One of those anecdotal signs of an improving book market is the number of dealers issuing printed catalogues. This month we received 20 new ones, the most we have seen in a long time. The William Reese Company features a selection of historic archives and manuscripts. Brian Cassidy Bookseller offers archives, manuscripts, photographs, albums, scrapbooks and other primary materials. Samuel Gedge Ltd. features old and unusual books, manuscripts, and ephemera. Quill and Brush provides a selection of new arrivals, including many signed books.
Stéphane Clavreuil Rare Books has prepared a catalogue of just one item, but it is one of the most important documents in American history. It is the sole surviving copy of the first printed version of the Capitulations of Santa Fe, the document that authorized Columbus to sail on his historic voyage. Peter Harrington has almost as concentrated a catalogue. It features only material by and related to Lewis Carroll.
J & J Hanrahan offers a miscellany with much from New England and early America. Back of Beyond Books features the American West, but also many other topics, such as classic literature, natural history, trade catalogues, maps and more. Old West Books offers a catalogue targeted to Western Americana as well. David Lesser Fine Antiquarian Books regularly focuses on rare Americana.
Patrick McGahern Books has created a catalogue of rare and interesting Canadiana and antiquarian books. Bjarne Tokerud Bookseller also has a catalogue that features Canadiana along with books related to the Arctic. Antiquates Ltd. Fine & Rare Books targets British books and owners.
The Veatchs Arts of the Book provides books featuring fine bindings, handmade paper, artistic drawings, high quality printing, and other expressions of the book arts. John Windle Antiquarian Bookseller offers fine press books. Oak Knoll Books concentrates on books about books.
Whitmore Rare Books features novels, along with some poetry and nonfiction. L & T Respess Books offers a selection of sporting books and manuscripts. Aleph-Bet Books has a new selection of children's and illustrated books. Raptis Rare Books has compiled a collection of exceptional material.
Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26:
HAMILTON, Sir William (1730-1803) - Campi Phlegraei. Napoli: [Pietro Fabris], 1776, 1779. € 30.000 - 50.000
Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: [MORTIER] - BLAEU, Joannes (1596-1673) - Het Nieuw Stede Boek van Italie. Amsterdam: Pieter Mortier, 1704-1705. € 15.000 - 25.000
Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: TULLIO D'ALBISOLA (1899-1971) - Bruno MUNARI (1907-1998) - L'Anguria lirica (lungo poema passionale). Roma e Savona: Edizioni Futuriste di Poesia, senza data [ma 1933?]. € 20.000 - 30.000
Il Ponte, Feb. 25-26: IL MANOSCRITTO RITROVATO DI IPPOLITA MARIA SFORZA. TITO LIVIO - Ab Urbe Condita. Prima Decade. Manoscritto miniato su pergamena, metà XV secolo. € 280.000 - 350.000
Sotheby's Fine Books & Manuscripts Available for Immediate Purchase
Sotheby’s: Balthus, Emily Brontë. Wuthering Heights, New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1993. 6,600 USD.
Sotheby’s: Charles Dickens. Complete Works, Philadelphia & London: J.B. Lippincott Company & Chapman & Hall, LD, 1850. Limited Edition set of 30 volumes. 7,500 USD.
Sotheby’s: John Lennon, Yoko Ono. Handwritten Letter from John Lennon and Yoko Ono to their Chauffer. 1971. 32,500 USD.
Sotheby’s: Winston Churchill. First edition of War Speeches, Cassell and Company, Ltd., 1941. Set of 7 volumes. 5,500 USD.
Sotheby’s: Andy Warhol, Julia Warhola. Holy Cats First Edition, Signed by Andy Warhol. 1954. 30,000 USD.