a letter to cheer Noel, the child of her former governess, who was
suffering from rheumatic fever. “My dear Noel,” she began, “I shall tell you a
story about four little rabbits, whose names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail
and Peter…” The Tale of Peter Rabbit was born. Undaunted by multiple
publishers’ rejections, Potter published the first two private editions of Peter
Rabbit at her own expense, both editions totaling only 450 copies—which
immediately sold. Publisher Frederick Warne agreed to print the first trade
edition of Peter Rabbit and presented for the first time the now-familiar format
of Potter’s books: the earlier black-and-white line drawings replaced by fullcolor illustrations and the famous prancing image of Peter mounted on the front cover. “There are no recognizable differences
between the first three printings, except that green boards were introduced after the first printing” (Linder, 421). First-state text with
“wept big tears” on page 51, gray leaf pattern endpapers and illustrations removed from later editions. Without scarce original dust
jacket. Quinby 2. Early ink owner gift inscription. Pencil owner signature. Light scattered soiling and marginal finger-smudging, expert
restoration to binding. An extremely good copy. Rare.
Goldman satirizes the familiar fairy tale formula—“Fighting… Revenge… Beasts of All
Natures and Descriptions”—in this book-within-a-book, a unique blend of slapstick comedy
and wistful sentiment. Goldman also wrote the
screen adaptation for the popular 1987 movie
of the same title, directed by Rob Reiner. With
vintage publicity piece laid in. Joseph A.
Mayer’s career in Hollywood as an ADR (automated dialogue replacement) and sound supervisor and editor includes not only The
Princess Bride but also such films as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Beaches, Glory, Pretty Woman,
Natural Born Killers and Pleasantville. Owner signature. Book about-fine with slight creasing to
lower portion of first few pages, very minor soiling toward lower edge of front board. Dust jacket
lightly rubbed with faint creasing to front panel and flap. A near-fine copy, scarce and desirable
signed by Goldman, particularly with such excellent association and provenance.
au t um n 2014
216. GOLDMAN, William. The Princess Bride. New York, 1973. Octavo, original
gray cloth, dust jacket.
$4000.
171
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172
antoine de saint- e xupery
Rare Signed Limited First Edition Of Saint-Exupery’s Le Petit Prince, One Of Only 260 Copies
218.
SAINT-EXUPERY, Antoine de. Le Petit Prince. New York, 1943. Small quarto, modern full pictorial brown morocco. $16,500.
Signed limited first edition in the original French of Saint-Exupery’s masterpiece, one of only 260 copies signed by him on the
tipped-in limitation page.
“[The name of] Antoine de Saint-Exupery… endures… because of a rather strange little book he wrote just before he died…
Figuratively speaking, the tale has something of Hans Christian Andersen in it, something of Lewis Carroll, and even, it may perhaps
be said, a bit of John Bunyan. It is often lyrical… sometimes profound… However it is classified, The Little Prince has entered
children’s literature, in the manner of quite a few other such hard-to-define
works in the preceding centuries” (Pierpont Morgan, 224). Because SaintExupery disappeared in a reconnaissance flight over the Mediterranean in
1944, signed copies of The Little Prince, his most famous work and the last
published during his lifetime, are very desirable. This signed limited first edition
in French is even scarcer than the simultaneously published signed limited first
edition in English, of which only 525 copies were printed. Pearlman, 27.
Occasional light soiling. A lovely signed copy.
Wonderful Large Original Sketch Of Snoopy,
Signed By Schulz
“Peanuts first appeared in October 1950 in eight daily
newspapers. The feature was immediately popular and was
soon picked up by hundreds of other newspapers throughout
the country. By the end of the decade Schulz had become
arguably the best-known cartoonist in the United States…
By the time of Schulz’s death [in 2000] he had drawn a total
of 18,250 Peanuts strips, and the cartoon was syndicated in
2600 newspapers worldwide, appearing in 21 languages in
75 countries” (ANB). Snoopy, based on one of Schulz’s own
dogs, has become one one of the most beloved members of
the Peanuts gang. This charming image features a smiling
Snoopy. A fine original Schulz sketch.
“I’m The First Beagle On The Moon!”:
Six Peanuts Apollo Moon Landing Comic Strips
On One Poster, Inscribed And Signed By Schulz
For Apollo 13 Astronaut Jack Swigert
220. SCHULZ, Charles M. Poster signed. No place,
circa 1969. Broadside, 16-3/4 by 21-3/4 inches. $3500.
