• Bonhams, June 16-25: 15th-CENTURY TREATISE ON SYPHILIS. GRÜNPECK. 1496. $20,000 - $30,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: THE NORMAN COPY OF BENIVIENI'S TREATISE ON PATHOLOGY. 1507. $12,000 - $18,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: FRACASTORO. Syphilis sive Morbus Gallicus. 1530. $8,000 - $12,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: THE FIRST PUBLISHED WORK ON SKIN DISEASES. MERCURIALIS. De morbis cutaneis... 1572. $10,000 - $15,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: BIDLOO. Anatomia humani corporis... 1685. $6,000 - $9,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: THE NORMAN COPY OF DOUGLASS'S EARLY AMERICAN WORK ON INNOCULATION AND SMALLPOX. 1722. $20,000 - $30,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: LIND'S FIRST TREATISE ON SCURVY. 1753. $15,000 - $20,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: RARE JENNER SIGNED CIRCULAR ON VACCINATION. 1821. $4,000 - $6,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: MOST BEAUTIFUL OF MEDICAL ILLUSTRATIONS. BRIGHT. Reports of Medical Cases... 1827-1831. $10,000 - $15,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE PRESENTATION COPY TO HER MOTHER. 1860. $6,000 - $8,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: LORENZO TRAVER'S MANUSCRIPT JOURNAL OF BURNSIDE'S NORTH CAROLINA EXPEDITION. TRAVER, Lorenzo. $2,000 - $3,000
    Bonhams, June 16-25: ONE OF THE EARLIEST PHOTOGRAPHIC BOOKS ON DERMATOLOGY. HARDY. Clinique Photographique... 1868. $3,000 - $5,000
  • Bonhams, June 16-24: KELMSCOTT PRESS. RUSKIN. The Nature of Gothic. 1892. $1,500 - $2,500
    Bonhams, June 16-24: ASHENDENE PRESS. The Wisdom of Jesus. 1932. $2,000 - $3,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: CHARLOTTE BRONTE WRITES AS GOVERNESS. Autograph Letter Signed, 1851. $15,000 - $25,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: FIRST AMERICAN EDITION OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS. BRONTE, Emily. New York, 1848. $3,000 - $5,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: IAN FLEMING ASSOCIATION COPY. You Only Live Twice. London, 1964. $7,000 - $9,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: DELUXE EDITION WITH ORIGINAL PAINTING. BUKOWSKI, Charles. War All the Time. 1984. $3,000 - $5,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: EINSTEIN'S MOST POWERFUL STATEMENT ON THE ATOMIC BOMB. Original Typed Manuscript Signed, "On My Participation in the Atom Bomb Project," 1953. $100,000 - $150,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: EINSTEIN ON SCIENCE, WAR AND MORALITY. Autograph Letter Signed, 1949. $20,000 - $30,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI. WASHINGTON, George. Engraved document signed, 1786. $8,000 - $12,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: AN EARLY CHINESE-MADE 34-STAR U.S. CONSULAR FLAG. $8,000 - $12,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH OF LINCOLN WITH HIS SON TAD. 1864. $60,000 - $90,000
    Bonhams, June 16-24: MALCOLM X WRITES FROM KENYA. Postcard signed, 1964. $4,000 - $6,000
  • Case Antiques
    Two-Day Summer Auction
    July 12 & 13, 2025
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Winston Link Signed Photograph, Hotshot Eastbound, Iager, West Virginia, July 1957. $3,400 to $3,800.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Alexander Hamilton ALS, Whiskey Rebellion. $2,800 to $3,200.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Civil War Canteen and Letters, Thomas Tabb Jr. CSA. $1,800 to $2,200.
    Case Antiques
    Two-Day Summer Auction
    July 12 & 13, 2025
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Archive of Capt. William Tabb of MS, CSA, Killed Atlanta. $1,000 to $1,400.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Rudyard Kipling Collection, 29 Volumes, First Editions; Zaehnsdorf Bindings. $1,000 to $1,200.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Artist Andrew Wyeth & Family Signed Letters, Cards. $1,000 to $1,200.
    Case Antiques
    Two-Day Summer Auction
    July 12 & 13, 2025
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Augusta Resolves Silk Broadside, Revolutionary War RelateD. $800 to $1,000.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: 1894 Map of Nashville. $800 to $900.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: CSA Navy Appointment, Semmes and Mallory plus Photo of Lt. Armstrong. $600 to $800.
    Case Antiques
    Two-Day Summer Auction
    July 12 & 13, 2025
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Slave Colonies of Great Britain, 1825, Macaulay, First Edition, plus Debate on Abolition, 1792. $600 to $800.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Signed Photo of 3 Presidents: Nixon, Ford, Carter. $600 to $800.
    Case Antiques, July 12-13: Slave Ledger, Merrill Plantations, Natchez, MS & Concordia, LA. $1,000 to $1,200.
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Rare Book Monthly

