Books & Periodicals

Material in this specialist market ranges from the early printed works of the Gutenberg Press and William Caxton right through to Modern First Editions and now up to signed copies of Harry Potter. Condition and rarity are the keys to this sector.


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The young guard of the book trade

11 September 2023

While the rare book trade is steadily becoming more diverse, challenges still exist, as four newer members of the Forum Auctions team in London tell ATG

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Books begin new chapter with a binder

11 September 2023

An ex-fashion buyer book lover turned bookbinder is one of the stallholders at Home and Vintage Living, organised by Jules Langley.

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New PBFA fairs launched and rise in membership create positive vibes in books sector

09 September 2023

The membership figures for the PBFA (Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association) are looking robust with 25 new members in the past 12 months, bringing the total to around 400.

Freddie Mercury in concert

Freddie Mercury collection: Major sums for lyrics and piano at Sotheby’s auction

07 September 2023

The handwritten lyrics for Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and the piano which Freddie Mercury used to compose it were among the major highlights at Sotheby's auction of the singer’s collection in London.

Malcolm Campbell memorabilia

Speed of the essence as Crawford lots emerge at Scottish sale

04 September 2023

A group of four lots being sold by the family of the former foreign editor of The Daily Mail includes items relating to the first direct flight across the Atlantic as well as Malcolm Campbell’s Blue Bird 1933 land speed record.

Circus photos

Pick of the week: Circus photo album puts on performance at Florida sale

04 September 2023

A photo album containing 60 cabinet card photos of late 19th and early 20th century circus acts was among the highlights of an August 27 sale in Sarasota, Florida, conducted by Freedom Auction Company in conjunction with the Circus Historical Society.

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Reel appeal of Scottish music

04 September 2023

A previously unrecorded 18th century manuscript containing 75 pieces of traditional Scottish music sold for £5000 at Lyon & Turnbull (plus 26% buyer’s premium).

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All forgiven: medieval document relating to rebellion soars above estimate

04 September 2023

This medieval document with a royal seal attached amounts to a pardon granted by Henry IV (1367-1413) to John Barlawe of the manor of Barlow in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy (now suburban Manchester).

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Wisden: nearly 160 years not out

04 September 2023

Extensive selection of the long-running cricket guides on offer at auction runs up a market test

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Patent reference helps to sew up profit

04 September 2023

A 19th century document referencing Elias Howe Jr’s patent for the first modern sewing machine sold for more than 100 times its estimate at Devin Moisan’s (25% buyer’s premium) sale in Epping, New Hampshire.

British and Irish book auctions, September 5-14, 2023

04 September 2023

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions

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Charlotte Brontë looks back to her days as Currer Bell

28 August 2023

A wistful and chatty letter from Charlotte Brontë to her editor William S Williams comes for sale in California on September 7.

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The colourful world of Norman Bobins

28 August 2023

Latest slice of a ‘magnificent library’ that covered the development of book illustrations

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Rare Canadiana in Sussex… and another Norman Bobins

28 August 2023

Estimated at £300-500, a group of five hand-coloured prints of early 19th century Canada sold for £8500 at Gorringe’s (25% buyer’s premium) in Lewes.

British and Irish book auctions, August 28-September 14, 2023

28 August 2023

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions

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French author’s work proves cream of the crop rotation

21 August 2023

'Theatre d’Agriculture et Mesnages des Champs' issued in 1600 is the first major work on French agronomy.

British and Irish book auctions, August 22-September 14, 2023

21 August 2023

Our regular listing of book auctions available via thesaleroom.com

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Original lyrics for Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel' comes to auction

21 August 2023

The original working lyrics for 'Heartbreak Hotel' carry an estimate of $200,000-220,000 at GWS Auctions’ sale titled Artifacts of Hollywood & Music in Agoura Hills, California, on August 26.

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Homer finds an English audience

21 August 2023

Famous 17th century version by George Chapman translates into five figures

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Henry James refugee work is rare sale visitor on vellum

21 August 2023

Refugees in Chelsea was written by Henry James (1843-1916) to help the local Chelsea Committee to raise funds in the US to start an industry for crippled Belgian soldiers.

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