Six “Peanuts” Apollo Moon Landing comic strips on one
sheet, each depicting Astronaut Snoopy, inscribed by
Schulz to Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert, “For Jack–
Charles M. Schulz.” Two months after these strips originally
appeared, Apollo 10, with Lunar Module Snoopy and
Command Module Charlie Brown, went to the Moon.
These six four-panel strips originally ran the week of March
10-15, 1969, four months before Apollo 11, the first
manned moon-landing mission. Each strip features Snoopy
wearing a space helmet. Two months after these six comic
strips ran, on May 18, 1969, Apollo 10 was launched from
Cape Kennedy. The mission encompassed all aspects of
an actual crewed lunar landing, except the landing. It was
the first flight of a complete, crewed Apollo spacecraft to
operate around the moon. From the estate of Apollo 13
astronaut Jack Swigert. A few minor wrinkles, fold lines.
Near-fine condition.
Original sketch of a smiling Snoopy sitting in the grass,
rendered in black marker, signed by Charles Schulz.
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219.
SCHULZ, Charles M. Original sketch of Snoopy
signed. No place, no date. Single piece of cardboard,
measuring 8 by 10 inches, framed. $6500.
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174
“The Whole Contour Of The Child’s Hidden World”:
First Edition Of A Child’s Garden Of Verses
221. STEVENSON, Robert Louis. A Child’s Garden of Verses. London,
1885. 12mo, early 20th-century full brown crushed morocco. $4000.
First edition of Stevenson’s delightful and influential book of children’s
verse, “the first sizable group of poems to… capture a child’s quality of
imagination, sense of wonder and intense enjoyment of experience.”
Handsomely bound in full morocco by Bumpus.
“The power of this collection of simple verses lies in the fact that it…
shows that life which a child lives within himself, and takes so completely
for granted that he seldom speaks of it, usually because he cannot…
Stevenson has here recaptured not only a part, but the whole of that
hidden life, and has set those recollections forth in just the terms that
children would use, could they put them into words at all… They were the
first sizable group of poems to… capture a child’s quality of imagination,
sense of wonder, and intense enjoyment of experience” (Meigs, 293-4,
408). Prideaux 14. Hayward 297. A lovely, fine copy of this desirable
children’s classic.
First Edition Of The Trumpet Of The Swan,
E.B. White’s Last Children’s Book,
Inscribed In The Year Of Publication By Him
222.
WHITE, E.B. The Trumpet of the Swan. New York, 1970. Octavo,
original blue cloth, dust jacket. $11,500.
First edition of E.B. White’s third and final children’s book, with lovely
illustrations by Edward Frascino, inscribed in the year of publication using
his nickname: “Ann with love (and in sorrow) Andy White. N. Brooklin.
Aug 1970.”
“White’s last book for children, published almost 20 years after Charlotte’s
Web, is the unlikely tale of Louis, a mute trumpeter swan (named for Louis
Armstrong), who compensates for his muteness by becoming a virtuoso
player of a real trumpet… As he had done with Charlotte’s Web, [White]
researched his material thoroughly— making inquiries about everything
from the annual migration of trumpeter swans to the workings of the swan
boats in the Boston Public
Garden— and he wrote the text
with the same scrupulous attention
to detail… E.B. White has won a
place in the hearts of the young forever” (Silvey, 677-78). Without the Spring Festival Book
Award sticker found on most first edition dust jackets and, hence, quite desirable. Anderson,
5. See Cotsen 11943. This copy of The Trumpet of the Swan is inscribed by White as “Andy,”
indicating a close friendship with the recipient. Andy was E.B. White’s nickname, which he
acquired at Cornell. White graduated from Cornell in 1921. Cornell tradition holds that any
male student with the surname White is given the nickname Andy after Cornell co-founder
Andrew Dickson White. Book near-fine, with only faint stain to edge of text block, and slight
foxing to cloth. Corner-clipped dust jacket bright and fine. A most desirable inscribed copy.
175
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walt disney
Extraordinary Snow White Illustrated Storybook, First Edition, 1937, One Of Only A Handful
Of Known Copies Signed By Walt Disney And 51 Of The Snow White Animators
223. (DISNEY STUDIOS). Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. New York and London: Harper & Brothers, 1937. Slim
folio, original half cloth, dust jacket. $48,000.