Book Catalogue Reviews - April - 2015 Issue

Travels and Exploration from the George S. MacManus Company

Travels & Explorations.

Travels & Explorations.

The George S. MacManus Company has released Part II of its catalogue on Travels & Exploration. This is an outstanding collection of travels both well-known and obscure. It includes journeys to all parts of the world, though the greatest concentration is in North America. The American journeys are primarily inland, mostly ranging from colonial times through the 19th century. There are western incursions from the days when places like Ohio and Tennessee were still considered the West, to the days when “West” meant what it means today. There are many excursions by visitors who came from Europe and expressed their opinions about this new land, good and bad. Then there are those hardy souls who recounted their journeys across the land to find new settlements or gold, first in California, later in Alaska. Time to set your sails, or hitch up your wagon, and take off for an adventure.

 

We start with an account of the most important internal exploration in U.S. history: History of the Expedition under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark. This is the Philadelphia first edition, published in 1814, complete with the folding map that was sold separately and consequently is often missing. President Jefferson sent the captains and their crew on an overland journey to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory in 1804. They proceeded up the Missouri River, crossed the Rocky Mountains, and eventually made it all the way to the Pacific. They brought back a wealth of information, including details about its natural history, native peoples, and geography. They returned in 1806 to a public hungry for information about America's newest addition. Item 71. Priced at $150,000.

 

While Lewis and Clark returned in 1806, it was not until eight years later that their official account finally was published. That led to some cheating by enterprising publishers taking advantage of people's great desire to learn more. Next up is The Travels of Capts. Lewis & Clarke [sic] By Order of the Government of the United States... published in 1809. This is better known as the “Apocrypha edition.” It is certainly dubious when a book can't even spell one of the leaders' names right. It is essentially a fake. Published three years after the explorers returned, but five years ahead of the official report, its creators filled the void for knowledge by making it up. The authors used previously available information, both from journey participant Patrick Gass and others, and from those who had otherwise visited the West, to create this faked account. It contains five plates of supposed western Indians, one known to be taken from an 18th century book about eastern Indians, the other four likely invented. As well, this copy includes the rare folding map, surprisingly accurate, though based on an earlier map. Item 74. $13,500.

 

Lewis and Clark headed the first major American internal expedition, Zebulon Pike the second. Not as well remembered is the third, but here it is. It was led by Major Stephen H. Long. The mission was originally called the “Yellowstone Expedition” as Long was sent up the Missouri River toward the Yellowstone. However, after wintering over, President Monroe sent them a change of plans – to head south and look for the source of the Red River. They did not succeed, so they followed the Canadian River instead. The mission brought back much information about this previously unexplored territory, but Long made one major miscalculation. He described the area today in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and eastern Colorado as a “Great Desert,” suitable only as a buffer between America and the Spanish colonies. He did not believe it could be settled. Long would be proven wrong within a short span of time. Item 9 is an Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, Performed in the Years 1819 and '20… Under the Command of Major Stephen H. Long, published 1822-1823. It was written by Edwin James, botanist, geologist, and surgeon for the mission. $28,500.

 

Item 273 is History of the Adventures and Sufferings of Moses Smith, During Five Years of His Life, from the Beginning of the Year 1806, When He was Betrayed into the Miranda Expedition, until June 1811... published in 1812. Francisco de Miranda was attempting a filibustering expedition into Spanish America, but he was nothing like later such adventurers who sought to achieve power for themselves. Miranda was a brave soldier and a patriot. He fought during the American Revolution for Spain (an American ally), for Spain in Northern Africa, and during the French Revolution. However, his heart remained with his native land (he was born in Venezuela) and in 1806, sought to overthrow Spain from the entire American continent and set up one huge new country. He was a little ahead of his time. Two of the three ships he took to Venezuela to start his revolution were promptly captured by the Spanish. Moses Smith was on one of them. In 1810, Miranda returned to Venezuela, and for a short time a revolutionary government was installed, taking advantage of Spain being taken over by Napoleon. Miranda and Simon Bolivar were among its leaders. The following year, Smith was released. Events did not go so well for Miranda, who was turned over to Spanish authorities by Bolivar when he tried to leave the country, declaring him a traitor. Miranda spent the remaining four years of his life in prison, but today is regarded as a national hero. Smith, who maintained he was tricked into joining Miranda's expedition in the first place, is remembered by this book he had published to state his case. No one gave him his Miranda warning. $750.

