Auctions | December 7, 2015

Sendak, Rossman, Americana at National Book Auctions

ITHACA, NY—National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, announces the launch of their next auction catalog.   

This catalog presents rare, antique and decorative books as well as select additions of ephemera, artwork and collectibles.  Prominent in this sale is a large selection of signed Maurice Sendak posters, accompanied by individual original Sendak drawings.  Another poster collection being offered includes examples from the personal collection of activitist Michael Rossman, highlighted by examples designed by Rossman.  Book lots include numerous important antique Americana titles.

Antique and rare books in this catalog feature numerous titles.  Among the earliest examples are the 1776 printing of  the "Journal of the Proceedings of the Congress Held at Philadelphia, May 10 1775," the 1756 printing of Shebbeare's "Fourth Letter to the People of England," and "The Costume of Turkey," produced in 1804 with hand-colored engraved plates.  Other scarce titles include Brinkley's ten-volume "Japan Described and Illustrated by the Japanese" and the companion two-volume set, "The Art of Japan" in the 1897-1901 grand deluxe Satsuma limited edition of 50 issues, a 1943 first printing of "Le Petit Prince," in the scarce original dust jacket, and Mason's "Costume of China," printed c1829 and illustrated with sixty hand-colored engraved plates.          

Several pleasing collections will also be showcased.  Highlighted is a broad selection of desirable early Americana titles such as the 1829 printing of Lozieres' "Voyage a la Louisiane" with the fold-out map present, the 1774 printing of "Extracts from the Votes and Proceedings of the American Continental Congress," and the 1883 private printing of the "Official Dispatches and Letters of Rear Admiral du Pont." Also offered is a large personal library of reference works relating to the history of photography.  Additional lots will include scarce titles from categories such as decorative antique bindings, the "Fruits of New York" series, magic, modern first edition fiction, military history, railroad, Western American exploration, Native American Indians, atlases, astronomy, agriculture, botany, and much more.

Found throughout this catalog are interesting offerings of ephemera, artwork and collectibles.  The Sendak posters and drawings include representations from most of his works, including "Where the Wild Things Are."  Among the Rossman protest posters are specimens that were produced on the back sides of used campus computer paper.  Accompanying the Sendak drawings are also two original pieces by Arnold Lobel.  Antique ephemera lots include a medieval vellum manuscript leaf and groups that incorporate  postcards, railroad-related, magazines, NOS magic-related pamphlets, comics, travel-related, original correspondence, photographs, billheads, stamps, and other genres. 

National Book Auctions is a public auction service specializing in books, ephemera, and art. National Book Auctions is a targeted service offering experience and expertise unique to marketing antique and modern books and ephemera for consignors and collectors alike. The upcoming 2014 auctions will feature a wide assortment of collectible, signed, and first edition books. For more information, please contact the gallery at 607-269-0101 or email mail@nationalbookauctions.com.