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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Buyers make room on shelves for Woolf works

05 June 2026

Both the first and the first trade editions of A Room of One’s Own (1929) were among a collection of eight Virginia Woolf lots included in the April 16 Rare Books, Autographs, & Maps auction at Doyle (28% buyer’s premium) in New York.

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Inscribed by Nietzsche to his close friend

05 June 2026

An “exceedingly uncommon” signed and inscribed photograph of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) earned top-lot honours in an Autographs sale held at Swann.

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Kandinsky clinches it

05 June 2026

The illustrated book that Vasily Kandinsky published in 1913 under the title 'Klänge' (Sounds) is considered one of the finest examples of Expressionist literature.

Books, maps and works on paper sales, June 10-29, 2026

05 June 2026

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper auctions

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Doubled Darwin print run reaped the rewards

05 June 2026

Book owner’s son realised the impact this landmark work would have

2746 AB US Potter Houdini

Houdini challenge accepted

29 May 2026

Part of the legend of escapologist Harry Houdini (1874-1926) rests on the hundreds of ‘challenges’ he accepted from manufacturers of packing cases, boxes, handcuffs and the like.

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Not to be sneezed at: 1776 hankie bought by US museum

29 May 2026

A handkerchief made in early 19th century Scotland celebrating the 1776 Declaration of Independence and featuring portraits of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson hammered for $55,000 (£40,425) at Eldred’s (26% buyer’s premium).

Books and works on paper auction calendar, June 2-21, 2026

29 May 2026

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

2746 AB US Heritage Asterisk 1

Original Asterix cover art earns its laurels

29 May 2026

An original piece of Astérix cover art painted by Albert Uderzo (1927-2020) sold for an $360,000 (£267,000) at Heritage Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in Dallas, Texas.

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Lively Firsts brings in the crowds

29 May 2026

The ABA’s flagship fair boasted a strong turnout, international interest and a younger audience

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Author’s powers of Persuasion

29 May 2026

Two-in-one edition of the first and last Jane Austen novels had sat undisturbed in a hallway for over 50 years

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The first book devoted exclusively to Oman by Shaik Mansur aka Signor Maurizi

22 May 2026

Pioneering book covering daily life in Oman and life of the sultan was actually written by an Italian doctor

Books, maps and works on paper auctions, May 27 to June 17, 2026

22 May 2026

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

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Angelic figures, fiery content

22 May 2026

The East Anglia sale at Reeman Dansie (25% buyer’s premium) in Colchester on April 8-9 featured a stump work bound book of sermons delivered by the prominent 17th century Puritan divine Samuel Ward (1577-1640).

Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair

International buyers boost latest Firsts book fair

20 May 2026

Buyers from overseas helped sales boom at the latest Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair this month.

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Hondius extras make a world of difference to Mercator maps

15 May 2026

Jodocus Hondius’ additions for his edition of Gerhard Mercator’s pioneering 'Atlas Sive Cosmographicae Meditationes de Fabrica Mundi et Fabricati Figura' made the work one of the most accomplished collections of maps from the early 17th century.

ATG letter: Casino Royale leapt to £29,000 in our sale

15 May 2026

Just a small thing, I saw that you wrote in ATG No 2743 that £22,500 for Casino Royale was, you believed, the joint-highest price for a straight, uninscribed copy.

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How bible translations in China spread the word

15 May 2026

One of two translated versions that appeared almost simultaneously emerges in German saleroom

Books and works on paper auction calendar, May 19 to June 4, 2026

15 May 2026

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

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Letters from French and Scottish queens who shared tragic fates

15 May 2026

The sales at Stargardt (20% buyer’s premium) in Berlin are an important rendezvous for autograph dealers and collectors.

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