Other royal items include a long autograph letter signed by Alexandra Feodorovna (1872-1918), wife of Tsar Nicholas II, who was murdered at Ekaterinburg. The letter is estimated at $800-1,200. A manuscript document signed and dated November 26, 1656 by Charles II, King of England (1630-1685), while in exile in Bruges. has an estimate of $800-$1,200. Items of historical significance include an autograph letter signed by the hero of the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Lord Nelson (estimate: $1,500-2,000).
The standout folio in the auction is The Workes of Geoffrey Chaucer (London, Thomas Petit, circa 1550). This important early leatherbound edition of Chaucer’s works (estimate: $5,000-$8,000) is one of four variants of the undated fourth collected edition, published simultaneously by four London booksellers. It is the last edition of William Thynne's highly regarded version of The Workes of Chaucer. A later 1687 edition of the works of Chaucer is also included in the sale with an estimate of $800-$1,200.
Also going under the hammer is Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, (London, 1652, estimate: $1,500-$2,500). This folio is the second edition in English, translated by Thomas Shelton. Shelton's first edition in 1612 was the first translation in any language from the original Spanish.
Other highlights from the book collection include:
- a two-volume Pepys’ Diary (London, Colburn, 1825), bound in striking red leather (estimate: $700-$1,000)
- Ben Johnson’s The Works, (London, 1692) (estimate of $700-$1,000)
- French diplomat Philippe de Commines’ Historie of Commines (London, 1596), first-edition, leatherbound folio (estimate: $800-$1,200)