First edition of this wonderfully illustrated storybook of the first full-length animated feature film, with numerous full-page and
in-text color illustrations, boldly signed on the front free endpaper and title page by Walt Disney and 51 of the 64 animators who
contributed to the ground-breaking movie.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs graced the screen in 1937 as Disney’s defiance of the prevailing industry wisdom that “animation
could never sustain a feature-length film. Disney proved [critics] spectacularly short-sighted” (Silvey, 204). Disney originally intended to
spend half a million dollars on production, but ultimately spent $1.5 million. He was therefore
eager to take advantage of the significant European presence of RKO, his distributor. On
September 5-6, 1938, RKO held its first International Sales Convention at the Hotel
George V in Paris, inviting 24 potential European distributors. The agenda
included a screening of Snow White. For this important two-day business
meeting, Disney orchestrated the signing of a number of copies of the
book version of Snow White to be given as gifts. He signed boldly at the
bottom of the title page, instructing the movie’s animators and other
creative personnel to sign the title page and opposite, as well as on the
front free endpaper. This is one of those few, wonderful signed copies,
boasting, in addition to Disney’s, signatures from 51 of the film’s 64
principal creators. The majority of images for Snow White have been
attributed to noted artist Gustaf Tenggren, whose signature appears
at the top of the front free endpaper (verso). In addition to Tenggren,
signees include six others of the nine lead animators, later
affectionately called by Disney his “nine old men.” Boards lightly
rubbed. Bright original dust jacket lightly rubbed with small repair
to rear panel. An excellent copy, one of only a handful known to
exist, of this extraordinary prize of Disneyana.
Index
A
ADAMS, John 69, 90
CHURCHILL, Winston 99, 126
FREEMAN, Douglas Southall 69
ALLEN, Maury 108
CLARKE, James Stanier 123
FREUD, Sigmund 128
American Revolution 82–83, 87–88
CLARKE, William 141
FRIEDMAN, Milton 130
ARAGO, François 52
CLARKSON, Thomas 86
FULLER, Thomas 137
AUSTEN, Jane 14
CODY, William F. “Buffalo Bill.” 86
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index
176
B
BACH, Johann Sebastian 147
BANNERMAN, Helen 170
BARRAD, C.D. 144
COLETTE, Sidonie-Gabrielle 162
CONAN DOYLE, Arthur 16
COOPER, James Fenimore 15
COSTELLO, Louisa Stuart 155
CUSTER, George A. 91
BARTRAM, William 138
G
GALILEI, Galileo 57
GARBO, Greta 109
GARRAN, Andrew 146
GERSHWIN, George 151, 153
GIBRAN, Kahlil 160
BEARDSLEY, Aubrey 159
D
GOLDMAN, William 171
BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van 148–149
DAGUERRE, Louis 52
GONDI, Jean François 120–121
BEN-GURION, David 127
DARWIN, Charles 48–52
GORDON, William 92
BERNHARDT, Sarah 108
DE QUINCEY, Thomas 17
GOYA 156–157
Bible 115, 124–125
DICKINSON, John 81
GRAHAM, Benjamin 131
BLACK, Fischer 129
Dictionary 22
GRAHAM, Ernest 161
BLACKSTONE, William 79, 116
Disney Studios 175
GRAY, John 130
BLAKE, William 14, 145
DONNE, John 13
GREGORY, Alfred 143
BOCCACCIO, Giovanni 11
DORÉ, Gustave 125, 168
GROSE, Francis 116
BONE, Muirhead 145
DULAC, Edmund 159
BOUCHETTE, Joseph 141
