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The Library of Barry Humphries (at Forum Auctions)
This is a live online auction with auctioneer. For details on registration, bidding, viewing & condition reports, click “Important information” link.
The auction features a remarkable array of books, manuscripts, works on paper and objets from the extensive library of the legendary comedian, actor, author, and satirist Barry Humphries (1934-2023).
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Mar 26, 2025 01:00 PM GMT
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θ Thicknesse (Philip) Useful Hints to those who make the Tour of France... , first edition , title browned, spotted, with broadside from Thicknesse addressed to the Marquis of Granby complaining that he has been mistreated loosely inserted (torn and frayed, repaired), engraved bookplate of Buchley Park, Worcs. and shelf-labels of Pull Court library, contemporary tree calf, red morocco label, rubbed, spine ends a little worn, upper joint repaired, for R. Davis , 1768; A Year's Journey through France and Spain, 2 vol., second edition, list of subscribers, 10 engraved plates, one folding (torn and repaired), 3 leaves engraved music, some offsetting, attractive contemporary calf, spines gilt with green, red & black roan labels, slightly rubbed, W.Brown , 1788; A Letter to...Lord B---p of N---h, first edition , stitched in contemporary blue wrappers with illegible ink manuscript to covers, a little frayed and stained, W.Bizet , 1758; Pere Pascal, a Monk of Montserrat, Vindicated: in a Charge brought against him by a Noble Earl of Great-Britain, first edition, lacking half-title, M.Davis , 1783 bound with [Bonner (Charles)] A Letter to Philip Thicknesse, Esq; in reply to a charge brought by him against a Noble Earl of Great-Britain, first edition , half-title, Worcester, J.Tymbs, & London , 1783, together 2 works in 1, spotted and stained, stitched in wrappers, the last three items preserved in 2 modern cloth folders, all in 3 modern calf-backed cloth drop-back boxes, spines gilt, 8vo (5) ⁂ An interesting group relating to Philip Thicknesse (1719-92) who was an army officer and friend of the artist Thomas Gainsborough. A rather scurrilous character, he married three times, eloping with his first wife which caused his mother-in-law to throw herself onto railings at the spot at which her daughter was abducted, vigorously denounced his son George, and spent much of his time provoking disputes with various figures. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Landguard Fort near Felixstowe from 1753-66 and the broadside in the first item relates to his dismissal from this office following a court-martial for libel and judgement that he was unfit for command. It is addressed to John Manners, Marquess of Granby (1721-70), who was Commander-in-Chief of the Forces 1766-70. In the third item Thicknesse informs the Bishop of Norwich of the inadequacies of a clergyman in his diocese.
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θ [Beckford (William)] Biographical Memoirs of Extraordinary Painters , first edition , with the final errata leaf (sometimes missing), light spotting at beginning and end, engraved bookplate of the Earl of Normanton, contemporary tree calf, gilt, a little rubbed, corners slightly worn, rebacked with gilt spine preserving red roan label, preserved in modern calf-backed marbled board drop-back box, spine ruled in gilt with red morocco label, [Chapman 1.i], 8vo, J.Robson , 1780. ⁂ The author's first published work, written while he was still a teenager and published when he was twenty. It is a satirical account of various imaginary painters, parodying those whose work was popular at the time such as Salvator Rosa, and inspired by showing visitors round his father's art collection.
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![θ Beckford (William) [Vathek] An Arabian Tale, first (but unauthorised) edition, Lady Caroline …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/c34439de-f11f-45ac-a32e-b299011db143.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
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Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ [Beckford (William)] [ Vathek ] An Arabian Tale, from an Unpublished Manuscript: with Notes Critical and Explanatory, first (but unauthorised) edition , with errata leaf and final blank (often missing), p.48 misnumbered "84", woodcut illustrations of fans to p.316, Lady Caroline Lamb's copy with her ink signature to front free endpaper, note to foot of title and a few light pencil markings and annotations to text in her hand , title lightly stained, some foxing to text, Panshanger bookplate, a good tall copy , later red straight-grain morocco with single gilt fillet border, spine titled and ruled in gilt with five raised bands, g.e., a little spotted and rubbed, spine darkened, corners bumped, preserved in modern red morocco-backed cloth drop-back box, spine gilt in compartments, [Chapman 3(A).i; Garside, Raven & Schowerling 1786:15; Rothschild 352], 8vo (200 x 120mm.), for J.Johnson , 1786 . ⁂ A fine association copy of Beckford's influential Gothic novel, originally written in French and translated and edited by his friend Rev. Samuel Henley. Contrary to Beckford's wishes this edition preceded the first French edition which was published in December 1786 in Lausanne (but dated 1787). Lady Caroline Lamb (1785-1828), Anglo-Irish aristocrat and novelist, wife of William Lamb (later Lord Melbourne), who had a public and scandalous affair with Lord Byron and is reputed to have coined the phrase "mad, bad, and dangerous to know" about the poet. Her most renowned work is the Gothic novel Glenarvon published in 1816, which included recognisable portraits of herself, Byron and others, and which ensured her rejection from society. Her husband's sister, Emily, married the 5th Earl Cowper whose seat was Panshanger in Hertfordshire and which holds the papers of both Lord Melbourne and Lady Caroline.
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![θ [Beckford (William)] [Vathek] An Arabian Tale..., first (but unauthorised) edition, later red …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/fd15bc4b-3e5c-4da4-b8f5-b299011d9209.jpg?h=175)
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1
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Estimate
1,200 - 1,800 GBP
θ [Beckford (William)] [ Vathek ] An Arabian Tale, from an Unpublished Manuscript: with Notes Critical and Explanatory, first (but unauthorised) edition , with errata leaf but lacking final blank (as often), p.48 misnumbered "84", woodcut illustrations of fans to p.316, a little foxed, bookplate of Charles Robin Holloway, later red straight-grain morocco, by Roger de Coverly & Sons in the style of Roger Payne, covers tooled with single gilt fillet border and circle & floral stems forming corners of panel, spine titled in gilt and elaborately tooled in compartments with five raised bands, g.e., joints and corners slightly rubbed, preserved in modern red morocco-backed cloth slip-case, spine richly gilt in similar style, [Chapman 3(A).i; Garside, Raven & Schowerling 1786:15; Rothschild 352], 8vo (193 x 115mm.), for J.Johnson , 1786 . ⁂ A handsome copy of Beckford's influential Gothic novel, originally written in French and translated and edited by his friend Rev. Samuel Henley. Contrary to Beckford's wishes this edition preceded the first French edition which was published in December 1786 in Lausanne (but dated 1787).
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θ [Beckford (William)] Vathek, Conte Arabe , first Paris edition , title with woodcut ornament, advertisement leaf at end, a few leaves lightly browned, contemporary sprinkled calf, spine gilt with red roan label, a little rubbed and scuffed, covers very slightly splayed, new endpapers, preserved in modern calf drop-back box, by Trevor Lloyd, spine gilt with ornaments in compartments and red roan label, [cf. Chapman 3(B).ii], 8vo, Paris, Poinçot [&] Chatellerault, P.J.B.Guimbert, 1787. ⁂ Following the unuathorised publication of Vathek in English in London in 1786 Beckford hastily published an edition in the original French in Lausanne in December 1786 (but dated 1787). This was followed by a revised edition in Paris published by Poinçot in 1787.
