Illustrated highlights of classical poetry from Herman Melville’s library sold at Swann included a complete set of the 22 engraved plates that make up William Blake’s 'Illustrations of the Book of Job' (one shown here). They sold for $42,000 (£33,870).
Part of a Swann (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) auction of October 10, their connection with one of America’s most revered writers ensured that they sold well at $85,000 (£68,500).
Illustrated highlights included a complete set of the 22 engraved plates that make up William Blake’s Illustrations of the Book of Job (one shown above).
One of the 150 ‘Proof’ sets on India paper from the total edition of 215 produced in 1826, the plates were described as strong, richly inked early impressions. There was some foxing, but that only moderate and mainly marginal, and bound in three-quarter calf of the period this example sold at $42,000 (£33,870).
