A 1924 first edition of Agatha Christie's Poirot Investigates was recently sold at auction for a whopping £40,630 ($63,195.90) because of its very rare dust jacket, on which the famed Detective Poirot is pictured. The collection of short stories was not Christie's first Poirot book, but it is the first to feature the detective's name in the title and a rare instance of his depiction. The drawing originally appeared in The Sketch, an illustrated British weekly that was the first to publish Christie's stories (and in all ended up published 49 of her tales between 1923 and 1924). The detective looks characteristically dapper in a morning suit with a bow tie, poised with his top hat and white gloves in hand. The dust jacket was slightly chipped but otherwise said to be in "remarkable fresh condition". Chris Albury, a representative from the Dominic Winter auction house, noted the rarity of the dust jacket, particularly because readers of that time period would often remove the jacket and throw it away after purchasing a book. "There might be some others with the Christie family but for collectors this was probably the only chance they would have of owning one," he said. Christiaan Jonkers of Jonkers Rare Books concurred that "it is very uncommon to find this in a dust wrapper" and that he "know of only two others in existence." The book had a pre-sale estimate of £3,000-£5,000, but frenzied bidding by collectors and dealers quickly drove the price up. The previous record for a Ch... [more Rare Agatha Christie Dust Jacket Picturing Poirot Auctioned]
Nick Wilding of Georgia State University has announced on the EXLIBRIS mailing list his findings pointing to forgeries of Galileo material that appear to trace back to Marino Massimo de Caro, currently under arrest for thefts from the Girolamini Library in Naples. Dr. Wilding raises further questions about books that have recently passed through the trade bearing the the library stamp of Federico Cesi. (The text of Dr. Wilding's statement on EXLIBRIS is below.) The ABAA has been in touch with Dr. Wilding and will be offering further updates as they are available. The RBMS Security Committee blog will also carry updates on the Girolamini Library scandal as it develops:  http://www.rbms.info/committees/security/theft_reports/theft_reports_2012.shtml An earlier update on the developing scandal from ILAB President Arnoud Gerits includes contact information for the authorities in Italy working on the case: http://www.ilab.org/eng/documentation/786-massive_thefts_at_the_girolamini_library_in_naples.html In the meantime, colleagues with specific questions or further information relating to possible forgeries tracing back to De Caro or books they may have sold to De Caro may contact me. The ABAA Security Committee will collect what information it can to help investigations move forward. With thanks, Garrett Scott ABAA Security Chair garrett@bibliophagist.com [more Update: More on Girolamini Theft]
A small exhibit at the University of South Carolina at Columbia is currently displaying Joseph Heller's workstation. Heller's desk, lamp, and the typewriter on which he composed many of his major works are set up in the Ernest F. Hollings Library, providing students and library visitors the unique opportunity to sit at his desk and even type on his well worn Smith-Corona. USC at Columbia has one of, if not the, largest collection of Heller's papers, manuscripts, and other memorabilia. The exhibit will be on display in the Irvine Department Rare Books and Special Collections until December 20. SC library shows 'Catch 22' author's writing tools [more Heller Exhibit at USC Columbia Displays 'Catch 22' Workstation]