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6
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1
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2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ [Beckford (William)] Vathek , fourth edition, revised and corrected, lacking half-title, with engraved frontispiece after Westall, the author's copy with five pencil notes in his hand to rear free endpaper , with later ink inscription and notes to front free endpaper (see below), frontispiece with light marginal foxing and slightly offset onto title, engraved book-label of ducal coronet and initials SEHBC to front pastedown, nineteenth century tan calf, gilt, rebacked preserving old gilt spine with green roan label, g.e., very slightly rubbed and marked, preserved in modern calf-backed cloth drop-back box by Trevor Lloyd, spine gilt in compartments with green calf label in similar style to book, [Chapman 3(A).iv], 8vo, W.Clarke , 1823. ⁂ The later ink inscription reads, "F.C.Brooke Esqre. Token of regard & esteem [illegible signature] N.B. This was the author's own copy, given by him to the Duchess, from whom I received it - many copies want the print upon the fly-leaf" on front free endpaper and with another tipped in, "I failed in procuring the original French Edition; & (strange to say) I have not been able to find one in amongst the Duchess's books - Easton Park Nov. 24th 1851 [illegible signature again]".
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1
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4,000 - 6,000 GBP
θ Beckford (William) Modern Novel Writing, or the Elegant Enthusiast; and Interesting Emotions of Arabella Bloomville . A Rhapsodical Romance...By the Right Hon. Lady Harriet Marlow, 2 vol. in 1, first edition , errata leaf in vol.1, wood-engraved tail-pieces, light browning to corners of first title and final leaf, very occasional light spotting, F6 of vol.2 lacking part of fore-margin (repaired), H.Bradley Martin's copy with his small bookplate, later polished tan calf, gilt, by Rivière, spine gilt in compartments with floral motifs and roan labels, g.e., joints a little rubbed and cracked, very slight rubbing to corners, preserved in modern calf-backed cloth drop-back box, spine gilt in compartments with green morocco labels, [Chapman 4; Garside, Raven & Schowerling 1796: 22], 12mo, G.G. & J.Robinson , 1796. ⁂ Scarce satirical novel. According to the Bradley Martin catalogue "This is the variant (of indeterminate priority) without the dedication leaf in volume 2". We have been able to trace only a few copies at auction, the most recent being this copy in 1990.
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![θ [Beckford (William)] Azemia: A Descriptive Novel...By Jacquetta Agneta Mariana Jenks, 2 vol., …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/14ae68ed-4e9f-4b0a-8648-b299011d04f2.jpg?h=175)
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1
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Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
θ [Beckford (William)] Azemia: A Descriptive Novel ...By Jacquetta Agneta Mariana Jenks, of Bellegrove Priory in Wales, 2 vol., first edition , with half-titles but lacking M8 at end of each vol. (advertisement leaf in vol.1 and probably blank in vol.2), light spotting and browning, some staining particularly in vol.1, K10 in vol.2 with paper flaw loss to fore-margin not affecting text and M6 lacking lower outer corner just touching catchword, H.Bradley Martin's copy with his small bookplate to rear pastedown, another engraved bookplate to front, contemporary half calf, spine titled and ruled in gilt, rubbed, joints cracked, corners worn, preserved in modern calf-backed drop-back box by Sangorski & Sutcliffe/Zaehnsdorf, spine gilt in compartments with floral motifs and five raised bands, [Chapman 5.i; Garside, Raven & Schowerling], 12mo, Sampson Low , 1797. ⁂ Rare satirical novel, a companion piece to Modern Novel Writing of the previous year, this being dedicated to the supposed author of that work. At the end of vol.2 are 20pp. entitled 'To the Reviewers of all the Reviews; and all the Newspapers' with a running heading of "Criticisms Anticipated". Library Hub records only 2 copies of this first edition (V & A, Dyce Collection; and University of Oxford); WorldCat adds 2 further copies in America. We have been able to trace only a few copies at auction, the most recent being this copy in 1990.
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![θ [Beckford (William)] The Story of Al Raoui, a Tale from the Arabic, first edition, original …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/ffb5b01e-905d-463c-bb2f-b299011db80c.jpg?h=175)
θ [Beckford (William)] The Story of Al Raoui, a Tale from the Arabic , first edition , text in English and German, German in gothic script, a little soiled, small ink stain to margin of title, no endpapers, H.Bradley Martin's copy with his small bookplate, contemporary boards, rubbed and stained, small nick to edge of upper board, spine defective, preserved in modern cloth folder and slip-case, red morocco label, [Chapman 6.i], 8vo, C.Whittingham for C.Geisweiler, London & Leipzig , 1799. ⁂ Rare.
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θ Beckford (William) Italy; with Sketches of Spain and Portugal , 2 vol., first edition , half-titles, with 1p. Autograph letter from Beckford written in the third person to Messrs. Molteno and Graves of 20 Pall Mall dated from Bath 30 July 1834 regarding a fine art purchase “Mr. Beckford is perfectly satisfied with Mr. Molteno’s and Mr. Graves’s explanations and reconciled by the extreme beauty of the Campagnolas to the price” and hoping that they received payment of £50, bound in with envelope at beginning of vol.1, bookplate of Charles Robin Holloway, later half dark blue straight-grain morocco, gilt, by Roger de Coverly & Sons, spines gilt, t.e.g., very slightly rubbed at edges, preserved in modern blue morocco-backed cloth drop-backed box by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, spine gilt in compartments with similar motifs, [Chapman 8.i], 1834; Recollections of an Excursion to the Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, f irst edition , 24pp. publisher's catalogue dated April 1835 bound in at beginning, half-title, engraved portrait, occasional light spotting, H.Bradley Martin's copy with his small bookplate , original boards, paper label to spine, uncut, a little rubbed and scuffed, preserved in modern grey morocco-backed cloth drop-back box, beige label , 1835, 8vo (3)
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11
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1
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Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Beckford (William).- Irving (David) Memoirs of the Life and Writings of George Buchanan , first edition , lacking half-title and final blank, William Beckford's copy with 3½pp. pencil notes in his hand tipped in at beginning and with cuttings from 'The Mirror' for June 1 1844 quoting Beckford's notes mounted on rear endpapers, lightly browned, some spotting, with manuscript note "Irving's Memoirs of Buchanan with many notes in the hand writing of Mr Beckford were sold by me at Fonthill Septr. 1823 Phillips" to front free endpaper, contemporary half dark blue straight-grain morocco, gilt, spine gilt with title and Beckford's cinquefoil ornaments in compartments, g.e., rubbed, corners worn, preserved in modern blue straight-grain morocco-backed cloth drop-back box, spine ruled and titled in gilt, 8vo, Edinburgh , 1807. ⁂ As the cutting relays there are 30 notes by Beckford with a particularly long one relating to p.70: "The learned M. A. Muretus had a narrow escape from the flames at Thoulouse, having been accused on too classical inclinations...he made a precipitate retreat to papal regions, and got safe to Italy; but such was his consternation that, among other effects, it produced a mobility in his ears...".
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2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Beckford (William).- Dalrymple ( Sir David, Lord Hailes ) An Inquiry into the Secondary Causes which Gibbon has assigned for the Rapid Growth of Christianity , second edition, ?lacking final blank, William Beckford's copy with 2½pp. of pencil notes in his hand on front free endpapers, light spotting to a few leaves, contemporary dark purple straight-grain morocco, by Fairbairn & Armstrong, g.e., a little rubbed and mottled, spine faded, preserved in modern dark purple morocco-backed cloth drop-back box, by Trevor Lloyd, spine gilt in compartments, 12mo, Edinburgh, J.Ritchie for A.Johnstone , 1808. ⁂ With references to 10 passages, including p.201: " Rare doings at Corinth - 'public prayers for the increase of the number of harlots'. Why really Sir David you are not a whit behindhand with Gibbon himself in the dissemination of impurities - see page 256." Hamilton Palace sale (1882) Part I lot 2308 (Thibaudeau £3 6s).
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1
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2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Beckford (William).- [ Alison ( Sir Archibald) & others.] Travels in France, during the years 1814-15 . Comprising a Residence at Paris, during the stay of the Allied Armies..., 2 vol., first edition , ?lacking half-titles, William Beckford's copy with 3½pp. pencil notes in his hand on leaf tipped in at beginning of each vol., text lightly browned, a few spots or small stains, H.Bradley Martin's copy with his small bookplate, bound in typical contemporary half red straight-grain morocco, gilt, spines with title and cinquefoils in gilt, g.e., a little rubbed and marked, preserved in modern red morocco-backed drop-back box, spine gilt in compartments with ornaments and five raised bands, 8vo, 1815. ⁂ With 22 notes by Beckford referring to passages in the text e.g. vol.2 p. 230 "Triumphant entry of Charigny the great worm Doctor - with all his bottles into Aix". Many of Beckford 's books were bound with a gilt cinquefoil from his mother's Hamilton arms on the spine or corners. Hamilton Palace sale (1883) Part IV lot 686 (Jarvis & Son £1 1s.)
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1
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2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Beckford (William).- Sheppard (John) Letters, descriptive of a Tour through some parts of France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, in 1816 , first edition , half-title, William Beckford's copy with 4pp. extensive pencil notes in his hand bound in , contemporary dark red boards, uncut, rubbed, corners worn, rebacked to match preserving old morocco label, preserved in modern red board drop-back box with green morocco labels, 8vo, Edinburgh , 1817. ⁂ Beckford's final note refers to p.276: "An apt quotation from the pagan Horace of a narrow escape from some more verses from the Christian Sheppard". The work continues until p.353 but there are no more notes; it is tempting to think that Beckford gave up reading. Hamilton Palace sale (1883) Part III lot 1967 (Bain 4s.).
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2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Beckford (William).- Rogers (Samuel) Human Life, a Poem , second edition, with half-title and final leaf blank but for imprint, William Beckford's copy with 2pp. of pencil notes in his hand on front free endpaper, extra-illustrated with engraved portrait of Rogers by Meyer after Denon and an original watercolour portrait of the same captioned "The Yellow Poet...see Glenarvon" by Beckford in pencil at foot, together with leaves of mounted cuttings of reviews etc. all bound in following half-title or at end, book-label of George Harwood, bound in dark red boards, uncut, rubbed, rebacked preserving old spine with Beckford's gilt cinquefoils and cross patonce ornaments and green roan label, short split to upper joint, corners slightly worn, preserved in modern red morocco-backed cloth drop-back box, by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, spine with black morocco label and titled in gilt, 8vo, John Murray , 1820. ⁂ With typically caustic notes by Beckford e.g. p.107 commenting on Rogers's lines "That narrow place of noise & strife received their little all of life" Beckford adds "I rather think we also have received Mr Samuel Rogers's little all....". Beckford's caption to the watercolour portrait refers to Lady Caroline Lamb's Glenarvon, published in 1816, which included veiled but obvious references to the cadaverously thin Rogers as "A poet of an emaciated and sallow complexion". The gilt cinquefoil and cross patonce ornaments on the spine are from Beckford's mother's Hamilton arms and the first Lord Latimer respectively. Hamilton Palace sale (1883) Part III lot 1434 (Bain £3 12s.).
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θ Beckford (William).- Rutter (John) Delineations of Fonthill and its Abbey , first edition, large paper copy , half-title, hand-coloured aquatint frontispiece, additional pictorial title and plate, 10 other uncoloured engraved plates including unnumbered plate of South West View (as usual), large folding lithographed map hand-coloured in outline, wood-engraved vignettes, folding sheet of genealogical tables, with list of subscribers at end (not found in all copies), a few pencil annotations, some very light marginal foxing to uncoloured plates, otherwise an excellent clean copy, original boards with engraved vignette title to upper cover, uncut, Lord Ellenborough's copy with his ink signature to upper cover, rebacked in blue morocco, new endpapers, rubbed, boards scuffed and marked, [Abbey, Scenery 418], large 4to (355 x 290mm.), Shaftesbury, by the Author , 1823 . ⁂ The best contemporary publication on William Beckford's extravagant Gothic mansion at Fonthill, built for him by James Wyatt between 1796 and 1812. The construction was rushed and the huge tower collapsed several times. Beckford was forced to sell the property and most of its contents in 1822 due to financial constraints and the majority of the building was demolished in 1825.
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![θ Beckford (William).- [Sale Catalogue] The Valuable Library of Books in Fonthill Abbey, Phillips, …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/973c456e-0fd8-48c1-a424-b299011d4b7b.jpg?h=175)
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θ Beckford (William).- [Sale Catalogue] The Valuable Library of Books in Fonthill Abbey . A Catalogue of the Magnificent, Rare, and Valuable Library (of 20,000 Volumes) . . . , [including] The Unique and Splendid Effects of Fonthill Abbey [&] The Pictures and Miniatures at Fonthill Abbey, together bound in 1 vol., engraved frontispiece, occasional spotting or soiling, original boards, rubbed and spotted, rebacked and recornered in dark blue morocco, new endpapers, preserved in dark blue morocco-backed cloth drop-back box, spine titled in gilt, Phillips , 1823 § Hamilton Palace Libraries (The). [Sale Catalogue ] Catalogue of the First [- Fourth] Portion of the Beckford Library removed from Hamilton Palace, 4 parts in 1 vol., with printed lists of prices and buyers' names bound at end, occasional spotting, a few pencil annotations, modern calf-backed marbled boards, vellum tips, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge , 1882-83, 8vo (2) ⁂ The first was one of the most famous sales of the nineteenth century, necessitated by Beckford's diminished financial resources. The sale was entrusted to Christie's and catalogued but before it took place John Farquhar, a Scottish gunpowder-manufacturer, bought the whole estate together with its contents. He then put the contents up for sale at auction with Phillips the following year. Choice items from Beckford's library and art collection had already been removed to his new residence in Lansdowne Terrace, Bath, and were inherited by his son-in-law the 10th Duke of Hamilton, later sold as part of the Hamilton Palace sales from 1882-84. The first sale catalogue comprises the entire contents of Fonthill , offered at auction over thirty-seven days from 23rd September to 29th October, encompassing the library , furniture, pictures and prints.
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![θ Beckford (William).- Hamilton (Alexander, 10th Duke) [Sale Catalogue] Catalogue of the …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/e3bf05d9-f691-4741-94bd-b299011cebcb.jpg?h=175)
θ Beckford (William).- Hamilton Palace Collection.- Hamilton (Alexander, 10th Duke ) [Sale Catalogue] Catalogue of the Collection of Pictures, Works of Art, and Decorative Objects... , First [-Fifth] Portion, 5 parts in 1 vol., 78 mounted carbon print photographic plates by James Annan (son of Thomas Annan), prices and buyers' names neatly supplied by hand in red ink, a few plates loose, some spotting or soiling, Sir Wroth Acland Lethbridge's copy with his signature to first title & cover and his bookplate, hinges weak, original red cloth, a little rubbed, spine faded, Christie's , 1882 ; Hamilton Palace Collection (The). Illustrated Priced Catalogue, title in red & black with decorative border, illustrations, advertisements at end with newspaper cuttings and some ink annotations, stamp of Russell Hartley to a few leaves and cover, original cloth, gilt, uncut, rubbed, Paris, Librairie d'Art & London, Remington & Co ., 1882 ; [Sale Catalogue Hamilton Palace Libraries] Catalogue of the Beckford Library removed from Hamilton Palace, 4 vol. in 2 [&] Catalogue of the Hamilton Library, together 5 vol, in 3, large and fine paper copies with printed list of prices and buyers' names at ends, ex-library set with stamps, library cloth, Sotheby's , 1882-84, 8vo & 4to (5) ⁂ The superb Hamilton Palace Collection included the art collection of William Beckford which was inherited by his son-in-law the 10th Duke of Hamilton along with Beckford's main library.
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![θ Beckford (William).- [ Lansdown (Henry Venn)] Recollections of the late William Beckford..., …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/cbdeaba1-9a27-4100-919d-b299011d7fc2.jpg?h=175)
θ Beckford (William).- [Lansdown (Henry Venn)] Recollections of the late William Beckford, of Fonthill, Wilts; and Lansdown, Bath , edited by Charlotte Lansdown, first edition , one of 100 copies , title and final leaf lightly browned, hinges split, book-label of John Gloag, original red cloth, by W.Brown of Bath, titled in gilt on upper cover, spine a little rubbed and faded, preserved in modern red cloth folder and red morocco-backed cloth slip-case, spine titled in gilt, 8vo, [Bath], printed for private circulation , 1893. ⁂ Scarce item of Beckfordiana, of which Library Hub records only 2 copies (BL and University of Oxford).
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1
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Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
θ [Radcliffe (Ann)] A Sicilian Romance by the authoress of The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne , 2 vol., first edition , lacking half-titles, small hole to lower margin of vol. 1 B1, scattered foxing, 19th century bookseller's label of T. Hookham to vol. 1 front pastedown, contemporary calf, sympathetically rebacked and recornered, preserving original backstrips (a little rubbed and chipped at ends), preserved in custom calf-backed drop back box, [Garside, Raven and Schowerling 1790 :61; Rothschild 1699; Summers p. 503; Tymn 1-314], 12mo, T. Hookham, 1790. ⁂ Radcliffe 's rare second novel. In A Sicilian Romance Radcliffe begins to develop some of the key themes that would come to dominate her later, more famous works, and would later be adopted by other authors including Charlotte Brontë.
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![θ [Radcliffe (Ann)] The Romance Of The Forest: Interspersed With Some Pieces Of Poetry, 3 vol., …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/3eb87601-3743-475d-bf9c-b299011d225c.jpg?h=175)
21
Quantity
1
Max bid
GBP
Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ [Radcliffe (Ann)] The Romance Of The Forest: Interspersed With Some Pieces Of Poetry , 3 vol., first edition, vol. 1 with short tear to foot of title and D4 with horizontal crease obscuring 2 words and with short fore-margin tear just running into text without loss, vol. 2 with occcasional light damp-staining to lower corner, vol. 3 with short tear running into text without loss, light foxing and occasional soiling, pencil ownership inscription to head of titles and the Eardley armorial bookplate to vol. 2 & 3 front pastedowns, contemporary tree calf, neatly and sympathetically rebacked and recornered, preserving original (somewhat chipped) backstrips, extremities rubbed, preserved in custom calf-backed drop-back box with gilt spines, [Garside, Raven and Schowerling 1791: 58; Rothschild 1700; Summers p. 483; Tymn 1-315], 12mo, T. Hookham and J. Carpenter, 1791. ⁂ Radcliffe's scarce third novel, the Rothschild copy is noted as lacking the initial "J." on the vol.1 title imprint, present here.
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22
θ Lewis (Matthew Gregory) The Monk: a Romance , 3 vol. third edition, first issue with 2 books advertised at end of vol.3, vol. 1 with worming to fore-margin to initial and final gatherings, just touching text towards end, ink ownership stamp of J. Ewer to head of titles, contemporary tree calf, vol.1 lower joint repaired at foot, renewed red and green morocco labels to spines, vol. 2 & 3 with some restoration to corners, 12mo, for J. Bell , 1797. ⁂ An attractive copy of this key gothic novel, all unexpurgated pre-1798 editions are scarce
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θ Lewis (Matthew Gregory) Romantic Tales , 4 vol., first edition , half-titles, without advertisements at end of vol. 4, scattered foxing and light browning, Horatia Nelson's copy with her ink ownership inscription to head of titles, armorial bookplate of John Croft Deverell to front pastedowns, contemporary red crushed morocco, gilt, spines gilt in compartments with pomegranate motifs, corners bumped, rubbed, t.e.g., [Garside, Raven and Schowerling 1808: 72], 8vo, Longman, Hurst, Rees & Orme, 1808. ⁂ A collection of five Gothic tales and eight poems. This copy with the ownership inscription of Horatia Nelson, the illegitimate daughter of Nelson and Lady Hamilton.
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![θ [Maturin (Charles Robert)],](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/a2745f1d-3899-4f9b-95d0-b299011db1e5.jpg?h=175)
24
Quantity
1
Max bid
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Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ [Maturin (Charles Robert)], "Dennis Jasper Murphy". Fatal Revenge; Or, The Family of Montorio. A Romance , 3 vol., first edition , vol. 2 lacking final blank f. and rear endpaper, vol. 3 lacking final advertisment f. and with front free endpaper laid onto pastedown, foxing and occasional light browning, some light creasing, some marking or staining to margins, ink and pencil ownership inscriptions to front endpapers, contemporary tree calf, spines gilt, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, bumping to corners, rubbing and slight wear to extremities, preserved in custom calf-backed drop-back box with gilt spines, [Sadleir, 1664; Summers p.31; Tymn 1-239; Wolff 4648], 12mo, Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, 1807. ⁂ Maturin's scarce first novel, a typically convoluted Gothic work that nevertheless brought him to the attention of Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron.
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![θ Utterson (Sarah Elizabeth) Tales of the Dead, first edition, [by S. Hamilton] for White, …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/2b01e8ed-f9aa-4980-aed5-b299011d4553.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
Max bid
GBP
Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ [Utterson (Sarah Elizabeth, editor and translator )] Tales of the Dead, first edition , lacking half-title, light foxing and browning throughout, ink inscriptions to front free endpaper, modern half calf, spine gilt in compartments, [Garside, Raven and Schowerling 1813:60; not in Summers], 8vo, [by S. Hamilton] for White, Cochrane, and Co., 1813. ⁂ First edition of this rare collection, partly a translation of the French Fantasmagoriana (itself allegedly a translation from the German) though including an original work by Utterson, "The Storm" as the fifth story. Fantasmagoriana was famously read by Byron, the Shelleys and Polidori on the night that engendered Frankenstein and The Vampire. On publication this collection received several positive reviews from Francis Palgrave and others, with Utterson's original contribution in particular singled out for praise.
