Sell or Auction Your Vladimir Nabokov Letter Signed for Over $3,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Vladimir Nabokov Letter Signed
Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov (Russian: Владимир Владимирович Набоков [vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr vlɐˈdʲimʲɪrəvʲɪtɕ nɐˈbokəf] (listen); 22 April [O.S. 10 April] 1899 – 2 July 1977), also known by the pen name Vladimir Sirin (Владимир Сирин), was a Russian-American novelist, poet, translator, and entomologist. Born in Russia, he wrote his first nine novels in Russian (1926–1938) while living in Berlin. He achieved international acclaim and prominence after moving to the United States and beginning to write in English. Nabokov became an American citizen in 1945; he and his wife returned to Europe in 1961, settling in Montreux, Switzerland.
Below is a recent realized price for a Vladimir Nabokov letter signed item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to these amounts or more for you:
Vladimir Nabokov Letter Signed. Sold for over $3,000.
Here are some Vladimir Nobokov items we have sold in the past:
First Edition, First Printing of “Lolita” by Vladimir Nobokov
First edition, first printing of Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita”. Paris: The Olympia Press, 1955. Two-volume set each measures 4.5″ x 7″. Soft green covers with “Francs : 900” to rear covers indicates first printing. After being turned down by four American publishers, Nabokov allowed The Olympia Press in Paris to print this cultural milestone, with the first printing of 5,000 copies quickly selling out. Shortly after publication, “Lolita” was banned in France for three years until 1959. Some soiling and wear to covers, with an approximate 2″ piece of paper loss on Volume II, otherwise near fine with bright interiors. Housed in a custom clamshell box. Sold for $2,188.
Here are some recent items that our auction house, Nate D. Sanders (http://www.NateDSanders.com) has sold:
Exceedingly Rare First Printing Dust Jacket of “The Great Gatsby” — Scarce Jacket Houses First Printing of the Classic Novel
Rare first edition, first printing of one of the most desired books in the history of literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, with the nearly impossible to find first printing dust jacket, showing the lowercase “j” in “Jay Gatsby” on the rear flap hand-corrected in ink, indicative of the first printing. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925. Designed by artist Francis Cugat, the dust jacket echoes the romantic tone of the novel, with hints of loss and opulence at its core, showing a pair of feminine eyes, with two nude figures in her irises, gazing over a Coney Island carnival. Fitzgerald’s reaction to the jacket was captured in a 1924 letter to editor Maxwell Perkins, “For Christ’s sake, don’t give anyone that dust jacket you’re saving for me. I’ve written it into the book.” It is perhaps one of the few instances where the jacket design actually influenced the novel, and is one of the scarcest first printing jackets in modern literature.
For the book itself, every first printing point is present: 1925 printed on title page; Charles Scribner’s Sons logo appears on the copyright page with no subsequent printing statements; “chatter” appears on page 60; “northern” appears on page 119; “it’s” printed on line 16 of page 165; “sick in tired” found on page 205; “Union Street station” mistyped on line 7-8 of page 211. Bound in teal cloth boards with title and author’s name blind-stamped to front board and gilt lettering to spine. Book runs 218pp., and measures 5.5″ x 7.75″. Minor shelf wear and discoloration to half-title page, overall in very good plus condition for book. Light chipping to spine of jacket, and small losses on spine and upper front portion expertly restored, as well as light edgewear. Also in very good plus condition. Housed in custom blue morocco slipcase. A very seldom-encountered true first printing of an enduring classic. Sold for $84,000.
Harry Potter Philosopher’s Stone 1st Printing Hardback
The most coveted book in the Harry Potter canon, the first edition, first printing hardback of J.K. Rowling’s first novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. This book is one of only 500 hardback copies published in the first printing, more scarce and collectible than the softcover published at the same time. Sold for $53,550.
