12/10/2025 General, Books & Autographs
NEW YORK, NY -- In the holiday season, there’s nothing more cozy than curling up on a cold night with a good book, nothing more festive than reading together with friends and family. Doyle’s timed online sale of Rare Books, Autographs, & Maps closing on December 17 is packed with great gifts for any booklover, from new collectors to avowed bibliomaniacs. There's something to suit any taste: you'll find everything from an original leaf from the Nuremberg Chronicle (lot 3) and a first edition of Pynchon's V (lot 85) to a postcard signed by Virginia Woolf (lot 93) and an album of 1920s circus photography (lot 127).
For anybody looking to collect in the spirit of the season, here are a few lots that are sure to bring some holiday cheer:
The first edition of Miracle on 34th Street (lot 36), published in conjunction with the release of the famous film in 1947, is an interesting bit of Christmas history. After all, it was Miracle on 34th Street that introduced the name Kris Kringle to many Americans as a synonym for Santa Claus.
In this collection of Kennedy family ephemera (Lot 138), you'll find a photograph of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy standing by their lovely Christmas tree. The picture radiates pure classic American style and nostalgic Christmas cheer.
These five Christmas-themed books (lot 248) will make a fine introduction into the world of private press publications. With their elegant style and impeccable craftsmanship, these volumes will make a pleasing addition to your shelves all year round.
For a young or young-at-heart bibliophile, December’s sale has a wonderful selection of children’s books. There's a fine copy of the first American edition of A Bear Called Paddington (Lot 34). And we have two sets of Eloise books, including the first edition of Eloise (Lot 44) and a first of Eloise at Christmastime (Lot 45). Eloise at Christmastime was withdrawn from publication by the author in the '60s, so copies can be a bit harder to find.
Finally, for some New Years family fun, why not sit down and solve this New Years lottery rebus (lot 21)? The jury’s out on whether a glass or two of eggnog will help or hinder the wordplay abilities needed to put the text together.
Happy holidays from all of us in the Rare Books, Autographs, & Maps department!
— Kevin McKinney, Rare Book Specialist
Timed Auction Closes Wednesday, December 17 beginning at 10am
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