Auctions | November 13, 2017

Singular Private Collection of Fraternal Order Books at National Book Auctions

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

This catalog features rare, antique and decorative books as well as select additions of ephemera. Featured is a first session of selections from a substantial private library that belonged to a leader in the Knights of Malta fraternal order. A varied array of desirable antique volumes will also be offered, include titles covering early American history.            

Antique and rare books are numerous in this catalog. Among the earliest examples are the 1555 printing of Mirandola's "Illustrium Poetarum Flores," Foppens' "La Conversion de S. Augustin Decrite par Lui-meme," produced in 1690, and the 1679 printing of Alexandro's "Selecta Historiae Ecclesiasticae Capita." Additional rare and antique selections include titles relating to Egyptology, military history, Civil War, travel & exploration, Russian history, art history, decorative antique, children's, multi-volume sets, and beyond.                      

Several pleasing collections will also be showcased. Highlighted is our first session from a singular private collection that was owned by a high-ranking member of the Knights of St. John of Malta, also known as the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem or the Order of Hospitallers and linked to the Masonic fraternal order. In addition to titles specifically relating to the Knights of Malta, books in the collection relate to other fraternal movements, mysticism, New Thought, race, eugenics, Jewish history, conspiracy theories and more. This library also includes a number of works relating to Russian history, particularly from the revolutionary period, and some of these volumes are signed by members of the Czarist aristocracy and family.    

Found throughout this catalog are interesting ephemera offerings and grouped book lots offering a broad variety of topics.    

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 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.