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26
θ Famous hoax.- Caraboo: A Narrative of a Singular Imposition, practised upon the Benevolence of a Lady residing in the Vicinity of the City of Bristol, first edition , half-title, engraved portrait frontispiece by N. Braithwhite and folding engraved plate by E.Bird, some light spotting, final two leaves with marginal repairs, affecting a couple of letters of text, later half calf, 8vo, Bristol & London, 1817 . ⁂ The account of an elaborate hoax. In early 1817 a young woman arrived at Almondsbury in Gloucestershire speaking in a language which the villagers could not understand. Apparently of oriental descent, she was taken in by a local couple and became something of a cause celebre.From interpretation of various signs, gestures and words it was claimed she was Caraboo , a princess of Javasu in the Indian Ocean who had been captured by pirates and sold to the captain of a brig. She had escaped by jumping ship, swimming ashore and then eventually, after six weeks of wandering, found herself at Almondsbury.The local newspapers of Bath and Bristol gave her increasing attention but after about ten weeks she was exposed as Mary Wilcocks, the daughter of a shoemaker Thomas Wilcocks and Mary Burgess of Witheridge, Devon. She was also known as Mary Baker, the name of her supposed first husband.
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θ Poesias Eroticas Escolhidas , half-title, dedication neatly ruled and decorated in gold, 4 finely-engraved plates depicting well-endowed monks at play, some very light offsetting, contemporary green morocco, gilt, spine richly gilt in compartments, very slight rubbing to spine tips and corners, g.e., preserved in custom morocco drop-back box with gilt in imitation of the binding, 18mo, Paris, n.p., 1818. ⁂ A handsome copy of this rare illustrated collection of erotic poetry.
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![θ [Polidori (John)] The Vampyre; A Tale, first edition, third issue, 1819](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/389a2687-8a49-42e1-9edc-b299011d09b5.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
Max bid
GBP
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
θ [Polidori (John)] The Vampyre; A Tale, first edition , third issue, half-title, light foxing, attractive antique-style half calf, spine gilt with red morocco label, slipcase, [Garside, Raven and Schowerling 1819:55; Tymn 1-304], 8vo, for Sherwood, Neely, and Jones, 1819. ⁂ The circumstances surrounding the birth of this work and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein during a night of ghost-story telling with Byron and friends, is well documented. This third issue, without Byron's name on the title, with the preliminaries reset to 23 lines and with the word "almost" in last line of p.36 missing the first letter.
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![θ [De Quincey (Thomas)] Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, first edition, ink presentation …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/51f9d930-109c-42bb-8561-b299011d9eb6.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
Max bid
GBP
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
θ [De Quincey (Thomas)] Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, first edition, ink presentation inscription "To the Editor of the Eclectic Review" to half-title, 2pp. advertisements at rear, reviewer's pencil markings to pp.86, 87, 99 & 113 marking passages for quotation, bookplate of Arnold & Janetta Whitridge to front pastedown, red crushed morocco, gilt, by Riviere & Son, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, retaining original gilt backstrip, minor chippig to spine ends, t.e.g., others uncut, original brown wrappers neatly laid down and bound in, 8vo, for Taylor and Hessey, 1822. ⁂ A review copy of De Quincey's notorious account of his addition to opium . The passages marked here appear quoted in the Eclectic Review in full. In sending his book to the Eclectic Review, De Quincey wisely chose a magazine more modern in its tastes and coverage than many of its rivals. Though the magazine chose to review the book, where many refused to even acknowledge it, the review was nevertheless rather negative, commenting that the book "contains so much that is objectionable and positively disgusting that we should not have thought it advisable to give it a place in our pages."
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30
θ Ghost Stories; Collected with a Particular View to Counteract the Vulgar Belief in Ghosts and Apparitions, first edition, aquatint frontispiece and 5 plates, all hand-coloured, offsetting, very light browning to endpapers, armorial bookplate of Ferdinand M. McVeigh to front pastedown, original boards, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, retaining original spine label, uncut, preserved in folding chemise and morocco-backed slip-case (spine sunned), 8vo, R. Ackermann, 1823.
⁂ A very good copy of this charming work, containing several ostensibly supernatural stories that prove to have rational solutions.
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![θ Morier (Sir James Justinian) [The complete prose fiction], 24 vol., first editions, 4 works …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/135bfa49-3c4e-4690-a278-b299011d8ce7.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
Max bid
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Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
θ [Morier ( Sir James Justinian)] [Collected oriental romances], 24 vol., first editions, comprising The Adventures of Hajji Baba, of Ispahan, 3 vol., vol.1 only with half-title, lacking in vol.2 & 3, title in vol.1 and a few other leaves very lightly soiled, 1824; The Adventures of Hajji Baba, of Ispahan, in England, 2 vol., vol.2 lacking half-title (not called for in vol.1), vol.1 with final otherwise blank imprint leaf, 1828; Zohrab the Hostage, 3 vol., vol.1 lacking advertisement leaf at beginning, vol.2 & 3 lacking half-titles, 1832; Ayesha, the Maid of Kars, 3 vol., 1834; Abel Allnutt. A Novel, 3 vol., vol.1 lacking half-title , 1837; The Banished: a Swabian Historical Tale, 3 vol., vol.2 & 3 lacking half-titles, vol.3 also 4pp. publisher's catalogue at end , 1839; The Mirza, 3 vol., half-titles, inscribed to Sir Robert Harry Inglis Bart. "from his faithfl. & ever obliged friend, The Author" on half-title (cropped just shaving one letter), 1841; St.Roche. A Romance, from the German, 3 vol., half-titles, genealogical table at end of vol.3, 1847; Martin Toutrond: A Frenchman in London in 1831, half-title, etched frontispiece and wood-engraved illustrations by Measom, frontispiece lightly browned at edges, 1849, Zohrad the Hostage, Ayesha and Abel Allnut inscribed "from the author" on titles, very occasional light spotting, some titles with small ink stamp of Robert Inglis on verso, engraved bookplate to front paste-downs, handsome uniform mottled calf, by Riviere & Son, covers with small Greek key border in gilt, spines gilt in compartments with red morocco labels, the first t.e.g., others uncut, the rest g.e., slight rubbing to extremities, [Sadleir 1793, 1794, 1801, 1796, 1792, 1798, 1797, 1802 & 1803; Wolff 4925, 4926, 4933, 4927, 4924, 4930, 4929, 4934 & 4932], Richard Bentley, 8vo. ⁂ A superb set of most of Morier's fictional output. James Justinian Morier (1782-1849) worked for his father's business in Smyrna before becoming a diplomat. He published two accounts of his travels before turning to fiction and beginning the sequence of orientalist novels on which much of his fame now rests.
