Auctions | January 3, 2017

16th Century, Horror, Science Fiction at National Book Auctions

662a7558-6d5e-4e61-9530-1dad8b5e35d5.jpg[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. We will offer an array of early titles dating back to 1539, along with a private modern collection of collectible horror and science fiction titles. Special printings and decorative antique fancy leather bindings will also be offered.          

Antique and rare books in this catalog include numerous titles. Among the earliest examples are works chronicling the use of symbols and emblems, such as the 1629 printing of Hoyer's "Flammulae Amoris - S P Augustini Versibus et Iconibus Exornatae."  Additional early titles include Sebastian Franck's "Teutscher Nation Chronic Alt und New Vorbilde," produced in 1539 and housed in a hand-tooled vellum binding with the original hand-forged brass clasps, the 1590 first edition of Ciccarelli's "Le Vite Degli Imperatori Romani," and Ruscelli's "Le Imprese Illustri con Espositioni," printed in 1572.  Among the other scarce volumes are early vellum bindings, rare engraved plates, decorative antique sets, limited editions, author-signed copies, and much more.                   

Several pleasing collections will also be showcased. Highlighted are additional early theological, historical and literary works from the 16th through 18th centuries, including Venegas' "Natural and Civil History of California," produced in two volumes in 1759. Two important early encyclopedias will also be sold including an American printing, Dobson's "Encyclopaedia or a Dictionary of Arts Sciences and Miscellaneous Literature," produced in 21 volumes over the years 1798 to 1803, and an English example, Wilkes' "Encyclopaedia Londinensis," including the full complement of 24 volumes printed between 1810 and 1829, and profusely illustrated with copperplate engravings. The modern estate collection includes thousands of titles from the horror, occult, supernatural, science fiction and fantasy genres. Highlights include works by H. P. Lovecraft and others, and desirable printings from publishers such as Arkham House.  

Found throughout this catalog are interesting group offerings. Important Celtic and Gaelic topics covering the history of Scotland and Ireland are presented alongside many bound magazine compilations dating back to the early 1800's. Early engravings and other plates have been gathered into attractive groups.   

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.