 

The lesson of this next book is if you are seeking a shortcut, don't head out into Death Valley on foot. In 1849, a group of gold seekers and their families set out for California from Salt Lake. They took the short route, straight through Death Valley. They became confused, weak, and thirsty, trying to find their way out. It seemed hopeless when William Manly and another man set out to find help for the others. Somehow, they managed to find an escape and lead rescuers back into the abyss to save the others. Manly wrote an account of this harrowing tale almost a half century later – Death Valley in '49, published in 1894. Item 99. $750.

 

The George S. MacManus Co. may be reached at 610-520-7273 or books@macmanus-rarebooks.com. Their website is www.macmanus-rarebooks.com.

Rare Book Monthly

  • Sotheby’s
    New York Book Week
    12-26 June
    Sotheby’s, June 25: Theocritus. Theocriti Eclogae triginta, Venice, Aldo Manuzio, February 1495/1496. 220,000 - 280,000 USD
    Sotheby’s, June 26: Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby, 1925. 40,000 - 60,000 USD
    Sotheby’s, June 26: Blake, William. Songs of Innocence and of Experience, Printed ca. 1381-1832. 400,000 - 600,000 USD
    Sotheby’s, June 26: Lincoln, Abraham. Thirteenth Amendment, signed by Abraham Lincoln. 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 USD
    Sotheby’s, June 26: Galieli, Galileo. First Edition of the Foundation of Modern Astronomy, 1610. 300,000 - 400,000 USD
  • Finarte
    Books, Autographs & Prints
    June 24 & 25, 2025
    Finarte, June 24-25: ALIGHIERI, DANTE / LANDINO, CRISTOFORO. Comento di Christophoro Landino Fiorentino sopra la Comedia di Danthe Alighieri poeta fiorentino, 1481. €40,000 to €50,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: ALIGHIERI, DANTE. La Commedia [Commento di Christophorus Landinus]. Aggiunta: Marsilius Ficinus, Ad Dantem gratulatio [in latino e Italiano], 1487. €40,000 to €60,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: ALIGHIERI, DANTE. Il Convivio, 1490. €20,000 to €25,000.
    Finarte
    Books, Autographs & Prints
    June 24 & 25, 2025
    Finarte, June 24-25: BANDELLO, MATTEO. La prima [-quarta] parte de le nouelle del Bandello, 1554. €7,000 to €9,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: LEGATURA – PLUTARCO. Le vies des hommes illustres, grecs et romaines translates, 1567. €10,000 to €12,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: TOLOMEO, CLAUDIO. Ptolemeo La Geografia di Claudio Ptolemeo Alessandrino, Con alcuni comenti…, 1548. €4,000 to €6,000.
    Finarte
    Books, Autographs & Prints
    June 24 & 25, 2025
    Finarte, June 24-25: FESTE - COPPOLA, GIOVANNI CARLO. Le nozze degli Dei, favola [...] rappresentata in musica in Firenze…, 1637. €6,000 to €8,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: SPINOZA, BARUCH. Opera posthuma, 1677. €8,000 to €12,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: PUSHKIN, ALEXANDER. Borus Godunov, 1831. €30,000 to €50,000.
    Finarte
    Books, Autographs & Prints
    June 24 & 25, 2025
    Finarte, June 24-25: LIBRO D'ARTISTA - LECUIRE, PIERRE. Ballets-minute, 1954. €35,000 to €40,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: LIBRO D'ARTISTA - MAJAKOVSKIJ, VLADIMIR / LISSITZKY, LAZAR MARKOVICH. Dlia Golosa, 1923. €7,000 to €10,000.
    Finarte, June 24-25: LIBRO D'ARTISTA - MATISSE, HENRI / MONTHERLANT, HENRY DE. Pasiphaé. Chant de Minos., 1944. €22,000 to €24,000.

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