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![θ [Hogg (James)] The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, first edition, …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/02d2e494-54d7-4de1-bfe1-b299011da06d.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
Max bid
GBP
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
θ [Hogg (James)] The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, first edition , engraved facsimile letter frontispiece, some very light marginal soiling but a very clean copy generally, book label of John Sparrow to front pastedown, original cloth-backed boards, rebacked, retaining much of (chipped and browned) backstrip, covers rubbed, uncut, preserved in custom morocco-backed drop-back box, [Garside, Raven and Schowerling 1824:50; Sadleir 1198; Tymn 1-165; not in Wolff], 8vo Hurst, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, 1824. ⁂ The John Sparrow copy in boards of Hogg's gothic masterpiece. "Hogg's theme of the disintegration of the self paved the way for the mature Gothics of Poe and Hawthorne in the 1830s" - Tymn.
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![θ [Hoffmann (Ernst Theodor Amadeus)] Specimens of German Romance, 3 vol., Geo. B. Whittaker, 1826](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/cfc734a7-8467-496c-b716-b299011db8c0.jpg?h=175)
33
θ [Hoffmann (Ernst Theodor Amadeus)] Specimens of German Romance , 3 vol., first edition, 3 etched frontispieces by George Cruikshank, light browning to titles, some light marginal soiling, a very clean copy generally, original blue patterned cloth with papers labels to spines, light browning to spines, spine ends and corners bumped, a remarkably bright, fine copy, [Wolff 6476], 8vo, Geo. B. Whittaker, 1826. ⁂ Exceptionally rare in the original cloth in such superb condition, Wolff's copy was rebound.
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![θ Pushkin (Alexander) The Talisman... with other pieces, [translated by George Borrow], first …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/1984e02d-d08e-480c-9a9d-b299011d1fda.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
Max bid
GBP
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
θ Pushkin (Alexander) The Talisman... with other pieces, [translated by George Borrow], first English edition , [one of 100 copies] , light foxing to upper margin, St Petersburg, Schulz and Beneze , 1835 bound with The Turkish Jester; or The Pleasantries of Gogia Nasr Eddin Effendi. Translated from the Turkish by George Borrow, one of 150 copies , some very light surface soiling to additional title, Ipswich, W. Webber, 1884, together 2 works in 1 vol., polished calf gilt by Baker Bindery, Anniston, Alabama, spine gilt in compartments with red morocco label, g.e., 8vo .
⁂ A rare pair of translations by Borrow, the first being the first English translation of any of Pushkin's works .
Borrow (1803-1881) was an accomplished linguist who spent two years in Russia, during this period he attempted to meet Pushkin but the author was unfortunately away on a social visit and expressed regret at not meeting the translator.
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![θ [Le Fanu (Joseph Sheridan)] Ghost Stories and Tales of Mystery, first edition, Dublin, James …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/fc5b3e88-b423-4158-bbdd-b299011d07ad.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
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GBP
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
θ [Le Fanu (Joseph Sheridan)] Ghost Stories and Tales of Mystery, first edition , half-title and title in red and blue, frontispiece and 3 engraved plates by Hablot K. Browne, faint offsetting, some light damp-staining and cockling, some light marking and toning, ink ownership stamps to endpaper and frontispiece recto, 19th century red half morocco, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, preserving original gilt backstrip, slight wear to to top edge, covers a little rubbed, g.e., preserved in custom half morocco drop-back box replicating binding, [Sadleir 1376; Tymn 2-60; Wolff 4013], small 8vo, Dublin, James McGlashan, 1851. ⁂ Le Fanu's scarce first collection of ghost stories . A noted influence on a number of later writers of supernatural fiction, most notably M.R. James.
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θ Le Fanu (Joseph Sheridan) The Wyvern Mystery, first one-volume edition, Montague Summers' copy with his bookplate to front pastedown, frontispiece and illustrations by Brinsley Sheriden Le Fanu, contemporary ink ownership inscription to head of title, occasional corner creasing or light finger-soiling, hinges weak, original decorative cloth, slight shelf-lean, spine darkened, spine ends and corners bumped and frayed, joints rubbed, 8vo, Ward and Downey, 1889. ⁂ The rare first one-volume (and first illustrated) edition of Le Fanu's gothic novel, with the bookplate of noted collector of gothic fiction, Montague Summers. We can trace no example of this edition at auction, Library Hub lists copies at the BL and Trinity College Dublin libraries only.
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![θ Le Fanu (Joseph Sheridan) The Watcher and Other Weird Stories, first edition, Downey & Co., [1894]](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/bb972fcf-b6fc-4a08-835f-b299011db079.jpg?h=175)
37
θ Le Fanu (Joseph Sheridan) The Watcher and Other Weird Stories, first edition , frontispiece, pictorial title and illustrations by Brinsley Sheridan Le Fanu, 8pp. publisher's advertisements, gutter cracked but gatherings holding, upper hinge cracked but firm, original pictorial cloth, lettered and decorated in black and silver, light browning to spine, spine tips and corners a little frayed, a bright and excellent example overall, [Sadleir 1387; Wolff 4026], Downey & Co ., [1894]. ⁂ A lovely copy in the wonderfully atmospheric binding with illustrations by the author's son.
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38
Quantity
1
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Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
θ Baudelaire (Charles) Les Fleurs du Mal , first edition containing all six suppressed poems, first issue with "Feurs" in headline on pp. 31 & 108, p.45 misnumbered "44", and with "captieux" the last word of the first line on p.201, half-title, title in red & black, book-label of John Clay with printed email from him to Barry Humphries offering him the book loosely inserted, contemporary half black morocco, spine titled in gilt with floral motifs in compartments and five raised bands, t.e.g., others uncut, very slightly rubbed and marked, 12mo, Paris, Poulet-Malassis et de Broise , 1857. ⁂ Issued in an edition of 1300 copies, of which 200 had the six censored poems removed following Baudelaire's prosecution.
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1
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1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ Crowe (Catherine) Ghosts and Family Legends. A Volume for Christmas, first edition , armorial bookplate of Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe to front pastedown partially obscuring the ink ownership inscription of his father, Richard Monckton Milnes, original cloth, very slight shelf-lean, light sunning to spine, minor fraying to spine tips and corners, light rubbing, a sharp, near-fine example overall, preserved in custom green morocco drop-back box, spine lettered in gilt with red morocco labels and image of a grey spectre, [Sadleir 664a; Summers pp.32-33] 8vo, Thomas Cautley Newby, 1859. ⁂ Crowe's final collection of supernatural tales, rare in the cloth in such superb condition.
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40
θ Lortic (Marcellin, binder ).- Cardoze (Jules) Lina, Histoire Vraie, extra-illustrated with 8 original drawings by T.Vardon comprising hand-coloured pen & ink frontispiece, 3 pen & ink plates and 4 pencil head- or tail-pieces, bound in charming crushed tan goatskin, by Marcellin Lortic , covers tooled in gilt with triple fillet border and panel of five narrow parallel lines with protruding corners and leafy fronds filling corners, spine titled and panelled in gilt with five raised bands, blue goatskin doublures with border of gilt fillets & small dots and floral ornaments to corners, signed "Lortic fils" at foot of front turn-in, pale blue silk linings embroidered with small pink flowers, g.e., original pale green wrappers bound in (soiled and stained), spine a little rubbed, preserved in cloth slip-case (slightly soiled),12mo (binding c.115 x 80mm.), Paris , 1860. ⁂ Marcellin Lortic (1852-1928) was the son of Pierre-Marcellin Lortic and developed a style of richly-gilded bindings.
