Books and Works on Paper

This single-sheet letter was written by Catherine de Medici (1519-89) to the ambassador to Spain.

John Nicholson’s (25% buyer’s premium) Fine Paintings sale in Fernhurst on February 20 included a good example of The Pictorial Missionary Map of the World - a rarity that appears at auction perhaps once in every decade.

The 'International Exhibition of Modern Art' held at the 69th Regiment Armory building in New York from February 15 to March 15, 1913, ushered in a new era for the art market.

The aristocratic German artist, composer, dancer, mime, poet, singer and translator Hans Henning Otto Harry Baron von Voigt (1887-1969) is best known by his pen name. From 1914 he went simply by the pseudonym Alastair.

Impressive library of renowned collector and expert includes sought-after designs by women binders

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales.

Film and TV stars must be a forgetful bunch, if lots sold at two recent UK auctions are anything to go by.

The British and US postal clerks aboard transatlantic liners had the duty of sorting the mail during the passage.

Richard Potter (1783-1835) is considered the first successful stage magician born in the US and African-American celebrity.

Actress cheated by the Prince of Wales turned to a campaign based on ‘injustice of mental subordination’

A printing of George Washington’s 1795 Thanksgiving Day proclamation sold way above hopes at Sarasota Estate Auction (23% buyer’s premium) in Florida.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions

Once considered to be the refuge of geeky teenagers, fantasy and sci-fi role playing and tabletop gaming is now hugely popular, with various celebs keen to proclaim their passion for all things orc and elf.

An ‘18th century’ bible turned out to be far more valuable as a first issue King James “He” version

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions

John Newton (1725-1807) is today perhaps best remembered as the writer of the hymn Amazing Grace. However, before his religious conversion he spent his early life as a slave trader.

Heritage Auctions’ 1170-lot Comics & Comic Art sale held on January 11-14 delivered a white-glove result.

Gifts given by the late Poet Laureate to his friend show how interesting items can be bought for three figures

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions