Major Enid Blyton Book Collection to Auction

One of the largest collections of Enid Byton books in the world is set for auction thanks to a lifelong collector whose passion gained royal attention.

Over the course of nearly 50 years Julia Sesemann amassed thousands of books written by the famous children’s author including valuable first editions of every book she ever wrote. Julia’s reputation as a collector of Enid Blyton books even reached Buckingham Palace. Consequently, she supplied books for Prince Harry and Prince William to enjoy when they were young.

Now the collection, which also includes books by other children’s author and memorabilia, is set for auction on May 10 and, according to Hansons Auctioneers, could fetch in the region of £30,000.

Julia, who died recently at the age of 86, had a lifelong love of children’s books, and in particular Enid Blyton. This was partly inspired by an important connection. Both Julia and the author called Beckenham, in the London borough of Bromley, home. Enid Blyton moved to Beckenham at three months old.  

A member of the Sesemann family said: “Living in Beckenham for most of her life, Julia had a strong affinity with Enid Blyton and shared her vivid imagination. Julia started collecting books in the 1970s, and it soon became her lifetime passion. She amassed one of the largest Enid Blyton collections in the world, achieving her aim of having a first edition, with dust wrapper, of every book Enid Blyton ever wrote.

“As her collection grew, she not only became a collector but also a reputable dealer, producing a number of catalogues of her books to sell to other collectors. These catalogues became eagerly anticipated, and the phone never stopped ringing with orders the moment the catalogues landed on doormats across the country. Julia passed on her love of books to her three children and six grandchildren, and as various memorabilia and marketing paraphernalia took over parts of her house, her dining room became known as ‘the Noddy Room’."

Jim Spencer, Head of Books at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors of children’s books to acquire a real rarity at auction. This phenomenal array of books was amassed by a discerning and passionate collector over a period of almost half a century. Such is its importance the collection is being presented in a single-owner sale. All of it is fresh to market, which is what any collector loves to hear.

“Not only do we have Enid Blyton’s earliest published works, going way back to 1919, but we have signed books, autograph letters, first editions in dust-jackets, toys, games, ephemera – anything and everything relating to the author."

The collection also includes first editions by other popular children’s authors and illustrators including Beatrix Potter, Arthur Rackham, Louis Wain, Edward Ardizzone, Maurice Sendak, and Victorian pop-up and moveable books with dissolving pictures and well-preserved moving parts.

The Julia Sesemann Collection of Enid Blyton, Children’s and Illustrated Books will be offered  in 346 lots on May 10.