Rare first edition, first printing of one of the most desired books in the history of literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ”The Great Gatsby,” published by Charles Scribner’s Sons: New York: 1925, with the nearly impossible to find first printing dustjacket. Every point is present: 1925 is printed on title page; Charles Scribner’s Sons logo appears on the copyright page with no subsequent printing statements; ”chatter” appears on page 60; ”northern” appears on page 119; ”it’s” is printed on line 16 of page 165; ”sick in tired” is found on page 205; ”Union Street station” is mistyped on line 7-8 of page 211. Bound in dark green cloth boards with title and author’s name blind-stamped to front board and gilt lettering to spine. Francis Cugat’s scarce original unrestored first printing dustjacket has the lowercase ”j” in ”jay Gatsby” on the back panel hand-corrected in ink. Sold for $50,000.
Beautifully rendered watercolor and ink drawing of Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet by E.H. Shepard, the illustrator chosen by A.A. Milne to bring his literary characters to life. Here, Shepard draws Pooh and Piglet upon a letter to his agent, allowing the characters to express his feelings of gratitude and joy. In the autograph letter signed, dated 29 February 1932, Shepard thanks his agent for a letter, writing that he has “done splendidly” and that “this view is shared by others.” To emphasize his feelings, Shepard draws Winnie-the-Pooh reaching up and Piglet excitedly jumping at his side. Shepard must have been very pleased with his agent, as he very seldom drew his most famous characters; this drawing, done early in the illustrator’s career and just a few years after the Pooh series, is a rare exception. Single page is written from Long Meadow, Guildford. Light uniform toning and mounted to card. Overall in very good to near fine condition (we can help you evaluate the condition of your Maxfield Parrish Illustration Art). Sold for $40,954.
Dr. Seuss’s Late 1960’s Never-Before Known, Unpublished, Abandoned & Unfinished Very Rough & Beginning Draft of a Children’s Book Manuscript Entitled “All Sorts of Sports”
With Seuss’ Handwritten Rhymes and Doodles Throughout Nineteen handwritten pages, the first seven of which are completely in the hand of Dr. Seuss. The remaining pages are mostly written by an assistant with corrections and doodles by Dr. Seuss, some taped on. This Dr. Seuss children’s book lost for over 40 years reads in part including the scratched out parts, “All Sorts of Sports. Shall I play checkers? golf? croquet? There are so many games there are to play. I could. / maybe.. / shall I.. There are so many many sorts. So many sorts of games + sports. What am I going to do today? There are so many games to play! I guess I won’t. I’m all tired out. 100 GAMES & sports you can play. You can play checkers. You can play chess. Baseball. Football. Volleyball. Basketball. You can ski on snow. You can ski on water. And tiddle-de-winks. What am I going to do today. Well, that’s a simple matter. Oh, that’s easy. We could play. There are so many sports games to play. We could swim. I could play baseball…golf..or catch. Or I could play a tennis match. There are so many sports, let’s see… I could bowl, jump hurdles, or water ski. I could blumf. Or blumf blumf blumf blumf blumf. Or blumf. Or blumf blumf blumf blumf blumf.” This last page, marked page “6-7” by Dr. Seuss seems to be where the assistant takes over, though Seuss adds corrections and doodles, as mentioned before, some taped on. Accompanied by a Dr. Seuss typed letter signed “Ted” regarding this unfinished sports book on Cat in the Hat Beginner Books stationery dated 11 July 1983. Seuss responds to a letter from one of his assistant writers (letter also included, dated 31 May 1983) where the assistant writes, “About 14 years ago, you wanted a sports book for Beginner Books. I worked on one, but what I eventually came up with did not please you…So I set it aside. I have just found it in an old file, and am thinking I might try submitting it to a few places to see what happens. Before I do that, I want to let you have another look at it…” Seuss responds in part, “Re your enclosed manuscript, I do indeed remember it. And my critique now is as same as then. What, in my opinion, is wrong with this story is that…despite the greatness of Pete as a stellar athlete hero…the negative image of him flubbing and unable to catch any ball at all will make him schnook. This is not entirely apparent in the text, but when you picture these negative scenes in illustrations, you will find that negatives are always more memorable than positives. And I think the reader’s reaction will be, ‘What’s the matter with this dope?’ I may be wrong of course…so why not send it to Harper and Row who do very good brat books and several times have made best sellers out of properties that I’ve rejected. ” It seems as if Seuss’ sports manuscript — focusing on “What game shall we play today?” — varied from this writer’s concept of the athlete who couldn’t catch. A miraculous find in excellent condition. Never before seen on the market. Accompanied by letter of authenticity from Seuss’ assistant writer to whom this manuscript and Dr. Seuss autograph was given. Sold for $40,805.
