May 1, 2024 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
57
An extensively extra-illustrated set with original watercolors from the library of Irving Berlin
Estate / Collection: Estate of Mary Ellin Barrett
SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM, edited W. E. HENLEY
The Works of William Shakespeare. Edinburgh: T. & A. Constable, [circa 1904]. A unique extra-illustrated set extended from 10 to 40 volumes by the Edinboro Publishing Co., with a special printed leaf to that effect, indicating that the set contains 240 watercolor drawings by Jean de Paleologue (PAL), 120 illuminative and decorative designs by Easton, 80 watercolor drawings by Gifford, 24 by Schultetus, and 18 by Daniel Garber, and "upwards of 2500" etchings, steel, copper and wood engravings, mezzotints etc. N.B. We have not confirmed this claimed count. Full plain red Janseniste morocco by MacDonald, the full pale brown morocco front doublures inset with portraits of Shakespearian characters under glass, matching rear doublures with a motif of theatrical masks in gilt, broad ruled dentelles, moire silk endsheets. The bindings have all been sturdily rebacked. 12 5/8 x 8 1/8 inches (32 x 20.5 cm); various paginations. Some scratches and wear to bindings, rebacked as noted.
This set is among of the most extravagant examples of extra-illustration we have encountered. Extra-illustration was the forte of the Edinboro Publishing Company, which produced numerous such works in the early part of the century, but the present set of Shakespeare far exceeds anything else we have encountered from them.
This set was owned by Irving Berlin and his wife Katherine Mackay and descended to their daughter Mary Ellin Barrett.
Sold for $12,160
Estimated at $12,000 - $18,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: Estate of Mary Ellin Barrett
SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM, edited W. E. HENLEY
The Works of William Shakespeare. Edinburgh: T. & A. Constable, [circa 1904]. A unique extra-illustrated set extended from 10 to 40 volumes by the Edinboro Publishing Co., with a special printed leaf to that effect, indicating that the set contains 240 watercolor drawings by Jean de Paleologue (PAL), 120 illuminative and decorative designs by Easton, 80 watercolor drawings by Gifford, 24 by Schultetus, and 18 by Daniel Garber, and "upwards of 2500" etchings, steel, copper and wood engravings, mezzotints etc. N.B. We have not confirmed this claimed count. Full plain red Janseniste morocco by MacDonald, the full pale brown morocco front doublures inset with portraits of Shakespearian characters under glass, matching rear doublures with a motif of theatrical masks in gilt, broad ruled dentelles, moire silk endsheets. The bindings have all been sturdily rebacked. 12 5/8 x 8 1/8 inches (32 x 20.5 cm); various paginations. Some scratches and wear to bindings, rebacked as noted.
This set is among of the most extravagant examples of extra-illustration we have encountered. Extra-illustration was the forte of the Edinboro Publishing Company, which produced numerous such works in the early part of the century, but the present set of Shakespeare far exceeds anything else we have encountered from them.
This set was owned by Irving Berlin and his wife Katherine Mackay and descended to their daughter Mary Ellin Barrett.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024
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Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on May 1, 2024 Totals $1.2 Million
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A Medieval Manuscript Rules of St. Augustine Achieves $102k
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
NEW YORK, NY -- Competitive bidding at Doyle’s May 1, 2024 auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps drove strong prices and a sale total that topped $1.2 million, surpassing expectations.
Featured in the sale was a fascinating selection of early manuscripts that achieved exceptional results. Highlighting the group was a 14th century manuscript of the Rules of St. Augustine from an English priory that soared over its $8,000-12,000 estimate to realize a stunning $102,100. The Rule of St. Augustine is among the earliest of all monastic rules, created about 400, and it was an influence on all that succeeded it. Other notable results included a 14th century Etymologiae of St. Isidore estimated at $5,000-8,000 that achieved $51,200 and a 15th century Prayer Book of Jehan Bernachier estimated at $10,000-15,000 that sold for $28,800.
A first edition of John James Audubon's octavo Birds of America sold for $41,600, far over its $25,000-35,000 estimate. Published in 1840-1844 in seven volumes, the first octavo edition was the final Birds of America publication overseen by Audubon in his lifetime.
The Fred Rotondaro Collection offered rare books and manuscripts on a range of subjects touching the African American experience in the United States over three centuries. A first edition copy of Frederick Douglass’ 1876 speech at the unveiling of the Freedman's Monument in Washington realized $12,800, far exceeding its $3,000-5,000 estimate. A first edition of the first issue of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin from 1852 also achieved $12,800.
Highlighting the range of offerings from the Ken Harte Collection of Natural History was a first edition Richard Bowdler Sharpe’s beautifully illustrated monograph of Kingfishers, 1868-71, that sold for $14,080, doubling its $6,000-8,000 estimate. It was accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com
