Auctions | June 18, 2012

Geology and Paleontology at National Book Auctions on June 24

National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, will host a Sunday, June 24th auction featuring a broad range of rare antique books as well as groups of collectible ephemera.  Featured is a large collection of primarily antique works from the fields of geology and paleontology.  We will also offer another session from the large nautical library we are bringing to market over a series of auctions this year. During this auction, books offered from this collection include many brand new books, offered in groups.  Ephemera lots include magazines, advertising and various other genres.

This auction features our first session of offerings from a collection of books relating to geology and paleontology, which boasts over one thousand books and printed works.  Included are antique books, monographs, titles issued in very small printing runs and a host of books with pleasing antique engravings and lithographs.  Topics covered are fossils, dinosaurs, tectonics, mining, precious gems, etc., drawn from excavations and works around the globe.  The collection also branches out to include titles from the fields of botany, zoology and other sciences. Important titles from this collection include the 1884 first edition of Karl Eugen von Ujfalvy’s “Aus dem Westlichen Himalaja,” featuring fold-out tables and color maps, along with the 1896-1899 printing of volume IV of Stanton and Ortmann’s  “Reports of the Princeton University Expeditions to Patagonia,” published in two volumes with pleasing plates and the fold-out color map. Many of the items from this collection are signed by the authors and other prominent scientists in their fields.

Featured among the rare and collectible books to be sold are many first editions, author-signed copies, and numerous other rare titles.  Featured is the 1837 first edition of Charles Dickens’ debut novel, “The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.”  Other desirable volumes include Josias Simmler’s “Helvetiorum Respublica,” published in 1627, and the “Oeuvres de Jean Racine de l'Academie Francoise,” published in three volumes in 1789.

Found throughout this auction are pleasing groups of ephemera.  Featured are signed documents and other items bearing the autographs of notables such as James Fennimore Cooper and Kenneth Roberts.   Group lots of ephemera include themes such as postage, magazines, advertising and additional 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. Preview for the upcoming Sunday, June 24th 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.