Inscribed John Steinbeck, Truman Capote, and Eric Ambler First Editions to Auction
Swann Galleries
Lot 210: John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, first edition, first issue, presentation copy, inscribed by the author
Swann Galleries' October 26 Fine Books & Autographs auction features a selection of signed first editions, 19th and 20th century classics, as well as art, press and illustrated books.
As well as an archive of 19 letters from Albert Einstein to Melanie Serbu, a Romanian bank clerk and aspiring physicist, there is a signed autograph letter from Benjamin Franklin to a diplomat in 1773 concerning the conflict between the legislature of Massachusetts and their Governor, who seemed to show more sympathy toward England than was appropriate for the time (estimate $35,000-$50,000). Other autograph letters include one signed by Stonewall Jackson in 1863 hoping to enlist General Edward Johnson as his commander, and another signed in 1862 by George McClellan to General Ambrose Burnside introducing a Russian officer visiting to observe the Union Army.
There are also autographs by artists Keith Haring and Georgia O’Keeffe. Haring's catalogue for the exhibition held at Tony Shafrazi Gallery is signed and inscribed “K. Haring 82 / To Shawn,” with an ink drawing (1982, estimate $2,500-$3,500) while the O’Keeffe archive of 47 items each signed, to her travel agent, includes letters showing her love and fear of travel (1960s, estimate $15,000-$25,000).
The 19th & 20th Century Literature portion of the sale features a first edition of Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque (two volumes, Philadelphia, 1840, estimate $15,000-$20,000), and a set of the five Christmas books by Charles Dickens, first editions handsomely bound by Morrell. Modern first edition highspots include a superb copy of Animal Farm by George Orwell, as well as the signed, limited American edition in the scare dust jacket of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince. A run of fine bindings will be offered, including an exceptional Cosway-style by Bayntun Riviere with an Abraham Lincoln portrait, and several French Art Deco examples.
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Swann Galleries
Eric Ambler's inscription to his mother
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Benjamin Franklin's letter to a diplomat in 1773 concerning the conflict between the legislature of Massachusetts and their Governor
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Swann Galleries
Keith Haring's signed catalogue
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Robert Motherwell and Octavio Paz’s Three Poems
Among the association copies are:
John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, first edition, first issue, presentation copy, inscribed by the author on front free endpaper to Harold Ross, the founding editor of The New Yorker Magazine (New York, 1937, estimate $3,500-$5,000)
Eric Ambler's Uncommon Danger, first edition, dedication copy, inscribed by Ambler to his mother, 1937 (estimate $2,500-$3,500)
Truman Capote, In Cold Blood, unclipped first issue dust jacket, first trade edition, presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author: "For Irene / from an admiring friend / Truman" (New York, Random House, 1965, estimate $600-$900)
Highlights in the art, press and illustrated books section include:
* a unique copy of Robert Motherwell and Octavio Paz’s Three Poems, representing the sole ‘Position Proof’ that includes the verse
* the complete set of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s four signed photogravures, one of 60 produced
* The Noble and Joyous Book entitled Le Morte d’Arthur from Ashendene Press
* Sonia Delaunay'a Ses Peintures, Ses Objets, Ses Tissues Simultanés, Ses Modes, Delaunay’s magnificent portfolio of designs incorporating the color and design theory “simultane” or, simultaneous contrast
