Auctions | October 16, 2017

Douglas Fairbanks Library & Civil War Books at National Book Auctions

October21_01_pics.jpgITHACA, 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. Featured is a first session of selections from a substantial private library that belonged to Hollywood icon, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.. Civil War history titles and another session of desirable volumes from the holdings of James Hurley will also be offered.           

Antique and rare books are numerous in this catalog. Among the earliest examples are the 1666 printing of Baldini's "Cronologia Ecclesiastica - La Quale Contiene le Vite de Pontefici da S Pietro Sino al Regnante Alsessando VII," with original engravings, "Letters of the Right Honourable Lady Mary Wortley Montagu Written during Her Travels in Europe Asia and Africa," produced in 1769 in three volumes, and the 1850 first American edition of Erman and Cooley's "Travels in Siberia," in two volumes. Additional rare and antique selections include titles relating to military history, Civil War, travel & exploration, art history, decorative antique, multi-volume sets, and beyond.                          

Several pleasing collections will also be showcased. Highlighted is our first session from a varied and sizable collection of books from the private library of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., famed actor, director and producer. Born into the epicenter of emerging Hollywood, he was the son of Douglas Fairbanks who married pioneering silent film star icon, Mary Pickford. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. first married Joan Crawford, then survived his second wife, Mary Lee, and this personal collection was generously donated to a local non-profit by his widow, Vera Fairbanks. These books include his handwriting, personal bookplate, and personal inscriptions and notes by authors and other notable figures. A second private library of note featured in this auction is our next session of titles belonging to James Hurley, a member of the 1960 International Saltoro Expedition which made the first attempt on the unclimbed K12 Peak in the Himalayas. This collection includes desirable titles such as the 1860 first edition of Hume's "A Summer Ramble in the Himalayas with Sporting Adventures in the Vale of Cashmere," and an author-signed copy of Mason's "Routes in the Western-Himalaya."     

Found throughout this catalog are interesting ephemera offerings. These lots present categories such as Victorian chromolithographs, postcards, antique maps, photography, travel-related and more.   

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.