Literary memorabilia has long been a fixation of mine, and so far, 2020 has been a banner year for the sale of objets once owned by famous writers.
Once of the most striking items in this category is Jack Kerouac’s 9” wall-mounted crucifix, which sold at an online auction on June 24 for a mere $750.
Edinburgh — One of the few first edition copies of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone, inscribed and signed by J.K. Rowling was sold by Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers in Edinburgh on June 17 for £125,000. The price is a new European auction record.
Famously the first edition, first impression hardback of the first Harry
Another very busy week coming up in the auction world! Here are some of the things I'll be watching:
At Druout on Tuesday, June 16, Aristophil sale 29, Beaux-Arts, in 159 lots. A November 1888
The headline may be a little misleading — this is a painting by Audubon, but not by John James Audubon of Birds of America fame. Instead, this is the work of his eldest son, Victor Gifford Audubon, who assisted with the publication of Birds between 1827 and 1838, when he was in his twenties, and largely followed in the footsteps of his artist-naturalist father.
Edinburgh, Scotland — Hardly needing an introduction, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books have become a modern classic of children’s literature. For twenty-three years, children and adults alike have become enthralled by the magical world of the boy wizard.
Lyon & Turnbull are delighted to present a first edition,
Lot of lots to watch this week:
On Wednesday, February 19, Lyon & Turnbull will sell Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs, in 543 lots. Estimated at £15,000–20,000 are a 1583
Here are the sales I'll be keeping an eye on this week:
Christie's Paris will hold a sale of Livres rares et manuscrits today, in 72 lots. A
Another busy week coming up:
Today at ALDE in Paris, Livres Anciens et du XIXe Siècle, in 442 lots. Some impressive bindings at somewhat modest estimates to keep an eye on in this one, as well as a 1483 Latin Bible printed at Lyon (€4,000–5,000); an illustrated edition of the
A superb copy of Jane Austen's fourth novel Emma, valued at £15,000-20,000, will be sold by Lyon & Turnbull on the 7th May 2014. The book is inscribed "Lady M. Dalrymple, Oxenford Castle", in volume one and "Oxenford Castle" is inscribed in volume three.
Simon Vickers, Book Specialist at Lyon & Turnbull, said “2000 copies of
Lyon & Turnbull reveal a letter from Bonnie Prince Charlie to his friend, and cousin, the King of France, pleading him to send forces to help him capture the British crown, has come to light. Valued at £8,000-12,000 it will be sold by Lyon & Turnbull on the 7th May 2014 in Edinburgh.
Simon Vickers, Book Specialist at Lyon &