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![θ Symonds (John Addington) [Collected works], 17 vol., finely-bound, 1860-1902](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/fd254ddc-fa51-49d3-8992-b299011d8dd6.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
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Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ Symonds (John Addington) [Collected works], 17 vol., comprising The Escorial. A Prize Poem, Oxford , 1860; Sketches in Italy and Greece, half-title, scattered spotting, 1874; Renaissance in Italy. The Age of Despots, 2 vol., half-titles, some spotting, 1875; Many Moods. A Volume of Verse, 1878; Sketches and Studies in Italy, half-title, frontispiece, 1879; Animi Figura, half-title, 1882; Italian Byways, half-title with ink inscription to head, 1883; Vagabunduli Libellus, 1884; Wine, Women, and Song, half-title , 1884; Webster & Tournier, frontispiece, 1888; Essays Speculative and Suggestive, 2 vol., half-titles, 1890; Blank Verso, half-title, title in red and black , 1895; A Problem in Modern Ethics, half-title, 1896; Studies of the Greek Poets, 2 vol., third edition, half-title, 1902, first editions unless where mentioned, handsome brown crushed half morocco, gilt, spines gilt in compartments with floral and foliate devices, 8vo.
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1
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1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ Symonds (John Addington) In the Key of Blue and Other Prose Essays, one of 50 large-paper copies , the odd spot and some light darkening to fore-margins, ink gift inscription dated January 1893 to front free endpaper, original vellum, elaborately blocked in gilt to a "hyacinths and laurels" design by Charles Ricketts, signed at foot, some very light soiling, uncut, preserved in custom drop-back box, 8vo, Elkin Matthews & John Lane, 1893. ⁂ An excellent example of one of Ricketts' finest binding designs.
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![θ [Bierce (Ambrose)],](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/abdee44d-3da9-43bc-a9b6-b299011d0270.jpg?h=175)
θ [Bierce (Ambrose)], "Dod Grile" . The Fiend's Delight, title page vignette, 32pp. advertisements at rear, lower hinge weak, original brown cloth decorated in gilt, slight shelf-lean, spine tips and corners a little bumped and worn, John Camden Hotten, [1873]; Cobwebs from an Empty Skull, illustrations by the Dalziel Brothers, some light marginal soiling, original pictorial cloth, gilt, neatly rebacked, retaining original darkened backstrip, rubbed, George Routledge, 1874, first editions, preserved together in custom morocco-backed drop-back box, 8vo . ⁂ Bierce's first and third book, published during a three year sojourn in England.
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1
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1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ Éléonore ou l'Heureuse Personne , 2 vol. in 1, large paper copy with plates in 2 states , 6 engraved plates after the original 1799 edition, each in 2 states (black and sanguine), extra-illustrated with 12 original watercolour erotic illustrations to text , a few minor stains to margins, bound in half tan morocco, by P[etrus] Ruban, spine titled in gilt above climbing floral design with onlays in light and dark green (one lacking), t.e.g., others uncut, a little rubbed and spotted, 8vo, Amsterdam [Brussels, Poulet-Malassis] , 1875. ⁂ Erotic novel in which a young girl has the ability to change her sex, as depicted in the additional illustrations.
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θ Wilde (Oscar) Ravenna. Recited in the Theatre, Oxford, June 26, 1878 , from the Newdigate Prize Poem series, first edition , later crushed brown morocco, elaborately decorated in gilt with boxing hare motifs, initialed "D.L." on upper cover and foot of spine, slight rubbing to joints and spine tips, original wrappers bound in (upper wrapper repaired at gutter and head), [Mason 1], 8vo, Oxford, Thomas Shrimpton , 1878. ⁂ Wilde's first separately-published work. This binding matching other Wilde books that have appeared at Swann Galleries in 1982 and these rooms in 2019.
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θ Wilde (Oscar) The Picture of Dorian Gray, first published appearance in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, English issue, rare variant ?for overseas sale, unpriced and with "August 1890" to title and upper wrapper, occasional light marking or soiling, light foxing to title, lacking all after "Round Robin Talks II" (p.140), modern purple cane toad-backed cloth, upper wrapper (rather stained with light browning and short tear to fore-edge) bound in, [Mason 81], 8vo, Ward, Lock & Co. , 1890. ⁂ A highly unusual copy of Wilde's celebrated story , published in the July issue of Lippincott's magazine but with the month here given as August on both the upper wrapper and title and without the usual "One Shilling" price to the upper wrapper. It may be that this copy was intended for sale in Australia or another far-flung corner of the British empire, but we have been unable to trace another example.
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![θ Wilde (Oscar) After Reading [&] After Berneval, 2 vol., each numer 10 of 75 copies on Japanese …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/2abd098b-8cf1-4f90-83db-b299011d6969.jpg?h=175)
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θ Wilde (Oscar) After Reading [&] After Berneval, 2 vol., each numer 10 of 75 copies on Japanese vellum signed by the illustrator and printe r, woodcut illustrations and decorations by Ethelbert White, original vellum-backed boards, slight browning to head of covers, 8vo, Cyril William Beaumont at the Beaumont Press, 1921-22. ⁂ Very good copies of these attractive works, collecting together a series of letters from Wilde to Robert Ross.
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1,500 - 2,000 GBP
θ Wilde (Oscar).- Saltus (Edgar) The Philosophy of Disenchantment, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "To Oscar Wilde Esqre. with the sincere regards of Edgar Everston Saltus. London 17 December /85." to front free endpaper, 16pp. advertisements at end, author's pencil corrections to margins of 3pp., bookplate of Stuart J. Eckerson to front pastedown, original cloth, slight toning to spine, slight bumping and fraying to spine tips and corners, t.e.g., preserved in custom morocco-backed drop-back box, [BAL 17129], 8vo, Boston, 1885. ⁂ A presentation copy to Oscar Wilde from one of the leading American figures in the Aesthetic Movement. Wilde had first met Saltus during his 1882 lecture tour of America on "The English Renaissance". The present work was the author's contribution to the discussion of aestheticism, with a particular focus on the philosophical pessimism espoused by Schopenhauer. Saltus spent several years of the 1890s travelling through Europe and became friendly with Wilde during his sojourns in London. He published his memoir of their friendship, Oscar Wilde: An Idler’s Impression, in 1917 and contributed an introduction to an American edition of Wilde's plays.
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θ Wilde (Lady Jane).- Saltus (Edgar) The Pace that Kills, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Lady Wilde - with the duty and homage of Edgar Saltus. London November /89" to half-title, some light finger-soiling to margins, book label of Herbert Boyce Satcher to front free endpaper, originla cloth, spine a little darkened, light rubbing to spine tips and corners, t.e.g., preserved in custom morocco-backed drop-back box, 8vo, Chicago, New York and San Francisco, 1889. ⁂ A presentation copy to Oscar Wilde's mother. See also lot XXX.
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51
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1
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Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
θ Riddell ( Mrs . J.H.) Weird Stories, first edition, presentation inscription from the author "W. Riddell with the author's best wish for a happy new year " on title, 6pp. advertisements, very occasional scattered foxing, 1 or 2 gatherings a little proud, lacking rear endpaper, original pictorial cloth, spine darkened, spine ends and corners bumped and a little frayed, some soiling to covers and light rubbing to extremities, an excellent copy, preserved in custom morocco drop-back box, [Sadleir 2070; Tymn 3-220; Wolff 5828], 8vo, James Hogg , [1882]. ⁂ A presentation copy of this exceptionally rare and celebrated collection of supernatural stories , we can trace no copies at auction or in UK institutions. WorldCat lists 5 copies only (one in Germany and 4 in the US). This copy with the covers and spine blocked with a black leaf decoration, unlike that described by Sadleir.
