Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - December - 2010 Issue
"Piccadilly Notes" from Sotheran's
Most uncommon J.M. Barrie.
Item 22 is one of only 12 copies of the privately printed Neil and Tintinnabulum, by J.M. Barrie (1925). Barrie is best known for creating Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up (apparently, much like Barrie himself). Though Barrie was married for a while, he had no children, but he became guardian for five boys when close friends died. The boys were likely inspirations for the "Lost Boys," and Michael, the inspiration for this book, was also the probable inspiration for Peter Pan (though the name more likely came from Peter, another of the five boys). Michael was Barrie's favorite, and he was devastated when Michael and a friend (possibly homosexual lover) drowned in what could have been either an accident or suicide. That came several years before Barrie wrote this story based on his life. £1,200 (US $1,927).
Item 41 is one of the earliest James Bond books, Field Guide to the Birds of the West Indies, a revised, first trade edition published in 1947. What was 007 doing chasing birds, instead of hardened criminals? Well, that's all Bond ever chased. You see, the real James Bond was an ornithologist, not a secret agent. When Ian Fleming was first writing his books, he wanted a simple name for his lead character, a name as plain as the character was flamboyant. Fleming owned a copy of this book, and thought the author's name was perfect for the character he created. It appears that Bond, the real one, had no problems with his name being used and found the notoriety amusing. £498 (US $800).
Item 530 is one of those books of photographs, Every Building on the Sunset Strip, by Edward Ruscha. The book is exactly as claimed. Ruscha went out and photographed every building along Sunset Strip, both sides, and placed them in this accordion-style panorama book, which stretches out to show the street. There is no commentary, only street signs and billboards to provide description. Offered is a second issue of the first edition, dated 1966 (but 1971). £1,250 (US $2,006).
Sotheran's may be reached at 020 7439 6151 or books@sotherans.co.uk. Their website is found at www.sotherans.co.uk.
