A superb documentation of civil war-era America, George N Barnard's Photographic Views of Sherman's Campaign will highlight Heritage Auctions' October 4-5 Rare Books Signature Auction.
 The work stands alongside Alexander Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook |
The collection of 61 albumen prints offers fascinating insight into the "trail of destruction" left by General William Sherman's army as they moved from Tennessee to George and South Carolina. It is considered one of the greatest photographic records of the civil war, alongside Alexander Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook.
The first edition of the work was printed in 1866, when it was reviewed by Harper's Weekly. The magazine wrote: "These photographs surpass any other photographic views which have been produced in this country - whether relating to the war or otherwise."
One of just a few surviving copies, the example at auction is in good condition yet, like most, it lacks the text booklet that was originally included. Bound in full original black morocco, which has some wear, the folio has undergone restoration to the mounts and has staining and foxing throughout, yet is expected to bring $150,000+.
Sharing this valuation is a first edition copy of Andreas Vesalius' De humani corporis libri septem, which is widely regarded as the most famous medical book and most important anatomical work. First published in 1543, this outstanding copy features the "Chara parvas" leaf, which includes eight woodcuts designed to be pasted on to the human figure later in the work. This is rarely found in other existing copies.
PFC Auctions has some fantastic rare books available in its current sale, including an extremely rare signed first edition of J D Salinger's Catcher in the Rye.