This item was still reported missing as of June 11, 2019. The following item has been reported stolen: Title : Sylva Frutetum Authors : STEPHANUS, Carolus Date of publication : 1538 Publisher : Estienne, Paris Description : STEPHANUS, Carolus. Sylva. Frutetum Collis. Paris: Franciscum Stephanum, 1538. First Ed. Small 8vo. (ii); 2-(57) pages. Woodblock device on title depicting a vine. Eighteenth century red morocco with gilt roll-borders, neatly rebacked and recornered, al edges in gilt, marbled endpapers. With the armorial bookplates of the Duke of Sussex, and Professor Cornelius Paine. A clear and concise treatise on the trees, bushes, plants and herbs found growing in woods, in thickets and on hillsides. There was a sequel mentioned in the text, devoted to fields and meadows including marsh and water meadows, and embracing inter alia mushrooms and fungi. This was published in 1543. An attractive copy of a rare work, the only edition to be published, and one of only a small number of titles printed by Francois Estienne from 1537. He was the son of Henricus Stephanus, founder of the great printing house, and younger brother of Robert. Adams, 1745. If you have any information on this item, please contact Roger Collicott at info@rogercollicottbooks.com or 01364 621324. [more Stolen: First Edition 'Sylva Frutetum']
'The Emperor Napoleon in his study at the Tuileries', Jacques-Louis David A rare letter written by Napoleon written in English was auctioned off in an intense bidding war in Paris last Sunday, with Paris' Museum of Letters and Manuscripts taking home the letter for €325,000 ($405,000). The selling price was five times what was estimated prior to the auction. It is one of only three (surviving) English-language letters written by Napoleon. The letter was written in 1816, while Napoleon was being held captive by the British on the island Saint Helena following his defeat at Waterloo. It was a homework exercise the deposed emperor sent to his English teacher for correction, and was sealed with an imperial eagle wax stamp. Some may find it surprising that Napoleon was studying the language of his nemesis, England, a land he once dismissed as "a nation of shopkeepers", but Jean Pierre-Osenat, head of the auction house that handled the sale, said that Napoleon "really had a great admiration for England, the rules and history." Osenat went on to say that it's a misconception that Napoleon hated the English; rather, that Napoleon was a staunch military man and the French interests differed from that of the English. Napoleon's English lessons were not purely a tribute, however, ego was involved as well. "Of course, he was always very worried about his image. He wanted to read what was said about him in the English press," Osenat added. The letter is revealing, and shows a different... [more Napoleon Letter Penned in English Sold at Auction]
Update: All the items were recovered. The following items have been reported stolen: 1. Title : Iustini ex Trogo Pompeio historiae cum multis memorabilibus in margine. Addito insuper indice: quo facilius notatu clariora repiri possint: nuper emdatae. (includes: Lucii Flori gestorum Romanorum liber primus.) Authors : Trogus, Pompeius Description : Format: fol. Imprint: Venetiis : Impressum per Ioannem Tachuinum de Tridino, 1512. Current shelfmark: BCL.S10 Earlier shelfmark: With a label or stamp carrying an earlier shelfmark: Stall J /Shelf 34 /Book 7 Ownership marks: With a crude stamped cross, most likely on the title page, with arms of equal length running horizontally and vertically in relation to the title page 2. Title : De lingua latina. Authors : Varro, Marcus Terentius Description : Format: fol. Imprint: Parma : , 11 Dec. 1480. Note: Part 3 only of ISTC in00267000 Current shelfmark: BCL.S13 Earlier shelfmark: With a label or stamp carrying an earlier shelfmark: Stall H /Shelf 19 /Book 4 3. Title : The Earle of Gowries conspiracie against the Kings Maiestie of Scotland. At Saint Iohn-stoun vpon Tuesday the fift of August. 1600. Authors : Not applicable Description : Format: 4to. Imprint: London : Printed by Valentine Simmes, dwelling on Adling hill, at the signe of the white Swanne, 1600. Note: ESTC S101210; STC (2nd ed.) 21466.3 (B1r last line begins: ring) Current shelfmark: BCL.S134 Other copy-specific details: A note on file records 'Leaves separated and mounted on... [more UPDATE: Thefts from the National Library of Scotland]
London booksellers Adrian Harrington and Jonathan Kearns focus on the physical nature of the book in this informative video. Inspired by the slideshow of the scariest French children's books published recently by The Guardian, a rundown of the most terrifying children's books from across the globe. Lev Grossman on walking and reading&at the same time. Bingo, Haruki Murakami style. [more Friday Roundup]
