A Fair List from Peter Harrington

Item 35 is the masterpiece of the Doves Press. In fact, it's generally considered one of the three greatest productions of the private press, along with Kelmscott's Chaucer and Ashendene's Dante. This is the Doves Bible, a five-volume set published from 1903-1905. It was published in a press run of 500 copies. £11,000 (US $17,050).

Item 43 is a title everyone knows, though perhaps by the movie more than the book. It is a first edition of Ian Fleming's Goldfinger. The book presented, along, naturally, with 007 James bond, some new villains and characters, such as Oddjob, Pussy Galore, and the lead villain Auric Goldfinger. As with other Bond novels, all's well that ends well. This copy is inscribed “To Ray with much affection from Ian,” the “Ray” being author Raymond Chandler. This inscription must have been fit within a very tight window. The book was published on March 23, 1959, while Chandler died on March 26, 1959. £80,000 (US $123,955).

Peter Harrington may be reached at +44 (0)20 7591 0220 or mail@peterharrington.co.uk. Their website is www.peterharrington.co.uk.