F. Scott Fitzgerald Lot of Two Extraordinary, Unpublished & Handwritten Poems: “…Tenderest evidence, thumb-print of lust…”
Incredible grouping of F. Scott Fitzgerald original prose, written for Helen Hayes’ daughter Mary MacArthur, who died of polio at the young age of 19. Here, the already famous author pens two lyrical poems, dated 1931 and 1937. At the time he writes the first poem, Fitzgerald was completing “Tender is the Night” while caring for his ailing wife, Zelda, whose mental illness had left her hospitalized in 1930. Fitzgerald handwrites the first, shorter poem in green ink. Inscribed “For Mary MacArthur”, it reads in full: “‘Oh Papa — / My Papa — / Say Papa’ / So! / ‘Is Papa / Your Papa / My Papa?’ / No! / So Spoke You / Why Joke You? Just For To-day / Our Word Is / (Like Birdie’s) / Plenty To Say”. Signed, “F. Scott Fitzgerald / Feb. 13th 1931”. The second, lengthier poem appears on the verso of the same sheet, titled, “Addenda (seven years later)”. Reads in full, “What shall I do with this bundle of stuff / Mass of ingredients, handful of grist / Tenderest evidence, thumb-print of lust / Kindly advise me, O psychologist / She shall have music — we pray for the kiss / of the god’s on her forehead, the necking of fate / How in the hell shall we guide her to this / ‘- Just name her Mary and age her till eight.’ / What of the books? Do we feed her our bread / of the dead, that was left in their tombs long ago / Or should all the fervor and freshness be wed / To next year’s inventions? Can anyone know? / How shall we give her that je ne sais quoi – / Portions of mama that seem to be right / Salted with dashes of questionable pa? / ‘- Age her till eight and then save me a bite.’ / Solve me this dither, O wisest of lamas, / Pediatrician – beneficent buddy / Tell me the name of a madhouse for mammas / Or give me the nursery – let her have the study / How can I pay back this heavenly loan / Answer my question and name your own fee / Plan me a mixture of Eve and St. Joan / ‘- Put her in pigtails and give her to me.'” Signed, “F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nyack 1937”. Sheet measures 7″ x 8″ with poem to front and longer prose poem to verso. From the estate of Helen Hayes. An extraordinary collection, adding to the catalogue raisonne of Fitzgerald’s known works. Sold for $30,875.
