Auctions | April 21, 2014

Rare, Antique and Decorative Books at National Book Auctions, April 27

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 art, ephemera and collectibles. Highlighted is a fine selection of signed books and an impressive collection of antique bound magazine compilations, dating back to the late 18th century.

Antique and rare books in this catalog feature numerous titles.  Among the earliest examples are Robertson's "L'Histoire de l'Amerique," printed in four volumes in 1778 with engraved fold-out maps, the 1703 printing of Segneri's "Panegyrici Sacri Ven. Pauli Societatis Jesu," and Brandes' "Catalogue Raisonne du Cabinet d'Estampes de Feur," printed in 1794. Other scarce titles include special editions and deluxe antique sets such as the 1847 first edition of Horace & Augustus Mayhew's "The Greatest Plague Of Life," accompanied by an original letter from Horace Mayhew to illustrator George Cruikshank, the 1898 fancy binding of Ebers' "Egypt Descriptive Historical and Picturesque" in two volumes, and the four-volume 1820 printing of Gillies' "History of Ancient Greece - Its Colonies and Conquests."  Rare modern titles include the 1933 first edition of Brunhoff's "Le Roi Babar," and an author-signed copy of J. K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."

Pleasing collections will be featured.  A number of lots present titles from the Franklin Mint's series of author-signed volumes, produced in fancy full-leather bindings and featuring authors such as Joseph Heller, Kurt Vonnegut, John Updike, Leon Uris, John Hersey, Philip Roth and many others. Additional signed volumes feature important names such as Howard R. Garis, George Cruikshank, Bayard Taylor, Margaret Mead, Maurice Sendak, John Grisham, Salman Rushdie, Sue Grafton, and others. Additional private collections include antique bound magazine compilations, early Disney printings, antique children's titles purchased from prestigious Manhattan booksellers, the history of Pennsylvania, Quaker history and various other topics.

Found throughout this catalog are offerings of artwork, ephemera and other collectibles. Of particular note are a 1951 original lithograph signed by Henri Matisse entitled, "Les Mille et une Nuits" and an original James Prosek watercolor painting, accompanied by a signed fishing history book. Collectibles include a variety of items such as a stunning, original Fred Zimbalist music box, including 57 discs.

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.