BRADY, Mathew 72
BRAHMS, Johannes 150
BRANDO, Marlon 47
BURTON, Richard F. 138
BYRON 15
C
CAESAR, Gaius Julius 119
CALMET, Dom Augustin 115
CARADOC OF LLANCARFAN 118
CARROLL, Lewis 170
CARSON, Rachel 56
CHAGALL, Marc 158
CHANDLER, Raymond 26
CHAUCER 12
H
E
HANCOCK, John 92
EINSTEIN, Albert 53–56
HARDY, Thomas 19
EISENHOWER, Dwight D. 99, 107
Harper’s Weekly 71
ELIOT, T.S. 28, 32
HARRIS, John 136
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo 18
HEATH, Dave 160
EVERETT, Edward 63, 68
HEMINGWAY, Ernest 34–37
F
FALCONER, Ian 171
FAULKNER, William 29
FITZGERALD, F. Scott 27
FLEMING, Ian 30–31
HERZL, Theodor 112
HOBBES, Thomas 114
HOLINSHED, Raphael 117
HOMER 17
HURSTON, Zora Neale 161
FORREST, Charles Ramus 134–135
I
FORSTER, E.M. 32
ISABELLA, Queen of Spain 122
FRANCIS, Charles Spencer 140
FRANKLIN, Benjamin 58–59
SHAKESPEARE, William 7–11
JACKSON, Thomas J. “Stonewall” 70
MILTON, John 21, 168
SMITH, Adam 113
JEFFERSON, Thomas 73, 81, 89, 93
MIRÓ, Joan 164
SMITH, William 97
JOHNSON, Samuel 3
MITCHELL, Margaret 41
STEDMAN, J.G. 145
JOYCE, James 33, 154
MONTAIGNE 114
STEINBECK, John 43
MONTESQUIEU, Charles 111
STEVENSON, Robert Louis 174
index
K
MONTGOMERY, Bernard Law 99
STOKES, Isaac Newton 143
KEATS, John 4
MORE, Thomas 20
STRAVINSKY, Igor 153
KENNEDY, John F. 93, 94–95
MURRAY, James 22
STUART, J.E.B. 66–67
KEPLER, Johannes 57
SWARBRECK, Samuel 142
KEROUAC, Jack 37
N
KEYES, Geoffrey 102, 104–106
NAM, Jacques Lehmann 162
KEYNES, John Maynard 132
NAPOLEON BONAPARTE 120–121
T
NELSON, Lord Horatio 123
The Child's Rights 99
NEWTON, Isaac 60, 61
THOREAU, Henry David 23
L
LACLOS, Pierre Choderlos de 163
SWINBURNE, Algernon 23
TOCQUEVILLE, Alexis de 85
LAFOREST, Nicholas-Laurent 122
P
LAWRENCE, D.H. 38
PAINE, Thomas 74–78
LAWRENCE, T.E. 39
PARRISH, Maxfield 163
V
LEE, Harper 40
PARUTA, Paulo 123
VOLTAIRE 113
LEE, Richard Henry 74
PATTON, George S. 100–102
VONNEGUT, Kurt 45
LEE, Robert E. 72
PERSHING, John J. 100
LEWIS, C.S. 169
POE, Edgar Allan 20, 159
LEWIS, Meriwether 141
PONTI, Charles 146
LINCOLN, Abraham 63–65, 68
POTTER, Beatrix 172
LIVERMORE, Jesse L. 133
PROBST, Edward 161
LOCKE, John 112
PUCCINI, Giacomo 152
LONDON, Jack 39
PYNCHON, Thomas 44
M
R
WHITMAN, Walt 25
MADISON, James 73
RIDGWAY, Matthew 103
WILDE, Oscar 46, 165
Magna Carta 110
ROOSEVELT, Eleanor 103
WILKES, Charles 139
MALORY, Thomas 159
ROOSEVELT, Franklin Delano 96
WILLIAMS, Tennessee 46, 47
MALTHUS, Thomas Robert 132
ROOSEVELT, Theodore 97
WILSON, Bill 128
MARIE ANTOINETTE 120, 122
ROSEBAULT, Charles J. 101
WOOLF, Virginia 44
MARSHALL, George C. 100
ROTH, Henry 42
WORDSWORTH, William 24
M’ARTHUR, John 123
MARVELL, Andrew 5
MATISSE, Henri 154
MENDELEEV, Dmitrii 61
MERYMAN, Richard 168
S
SAINT-EXUPERY, Antoine de 172
SAUNDERS, Louise 163
SCHULZ, Charles M. 173
TRUMAN, Harry 85
W
WARE, Isaac 165
WARHOL, Andy 166
WASHINGTON, George 84
WAYNE, John 109
WESTON, Edward 167
WHITE, E.B. 174
WRIGHT, Frank Lloyd 167
WYETH, Andrew 168
M ay 2014
MILLER, Arthur 41
|
177
J
Thomas Jefferson’s Autograph Letter to his Bookseller, Item 103.
535 madison avenue , nyc
grand canal shoppes , the venetian
|
the palazzo, las vegas
1608 walnut st, philadelphia
www. baumanrarebooks . com
1- 800 -97- bau m a n

A Catalogue of Rare Books and Documents, Many Recent

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