May 1, 2024 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
102
Sharpe's beautifully illustrated monograph of Kingfishers
Estate / Collection: The Ken Harte Collection of Natural History
SHARPE, RICHARD BOWDLER
A Monograph of the Alcedinidae or Family of Kingfishers. London: Published by the Author, [printed by Taylor and Francis], 1868-71. First edition. Finely bound in modern fine three-quarters red morocco over red cloth, the spine tooled and lettered in gilt, all edges gilt. 11 1/2 x 8 inches (29 x 20 cm); 120 hand-colored lithographic plates by and after J. G. Keulemans, hand-colored "Map of the Family Alcedinidae," and one uncolored plate of "Generic characters," retains the list of subscribers, index at end. A very fine copy, slightly toned, very slight lean; Together with MURIE, JAMES. One the Anatomy of the Kingfishers. London: circa 1870. First edition, with a pencilled inscription from the author, this the H. Bradley Martin copy with his booklabel to chemise. This is an unfinished chapter of a work intended for inclusion in the final double part of the work but apparently only appeared later. Caption titled, with 6 plates. Housed in a cloth case. The first leaf detached and chipped, other spotting and minor wear.
A ''thorough monograph of the ...[Kingfisher family] ... containing all the available information respecting the birds in question and illustrated by fine hand-colored plates'' (Zimmer). The work appeared in fifteen parts from July 1, 1868 to January 1, 1871 and was reportedly limited to 200 copies. This copy is accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie which was not initially included in the publication and appeared later. This is the only copy of Murie's work that we trace, it being quite scarce. Zimmer p. 575; Anker 464; Nissen IVB 864; Wood p. 564.
Sold for $14,080
Estimated at $6,000 - $8,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: The Ken Harte Collection of Natural History
SHARPE, RICHARD BOWDLER
A Monograph of the Alcedinidae or Family of Kingfishers. London: Published by the Author, [printed by Taylor and Francis], 1868-71. First edition. Finely bound in modern fine three-quarters red morocco over red cloth, the spine tooled and lettered in gilt, all edges gilt. 11 1/2 x 8 inches (29 x 20 cm); 120 hand-colored lithographic plates by and after J. G. Keulemans, hand-colored "Map of the Family Alcedinidae," and one uncolored plate of "Generic characters," retains the list of subscribers, index at end. A very fine copy, slightly toned, very slight lean; Together with MURIE, JAMES. One the Anatomy of the Kingfishers. London: circa 1870. First edition, with a pencilled inscription from the author, this the H. Bradley Martin copy with his booklabel to chemise. This is an unfinished chapter of a work intended for inclusion in the final double part of the work but apparently only appeared later. Caption titled, with 6 plates. Housed in a cloth case. The first leaf detached and chipped, other spotting and minor wear.
A ''thorough monograph of the ...[Kingfisher family] ... containing all the available information respecting the birds in question and illustrated by fine hand-colored plates'' (Zimmer). The work appeared in fifteen parts from July 1, 1868 to January 1, 1871 and was reportedly limited to 200 copies. This copy is accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie which was not initially included in the publication and appeared later. This is the only copy of Murie's work that we trace, it being quite scarce. Zimmer p. 575; Anker 464; Nissen IVB 864; Wood p. 564.
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