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1
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2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Moore (George) A Modern Lover , 3 vol., first edition, 31pp. advertisements to end of vol. 3, pencil mark to vol. 1 M5, very occasional light finger-soiling, a very clean copy generally, original teal cloth lettered in black and gold, very slight toning to spines, minor bumping to spine tips and corners, a fine copy, preserved in folding chemise and morocco-backed slip-case, [Sadleir 1767; Wolff 4892], 8vo, Tinsley Brothers, 1883. ⁂ A superb example of Moore's first novel, famously banned by Mudie's Circulating Library. In response Moore published his next novel A Mummer's Wife in one volume, the success of which was so great it contributed to the end of the triple-decker format and the lending libraries they supported.
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![θ Johnson (Lionel) Sir Walter Raleigh in the Tower, first edition [1 of 7 copies], [Chester, …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/28190e56-c1b0-4a61-b0eb-b299011d7a19.jpg?h=175)
Quantity
1
Max bid
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Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
θ Johnson (Lionel) Sir Walter Raleigh in the Tower, first edition [1 of 7 copies], 2 editorial corrects to p.5, neatly repaired tears to fore-margin, some light marking or soiling to margins, original printed wrappers, pencil inscription to head of upper wrapper "G.H.P. for Mr. Gosse to see", neat repairs to spine, minor fray to edges, light surface soiling, preserved in folding chemise and morocco pull-top box, 4to, [Chester, privately printed by Phillipson & Golder , 1885].
⁂ Johnson's exceptionally rare first book, this copy possibly intended for Edmund Gosse. We can trace only two examples of this work at auction. For this poem, Johnson was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal in English Verse from Winchester College.
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54
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1
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Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Johnson (Lionel) Poems, first issue, one of 25 copies signed by the author, title vignette and colophon device printed in red, light browning to endpapers, original brown buckram, slight fraying to spine tips, minor bumping to corners, uncut and unopened, a near-fine copy, preserved in custom morocco-backed drop-back box, 8vo, Elkin Mathews, 1895. ⁂ A fine, unopened, example of one of the key British poetic publications of the period. The layout was designed by Herbert P. Horne, including the used of small caps at line openings which produce an unusual but distinctly elegant effect. The second issue comprises the 750 regular copies of this title, for which much of the text was reset.
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θ Johnson (Lionel) Ireland with other poems, first edition , title printed in red and black, endpapers browned, original boards, small mark to head of spine, uncut, a fine, unopened copy, preserved in custom morocco-backed drop-back box, 8vo, Elkin Mathews, 1897. ⁂ A superb, unopened copy of this scarce collection.
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![θ [ Smithers (Leonard) and Sir Richard Francis Burton, translators and editors ] Priapeia; or the …](https://portal-images.azureedge.net/auctions-2025/drewea1-10544/images/cdf422ab-51e4-4f53-9629-b299011d4270.jpg?h=175)
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θ [ Smithers (Leonard) and Sir Richard Francis Burton, translators and editors ] Priapeia; or the Sportive Epigrams of Divers Poets on Priapus, one of 250 copies , half-title, some light surface creasing, light finger-soiling to margins, bookplates of Robert Booth and another (designed by Stephen Gooden but with name excised) to endpapers, remains of earlier bookplate to front free endpaper, later crushed brown half morocco over original boards, original spine bound in, bumping to corners, t.e.g., [Penzer, p. 153], 8vo, Athens, Erotika Biblion Society, 1888. ⁂ Scarce translation of classical erotic verses. Burton disassociated himself from the work but letters between him and Smithers clearly show his direct involvement.
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θ Smithers (Leonard C., editor ) The Transmigrations of the Mandarin Fum-Hoam (Chinese Tales) , one of 5 copies on Japanese vellum , title page printed in red and black, light marginal browning, watered silk endpapers (some separating and fraying to margins of endpapers), bookplate of Helen Hay Whitney and Joan Whitney Payson, blue crushed morocco by H.S. Nichols, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, retaining original backstrip, spine and covers a little darkened, t.e.g., 8vo, H.S Nichols & Co., 1894. ⁂ Rare limitation of this collection of tales, from the libraries of distinguished American collectors Helen Hay Whitney and her daughter Joan Whitney Payson.
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θ Sade (Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de ) Opus Sadicum, number 1 of 50 copies using the sheets of the first edition in English, half-title, title printed in red and black, engraved frontispiece, dark green crushed half morocco, gilt, by Bayntun, spine gilt in compartments, light sunning to spine, t.e.g., others uncut, 8vo, Athens, by the Erotika Biblion Society for Private Distribution, 1889. ⁂ An excellent example of this rare edition, we can trace no other copy at auction. The first edition in English was published by Isadore Liseux in Paris. Harry Sidney Nichols bought 50 sets of sheets and published them in the present edition for his society members.
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63
Quantity
1
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Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
θ Davidson (John) and C.J. Wills . Laura Ruthven's Widowhood , 3 vol., first edition, floral endpapers (that in vol.1 with short tear to fore-edge), original olive-green cloth, slight bumping to spine tips and corners, an exceptionally fine, bright copy, preserved in custom morocco-backed pull-top box, [Sadleir 676; not in Wolff], 8vo, Lawrence & Bullen, 1892. ⁂ A remarkable example of this rare triple-decker, the only one published by the talented and tragic Davidson whose deteriorating physical and mental health contributed to his probable suicide in 1909. We can only trace this copy at auction in the last 50 years.
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64
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1
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Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
θ Gray (John) Silverpoints, one of 250 copies on Van Gelder paper , Autograph Note signed from the author to Elkin Mathews on a proof title page tipped in following title, browning to endpapers, book labels of Thomas Hutchinson and William E. Fredeman to endpapers, original green cloth, gilt, designed by Ricketts, spine darkened, cloth a little dulled, slight fraying to spine tips and corners, preserved in custom morocco-backed drop-back box, 8vo, Elkin Mathews and John Lane, 1893. ⁂ A remarkable copy of this key work of decadent literature. The note, addressed from Gray to his publisher concerns the layout of the work "This is the way these pages should be arranged - as I have numbered them - according to Mr. Ricketts. So now Mr. Leighton can proceed with the binding". The note includes a ticket at the foot which was not used in the final production stating "The binding design of water and willow leaves is by C.S. Ricketts. The build of the book has throughout been founded on the Aldine Italic books." With the book label of noted pre-Raphaelite collector and authority William E. Fredeman.
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θ Gray (John) Silverpoints , first edition , number 219 of 250 copies, this copy on Spalding hand-made paper, decorative initials by Charles Ricketts, with 2 contemporary newspaper reviews and A.L.s. from bibliophile Stanley Scott to Beardsley collector W.G.Good loosely inserted, original green cloth decorated with gilt leaves and wavy lines, designed by Ricketts, uncut, preserved in custom morocco-backed Cockerell marbled paper folder with flaps, spine gilt, 8vo, Elkin Mathews and John Lane , 1893.
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