Cheffins forthcoming Library Sale on Thursday, 10th October, incorporates an exciting collection of almost 500 lots, with historical books, maps, prints, ephemera and manuscripts set to go under the hammer, including a limited edition copy of Marlborough: His Life and Times, signed by Winston Churchill.
03/10/2024 Books & Maps
One of only 155 copies signed by Churchill, Marlborough: His Life and Times, is in 4 volumes, published in 1933-38 and presented in original full morocco leather by Leighton Straker (signed by the binder). Its auction estimate is £3,000-£5,000.
The sale also includes several delightful leather book bindings, one of which is an early (1866) edition copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, 2nd (first published) edition (Lot 260), re-cased in fine full brown morocco gilt with an estimate of £2,000-£3,000. Other notable titles set to go under the hammer include a first edition, 2nd impression (1953) copy of Casino Royale, by Ian Fleming, in original dust jacket (pictured below).
Other offerings include a comprehensive and fascinating group of eight medical journals and patient reports dated between 1822 and 1858 (lot 339) from John Scott (1797-1859), Surgeon to the Honourable East India Company. The handwritten copy reports, commencing in 1821 on board the East Indiaman ship 'Farquharson', include copious lists of soldiers, sailors and passengers travelling to India and China in 1821/22, detailing their medical complaints, the doctor's comments, prescriptions and general case notes with dates. Further volumes cover Scott’s medical reports in India, including treating wounds received during the Indian campaigns.
Illustrations in the sale include an Edward Ardizzone CBE RA ARWS RDI (British, 1900-1979) pen and ink drawing of Little Tim and The Ship Cat, signed and inscribed with the title (Lot 352 11cm x 13.5cm - pictured below). Considered one of the greatest illustrators of his generation, Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain proved to be one of the most significant picture books from between the wars. Ardizzone also gained a reputation as a distinguished Official War Artist, through his record in word and image of action in Europe and North Africa.
Charles Ashton, Director and Head of the Fine Art Division at Cheffins, comments: “We have a wonderful mix of collectors’ items in this sale, from significant first editions to manuscripts giving an insight into moments in history. We anticipate a busy auction room with keen bibliophiles looking to add to their collections.”
Cheffins Library Sale is on Thursday, 10th October. Please click here to view the full catalogue.