Auctions | September 22, 2011

Extensive Columbian Exposition Collection at NBA's October Sale

[ITHACA, NY] National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, will host a Sunday, October 2nd auction featuring a variety of important antique and vintage books which includes a hand-illumined vellum manuscript, several important signed volumes from noted authors, early American history works, and an extensive collection from the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Also offered at this auction are an assortment of antique and vintage ephemera, vintage Chinese currency, and artwork, including a large collection of vivid, colorful posters.

Featured books include a number of antique printings, including several Latin and German titles from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries alongside an original manuscript dating from around the 14th century. The manuscript appears on vellum leaves and is likely of French origin. This auction includes important works from the twentieth century, featuring a signed copy of “The Complete Poems of Robert Frost,” one of only fifteen presentation copies of the limited edition two-volume set, printed in 1950.  Also offered are volumes signed by literary greats such as Aldous Huxley and Edgar Lee Masters.

This auction will offer several important writings on the history of America, including early works on individual states, travel and exploration throughout the nation and several volumes relating to Native Americans.  Featured is a presentation proof copy of the 1825 work on the completion of the New York Canals, a turning point in the commercial prominence of New York City.  Other important works detail the history of the Northeast United States and parts of Canada, including Nova Scotia, New France, Pennsylvania, Maine and Massachusetts. Additionally, the two-volume 1903 printing of “The North American Indians” by George Catlin will be up for auction. This work is handsomely bound and profusely illustrated.

This early October auction will offer Charles Rand Penney’s extensive collection of material relating to the 1893 Columbian Exposition World’s Fair, held in Chicago, Illinois.  This group features Hubert Howe Bancroft’s detailed five-volume set on the Fair and many original souvenir booklets, photographic volumes and guides from the Exposition.

Among the highlighted artwork being offered at this auction is a collection of vivid vintage posters from noted artists and designers. Featured works include examples from Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alexander Calder, and Chermayeff & Geismar.  Also represented are the artists of Push Pin Studios, including signed works from Milton Glaser and Seymour Chwast.

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. Preview for the upcoming Sunday, October 2nd auction is at 10 a.m. and the live auction starts at noon. For more information or to consign collectible material please contact David Hall, Business Manager, at 607-269-0101 or email mail@nationalbookauctions.com.