Exceptional Ernest Hemingway autograph letter and signed envelope, one day after catching the 500 lb. marlin in Bimini that inspired ”The Old Man and the Sea”, apocryphal until this letter which documents for the first time in Hemingway’s own words not only the size of the marlin, but also its attack by sharks, similar to the plot of Hemingway’s novel. Letter is accompanied by a photo of Hemingway and his friend, Henry Strater, with the half-eaten marlin. Dated 8 May (identified as 1935 by the “Hemingway Letters Project”), Hemingway writes to Erl Roman, the fishing editor of the ”Miami Herald”, describing the catch in detail, the attack by the sharks, and also mentioning that he is sending some photos to Roman. Letter in pencil reads in part,
”Will make this very short on acct. Bill Fagen leaving May 8 / Dear Erl: Yesterday May 7 Henry H. STRATER, widely known painter of OGUNQUIT Maine, Pres. Maine Tuna Club, fishing with me on Pilar landed Blue Marlin which weighed 500 lbs on tested scales after all of meat below anal fin had been torn away by sharks when fish was brought to gaff– Had him ready to take in when sharks hit him– Fish 12 feet 8 1/2 inches– Tail 48 inch spread–girth 62 in. (will send all other exact measurements when have chance to use Steel tape on him). Fish hooked off Bimini, hooked in corner of mouth, never layted, jumped 18 times clear, brought to boat in an hour such a heavy fish jumped hell out of himself. We worked him fast our system. Had him at boat when shark hit him. Strater has football knee, went out of joint, had hell with it, we wouldnt handline fish, he got him up himself, in one hour 40 minutes, we got him over the roller after Some lifting boy, all blood drained, meat gone below anal fin to tail, but fish completely intact, Fred Parke is mounting it–“
Two page autograph letter is accompanied by an envelope signed in pencil, addressed in Hemingway’s hand to ”Erl Roman Esq. / Miami Herald / Miami / Fla.” and signed by Hemingway on the verso, ”E. Hemingway / Yacht Pilar / Bimini / B.W.I.”
Importantly, Hemingway’s account of the marlin catch differs from other anecdotal stories of it, one of which describes Hemingway using a ”machine gun” on the shark, which purportedly attracted more sharks to the feeding frenzy. It’s likely Hemingway left out this detail, as Strater would blame its use on attracting more sharks to the marlin, depriving Strater of a world record marlin catch. “Old Man and the Sea” has been noted by Hemingway scholars as most likely inspired by this particular 7 May 1935 trip, including Michael Culver in his biography “Sparring in the Dark: Hemingway, Strater and The Old Man and the Sea”.
Letter measures 8.5” x 11”, envelope measures approximately 6.25” x 3.625” and photo, which is a modern reproduction, measures 7.75” x 9.75”. Letter is uniformly toned with some chipping along edges, and small piece of tape at very top. Envelope has some foxing and torn edge from opening. Both items are in very good condition. A remarkable letter in Hemingway’s own words of a legendary fishing adventure that inspired one of his most popular, Pulitzer-Prize winning novels. Sold for $28,000.
Ayn Rand first edition, signed copy of “Anthem.”
Alice O’Connor (born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum; February 2, [O.S. January 20] 1905 – March 6, 1982), better known by her pen name Ayn Rand (/aɪn/), was a Russian-American writer and philosopher. She is known for her fiction and for developing a philosophical system she named Objectivism. Born and educated in Russia, she moved to the United States in 1926. She wrote a play that opened on Broadway in 1935. After two early novels that were initially unsuccessful, she achieved fame with her 1943 novel, The Fountainhead. In 1957, Rand published her best-known work, the novel Atlas Shrugged. Afterward, until her death in 1982, she turned to non-fiction to promote her philosophy, publishing her own periodicals and releasing several collections of essays.
Hardcover with dustjacket. Caldwell, Idaho: The Caxton Printers, LTD.: 1953. Copy given to Nathaniel Branden, her purported protege and lover. Signed and inscribed by Rand in blue ink, “To Barbara and Nathan – – who are now fully my children – to mark your first six-months wedding anniversary – Ayn / July 14, 1953.” Book, which measures 6″x 8.5″, runs 105pp. Thinly-veiled sci-fi-ish allegory supports Rand’s classic Objectivist thesis regarding the subjugation of the ego for the greater whole of society. Dust jacket in near fine condition with minor chips at top. Slight cloth board spotting and very mild toning to interior. A near-perfect signed Ayn Rand first edition copy. Our most expensive Ayn Rand first edition that we have handled. Sold for $22,500.
