Auctions | June 2, 2014

Civil War and American West Books at National Book Auctions June 8 Sale

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 and artwork.  The artwork is led by two original paintings by or in the style of, Joan Miro and Wifredo Lam.  Highlighted is our second session from an impressive collection of Civil War and American West writings, along with rare signed books by authors including Ernest Hemingway.

Antique and rare books in this catalog feature numerous titles.  Among the earliest examples are the two-volume work, "Biographical Anecdotes of the Founders of the French Republic," published in 1798 and 1799, the 1800 printing of Wordsworth's "Lyrical Ballads with Other Poems," and the 1854 first edition of Herndon and Gibbon's "Exploration of the Valley of the Amazon," published in four volumes with plates and fold-out maps.  Other scarce titles include special editions and antique sets such as a 75th anniversary leather-bound limited edition of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," the 1941 limited edition of the WPA title, "The Brandywine," signed by the author and illustrator, Andrew Wyeth, and the 1856 first edition of Hawks' "Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron in the China Seas and Japan," published in three volumes with fold-out maps.  Rare modern titles include a signed first printing of Hemingway's "Across the River and into the Trees," and two Pynchon first editions, "The Crying of Lot 49" and "Gravity's Rainbow."

Other pleasing collections will also be featured.  A fine selection of textile and costume reference works are highlighted alongside scholarly works covering the history of Turkey, Islamic peoples and the Ottoman Empire, all from the estate of a Cornell professor.  Additional private collections include signed and antique titles, deluxe leather-bound editions, Civil War history, history of the American West and Native American Indians, antique children's titles, African exploration & hunting, the history of Pennsylvania, Quaker history and various other topics.

Found throughout this catalog are offerings of artwork, ephemera and other collectibles.  Important original artworks include two paintings, credited to Joan Miro and Wifredo Lam, along with select prints and antique lithographs and engravings.  Ephemera lots include a wide variety of themes such as Cuba-related, postcards, greeting cards, magazines, chromolithographs, travel-related, original antique correspondence, antique photographs, and other genres.   Collectibles include items such as an antique Royal typewriter, vintage clothing, and vintage copper printing blocks.

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.