National Book Auctions is holding another fascinating sale at the end of this month which features a selection of Civil War-era volumes, antique genealogical titles, a number of rare and antique children's books (featuring pieces signed by Maurice Sendak) and a selection of items from artists F.O.C. Darley and Louis A. Fuertes.
The Civil War material includes a wide selection of books on the battles, armies and important officers of the War.
Featured are approximately 500 letters from the Reverend William Salt and his family members dated 1808-1901, including letters from Arkansas, where Salt experienced the outbreak of the Civil War, and a letter from his sister discussing Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - the first major move to free America's slaves.
The letters follow Salt's life, including his ordination into the Catholic Church and his employment at Seton Hall University.
Other Civil War-related volumes include histories of the Confederacy and slavery, including an 1810 volume of "An Enquiry Concerning the Intellectual and Moral Faculties, and Literature of Negroes," written in response to Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia.
Several antique volumes on the genealogical and heraldic history of Europe are also featured in this catalogue. These eighteenth and nineteenth century pieces describe the history of royalty in England, Ireland and Scotland.
 The Civil War letters of Rev William Salt (Click to enlarge) |
Highlights include the Complete Body of Heraldry published in 1780 and Genealogical Tables of the Sovereigns of the World, From the Earliest to the Present Period published in 1795.
This catalogue also contains a variety of material from famed children's book illustrators and authors, including a number of signed pieces from Maurice Sendak, which could offer a strong investment.
Featured is the limited edition "Mother Goose Collection" from Serigrafia with six signed prints from Sendak and other illustrators. Additionally, there are numerous children's classics, with beautiful illustrations by Kate Greenaway, Jessie Wilcox Smith, Maxfield Parrish, Gustaf Tenggren, George Cruikshank and many more.
Also featured in this auction are original drawings and other material related to two well known artists. First is a collection of antique original drawings from the renowned artist Felix Octavius Carr Darley, including drawings used in Oliver Twist and the Scarlet Letter.
Second are several pieces related to the well-known ornithological painter and illustrator, Louis Agassiz Fuertes. These pieces include a signed volume of "The Burgess Bird Book for Children" from 1920 and several original pieces from the Fuertes family.
The auction takes place in Ithaca, New York on August 29. Alternatively, a unique unpublished work by J K Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, is currently available.
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