Here is an item that is connected to the most expensive book sold at auction last year. Item 608 is the Annual Report of the Directors of the (Providence) Athenaeum 1841-1898. This three-volume set also includes the first printing of the 1836-7 annual report, published on the Athenaeum's 50th anniversary in 1886. It was during these early years that the Athenaeum purchased the double-elephant folio of John James Audubon's "Birds of America" which was issued in parts. It continued to hold this item in its collection until last year, when it was sold at auction for $5,616,000. Their annual reports will cost you a lot less - $125.
As long as we're writing about Rhode Island, a state we too often ignore in our reviews, item 611 is John Bartlett's Bibliography of Rhode Island... Even in 1864 Bartlett was able to fill up 287 pages with descriptions of books from Rhode Island. This state is bigger than we imagined. $125.
Here's one more state we have too often ignored: Vermont. Small as it is, it could fill a 349-page bibliography in 1897. Item 626 is The Bibliography of Vermont... by M.D. Gilman $185.
For those with an interest in book bindings, Oak Knoll offers A Manuel of the Art of Bookbinding Containing Full Instructions in the Different Branches of Forwarding, Gilding and Finishing, by James Nicholson. This book was published in 1856, and Oak Knoll describes it as, "The first edition of the first American bookbinding manual." Item 52. $850.
Item 23 offers some interesting early Alabama forms. They are two blank 1810 forms for admittance to the Birmingham hospital. They note that patients should bring a change of linen. However, "Persons suspected to have the Itch cannot be admitted..." That one leaves me scratching my head. $185.
Item 460 contains some most interesting and beautiful images, but from a surprising source. From the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, circa 1873, they are portraits and vignettes of buildings, allegorical figures, American eagles and the like, images you would find on bonds and money. For example, see the image of "Victory" on this page, whose Janet Jacksonesque pose was acceptable in the 19th century, but would stir great controversy, and get you some hefty fines, today. Get that lady a Burka! $3,750.
Oak Knoll Books may be reached at www.oakknoll.com or 302-328-7232.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Letter Signed ("Martinus Luther") to His Friend the Theologian Gerhard Wiskamp ("Gerardo Xantho Lampadario"). $100,000 - $150,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: An Exceptionally Fine Copy of Austenís Emma: A Novel in Three Volumes. $40,000 - $60,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Presentation Copy of Ernest Hemmingwayís A Farewell to Arms for Edward Titus of the Black Mankin Press. $30,000 - $50,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Manuscript Signed Integrally for "The Songs of Pooh," by Alan Alexander. $30,000 - $50,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Manuscript of "Three Fragments from Gˆtterd‰mmerung" by Richard Wagner. $30,000 - $50,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Original Preliminary Artwork, for the First Edition of Snow Crash. $20,000 - $30,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Letter Signed ("T.R. Malthus") to Economist Nassau Senior on Wealth, Labor and Adam Smith. $20,000 - $30,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides Finely Bound by Michael Wilcox. $20,000 - $30,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: First Edition of Lewis and Clark: Travels to the Source of the Missouri River and Across the American Continent to the Pacific Ocean. $8,000 - $12,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Original Artwork for the First Edition of Neal Stephenson's Groundbreaking Novel Snow Crash. $100,000 - $150,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: A Complete Set Signed Deluxe Editions of King's The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King. $8,000 - $12,000.
Bonhams, Dec. 8-18: Autograph Letter Signed ("John Adams") to James Le Ray de Chaumont During the Crucial Years of the Revolutionary War. $8,000 - $12,000.
Sotheby’s Book Week December 9-17, 2025
Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Hooke, Robert. Micrographia: or some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies made by Magnifying Glasses. London: James Allestry for the Royal Society, 1667. $12,000 to $15,000.
Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Chappuzeau, Samuel. The history of jewels, first edition in English. London: T.N. for Hobart Kemp, 1671. $12,000 to $18,000.
Sotheby’s, Dec. 12: Sowerby, James. Exotic Mineralogy, containing his most realistic mineral depictions, London: Benjamin Meredith, 1811, Arding and Merrett, 1817. $5,000 to $7,000.
Heritage Auctions Rare Books Signature Auction December 15, 2025
Heritage, Dec. 15: John Donne. Poems, By J. D. With Elegies on the Author's Death. London: M[iles]. F[lesher]. for John Marriot, 1633.
Heritage, Dec. 15: Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan of the Apes.
Heritage, Dec. 15: F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tender is the Night. A Romance.
Heritage, Dec. 15: Jerry Thomas. How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon-Vivant's Companion, Containing Clear and Reliable Directions for Mixing All the Beverages Used in the United States…
![<b>Heritage, Dec. 15:</b> John Donne. <i>Poems, By J. D. With Elegies on the Author's Death.</i> London: M[iles]. F[lesher]. for John Marriot, 1633.](https://ae-files.s3.amazonaws.com/AdvertisementPhotos/8caddaea-4c1f-47a7-9455-62f53af36e3f.jpg "<b>Heritage, Dec. 15:</b> John Donne. <i>Poems, By J. D. With Elegies on the Author's Death.</i> London: M[iles]. F[lesher]. for John Marriot, 1633.")
