Item 12 offers a series of maps circa 1855, along with a block puzzle. The puzzle consists of 30 cube wooden blocks. Each side of each block contains part of the image of a different map. Matching the correct sides together allows you to construct each of the six maps. Paper printed copies of the maps are also included, the maps being of the world, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific, including Australia. €1,950.

Item 32 is another unusual item, Collection de 60 Sections Transversales de Bois....by Hermann von Nordlinger. It is a book of wood samples, evidently published for use by forestry students of the school in Nancy, France. Included are 60 paper-thin cross-cuttings of various trees native to this area. The thin samples are each placed in separate window folders. Latin and French names are provided for each species, along with a note on the collection. This book is believed to have been published in the 1870s. €2,750.

Item 18 is a Dutch illuminated manuscript from the 15th century. It is a copy of the Book of Hours, and a calendar within dates this to what must be the high point of illuminated manuscripts. The calendar covers the years 1455-1500, dating the manuscript to 1454-1455. Of course we all know what was happening down the road in Mainz at this time, and it would eventually put the illuminated manuscript industry out of business. €19,500.

Item 46 contains what Asher describes as "astonishingly beautiful illustrations of citrus fruits, flowers, exotic plants, landscapes, cities, villages, palaces, gardens and garden art .... as well as garden, building and city plans, labyrinths, etc." That is no exaggeration. The book is Nürnbergische Hesperides.... by Johann Volkamer, published 1708-1714. The book consists of eight parts in two volumes. The drawings are nothing short of works of art, especially the fruits and flowers. Some of the fruit drawings take on a surreal effect, notes Asher, reminiscent of Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach" (see the image to your left). In this case, however, it is a giant lemon. Even James would be impressed. €96,500.

Item 50 is Le Grand Atlas....from Joan (Johan) Blaeu. This is a 12-volume French edition of the great atlas published in 1667. This is a second French edition of a work originally published in Latin in 1662, and is the largest edition. The set contains 586 engraved maps and other plates. Price on request.

You may find this catalogue online at Asher Rare Books' website, www.asherbooks.com. Their phone number is +31 (0)255 52 38 39.