Peter Harrington Rare Books Bringing an Outstanding Collection to the Empire State Rare Book & Print Fair Sept. 27-29

Peter Harrington will be showing a selection of incredible items at the Empire State Rare Book & Print Fair taking place September 27-29, 2024 at the historic City College of New York.

Their collection spans centuries of intellectual and artistic achievement, and they will present an array of extraordinary pieces that celebrate cultural, musical, and literary heritage at the fair.

Historic Musical Photographs and Memorabilia:

Original Photograph of Itinerant Afro-Cuban Musicians (1890): This rare and striking image captures a unique five-piece ensemble in the kitchen of a large plantation house, offering a glimpse into the early syncretic forms of Cuban music that influenced the development of jazz.
Louis Armstrong and His Concert Group (1949): A coveted autograph-laden poster from the iconic jazz trumpeter’s first All-Star group. Signed by Armstrong, drummer Cozy Cole, trombonist Jack Teagarden, and clarinettist Barney Bigard, this piece represents a pivotal moment in jazz history.
Original Signed Publicity Photograph of Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1940): Inscribed by the pioneering gospel musician herself, this 8x10 vintage publicity still by renowned photographer James J. Kriegsmann is a unique collectible, highlighting Tharpe’s influential role in shaping modern music.

2. Rare Books and Signed Editions:

Leaves from the Four Folios by William Shakespeare (1623): Four disbound folio leaves from the first four collected editions of Shakespeare’s plays, each a vital piece of literary history, representing the foundation of English literature.
"The Black Jacobins" by C.L.R. James (1938): A first edition inscribed by the author, this seminal work on the Haitian Revolution is a cornerstone of Caribbean studies and revolutionary literature.
"Grapefruit" by Yoko Ono (1964): A first edition, first printing limited to 500 copies, inscribed by Ono. This avant-garde work influenced generations of artists and musicians, including John Lennon, who credited it for inspiring his iconic song "Imagine."

3. Autographed Letters and Personal Correspondence:

Six Autograph Letters Signed by Allen Ginsberg: These letters to Carolyn Cassady offer rare insights into Ginsberg’s personal and creative life during the height of the Beat Generation.
"The White House: An Historic Guide" by John F. & Jacqueline Kennedy (1962): A limited edition, specially bound and inscribed by the President and First Lady, presented to Peter Lawford. This guide embodies a unique intersection of political history and literary preservation.

4. Exclusive Jazz Festival Programs:

Miles Davis Signed Programme from the Festival International du Jazz d’Antibes (1960): This multiply signed programme features signatures from Miles Davis and his esteemed band members, capturing a momentous event in jazz history.

5. Additional Highlights:

"New Orleans Jazz: A Family Album" by Al Rose & Edmond Souchon (1978): This second edition is a prized collectible, inscribed by Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts as a birthday gift from Mick Jagger.
Autograph Letters and Greetings by Arthur Rackham (1934): Including letters discussing business terms and original watercolors, providing a rare glimpse into Rackham’s professional correspondence and creative process.