Auctions | March 28, 2016

West, Polar, Middle East Material at National Book Auctions

3ae08bc9-3ca8-4c49-90e7-270d79af1090.jpg[ITHACA, NY] National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, announces the launch of their next auction catalog. 

This catalog features rare, antique and decorative books as well as select additions of ephemera and artwork. Of particular interest is a broad range of selections relating to American history, including the opening of the American West.  The ephemera lots are led by an array of antique magazines and early American newspapers.      

Antique and rare books in this catalog feature numerous titles. Among the earliest examples are a 1792 example of "The Whole Genuine and Complete Works of Flavius Josephus," produced with engraved plates and a folding map, the 1785 first edition of Boswell's "The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson," and the 1670 printing of "P. Ovidii Nasonis Opera Omnia."  Other scarce titles include the first edition of Marshall's "Life of George Washington," produced in five volumes over the years 1804 through 1807, the 1868 first edition of Hamerton's "Etchings and Etchers," featuring double-page and folding engraved plates, and an 1883 first state of Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi."             

Several pleasing collections will also be showcased. Highlighted is a selection of desirable early Americana titles. Headline pieces from this group include the 12-volume production of Sparks' "The Writings of George Washington," produced in 1839 and 1840 with plates and maps, and the 1824 printing of Doddridge's "Notes on the Settlement and Indian Wars of the Western Parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania."  Additional lots include scarce titles from categories such as Jewish & Hebrew (books-on-books, early cookbooks, Judaica), history of the Middle East, New York City, decorative antique bindings, horticulture, mountaineering, Everest, travel and exploration, Native American Indians, opening of the American West, military history, polar exploration (dog sledding, eskimos, etc.), history of Canada, books-on-books, printing history and much more.

Found throughout this catalog are interesting offerings of ephemera and collectibles. Of particular note is Joan Crawford's personal photo album of original stills taken during the shooting of the film "Harriet Craig." Antique ephemera lots include travel-related, original correspondence, early American newspapers, magazines, stamps, first-day covers, comics, engravings, lithographs, photographs, billheads, and other genres.

National Book Auctions is a public auction service specializing in books, ephemera, and art. National Book Auctions is a targeted service offering experience and expertise unique to marketing antique and modern books and ephemera for consignors and collectors alike. The upcoming 2014 auctions will feature a wide assortment of collectible, signed, and first edition books. For more information, please contact the gallery at 607-269-0101 or email mail@nationalbookauctions.com.