"So that's the answer to life. If you can find a person to love, who loves life as much as you do, and loves books as much as you do, grab her or him and get married." Ray Bradbury Yesterday we lost a literary lion, Ray Bradbury. More than just an acclaimed American author, Mr. Bradbury was always a good friend to and supporter of libraries and booksellers, and a personal friend of many ABAA members. (He even spoke at one of our California fairs several years ago.) Everyone is familiar with his classic Fahrenheit 451, but the bibliography of Mr. Bradbury's work is quite extensive and well worth delving into. Below are just a few of the tributes to Mr. Bradbury that have been posted in the past 24 hours and some past interviews. I think the NEA video gives a glimpse into what an extraordinary man, and writer, Mr. Bradbury was. Up From the Depths of Pulp and Into the Mainstream The Curious Life of Futurist Author Ray Bradbury Junot DÃaz on Loving Ray Bradbury Neil Gaiman Pays Tribute to Ray Bradbury Ray Bradbury's influence on our culture was transformative, says Barack Obama Fact Checking Ray Bradbury Ray Bradbury, The Art of Fiction No. 203 (a 2012 Interview withe The Paris review) Ray Bradbury in The New Yorker (2 Published pieces Bradbury wrote for the magazine, now unlocked for all readers) 21 Ray Bradbury Quotes: Your Moment of Friday Writing Zen Ray Bradbury on Sci-Fi, God and Robots: The Late Author's Biggest Ideas "Here lies Ray Bradbury, who loved life completely." R... [more Ray Bradbury (1920-2012)]
UPDATE: Please note the updated link to the stolen books, which are also listed below. In November of 2004, the National Library of Sweden made the unfortunate discovery that a department head had been stealing older, valuable books from the library's collection for several years. Here is a list of the stolen books. If you have any information regarding any of these titles, please contact Greger Bergvall or Jan Ottosson via the linked emails or by phone at +46 70 007 33 44. In total 62 books were stolen from the National Library. A list of the stolen books can be found here, including the seven books that have since been returned to the Library. Bodenehr, Gabriel. Europens Pracht und Macht in 200. Kupfer-Stücken worinnen nicht nur allein die Berühmtest und Ansehnlichste, sondern auch andere Stätte, Festungen... Augspurg, Gabriel Bodenehr, . Sold by F. Dörling 20/21 nov 1995, lot 227, to a buyer in Germany. Sold by Ketterer Kunst 17/18 nov 2008, lot 40. Carlevaris, Luca. Le fabriche, e vedute di Venetia. Disegnate, lote in prospettiva et intagliate da Luca Carlevariis. Venetia, Gio. Battista Finazzi, . Sold by F. Dörling 20/21 nov 1995, lot 242, to a buyer in USA. Kepler, Johannes. Harmonices mundi libri V. Lincii Austriæ, Godofredi Tampachii bibl. Francof, Ioannes Plancus, 1619. : Nova Stereometria doliorvm vinariorvm, in primis Austriaci figuræ omnium aptissimæ... Lincii 1615. Sold by F. Dörling 18/19 nov 1996, lot 130, to a buyer in Germany. Hobbes, Thomas. Leviath... [more Update: Theft from National Library of Sweden]
A reminder to register for the upcoming Booksellers' Seminar in Seattle, which will take place Thursday, June 28 from 9am to 4pm at the Seattle Public Library. The event is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the ABAA and will feature lectures on reference sources for researching rare books, rare book photography, how to maintain control over your digital assets, and the importance of social media for rare booksellers. There will be a question and answer session for attendees, and the day will end with a small reception. The event is free but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please click here for more detailed information. To register, please contact Priscilla Anne Lowry at (360) 221-0477 or rarebooks@lowryjames.com. I attended a similar seminar last fall and can assure you that the speakers are fantastic and will impart a wealth of information, so be sure to take advantage and reserve a spot today! [more Reminder: Booksellers' Seminar in Seattle 6/28]