Scarce Jonathan Swift autograph letter signed as Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The satirist datelines his letter from the Deanry-house in Dublin, 14 October 1736, just two years before becoming debilitated by mental illness. He writes to Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset, in full: ”My Lord, In a former Letter to Your Grace, I taxed you with a Debt of 110 lb a year in church Livings, being by Arithmetic an Arrear of 150 lb a year which Your Grace was pleased to promise me for a Friend, and of which I onely received 40 lb a year. I often did my self the Honor of being so bold (which – is no great Honor) of telling you that a very worthy Clergyman had been long a weight upon my Shoulders to get him some addition, and that his circumstances were such that the addition I desired must consist with the small Preferment he hath already. There is now a Prebendary vacant, which will answer my Wish. One Mr. Williamson dyed about 36 hours ago; He was Treasurer of Christ-church in Dublin, the Place is worth between ninety and a hundred pounds a year, and no more; The Person whom I desire may have it is Mr John Jackson, Minister of Santry three miles from Dublin, and a Relation of the Grattans, he hath been often and earnestly recommended by me to Your Grace, and your answers have been favorable; I have added severall times that you would by such a favor oblige this whole City, and the most honest gentlemen in the Kingdom, and I hope such a consideration will have weight with you. I do therefore hope and expect that Your Grace will by the next Post, send an Order to have a Patent made out for Mr. John Jackson Vicar of Santry Rector (which ever he be) to confer on him the Treasurership of Christ-church, Dublin; and at the same time (which is now near the twentyth) that my chief Regard is to Your Grace’s honor, that you will reward a most deserving Gentleman of this Kingdom, who had the misfortune to be born in it, with one mark of Your Favor. Otherwise, I shall think it very hard, that as I am of some station, and perhaps of some little Distinction, beside the Honor of being so long known to your Grace and family, I could never have the least Power of prevayling on you to reward Merit, for which no Party will repine…Jonath: Swift”. Dean Swift and the date are handwritten on a panel to verso. 2pp. on card-style stationery measures 7.5” x 9”. Light toning, some show through and a small tear to the right edge, else near fine. Sold for $19,103.
J.K. Rowling Signed First Edition, First Printing Harry Potter Signed Book — “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” — With PSA/DNA COA
Extremely rare J.K. Rowling signed first edition, first printing Harry Potter signed book: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” Bloomsbury: London: 1997. The author signs the dedication page “To Bryony / with best wishes / JK Rowling”. A true first edition, it features the number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the copyright page, and the first printing misprint on page 53 of “1 wand” listed twice, as well as the Wendy Cooling cover quote: “A terrific read and a stunning first novel”. Indeed, this first of Rowling’s wildly successful Harry Potter book series was published later in the U.S. under the title “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Its film adaption became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Issued as a paperback, novel runs 223pp. and measures 5″ x 8″. Toning to leaves and edges. Rubbing to spine edges and creasing to hinges, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $17,000.
Lewis Carroll Autograph Poem Signed in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” — Carroll Cleverly Composes an Acrostic Poem Where the First Letter of Each Line Reveals a Message
Original autograph poem signed by Lewis Carroll, dedicated to the sister of an “Alice” who died in infancy. Carroll composes the tender poem inside a presentation copy of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (London: MacMillan and Co., 1874), inscribed on the half-title page in Carroll’s signature purple ink, “Presented to Jessie Howard Clark, in remembrance of her sister Alice, by the Author / July 15, 1875”. Young Jessie lived in Australia which served as the basis for the poem, alongside the themes of death and the connected experience of childhood across the world. The poem is additionally constructed so that the letters of the first words of each line form the recipient’s name, “Jessie Howard Clark”. Written on the page opposite the table of contents, poem reads in full, “Just half a world to travel o’er, E’re this may reach its Southern home: Such waters wide between us roare So many a league of barren foam. In vain the trackless interspace – England’s white ships can cleave the flood, Hailing as brethren every race Of English speech & English blood. Wherever English childhood dwells ‘Alice’ may hope to find a band Ready to listen while she tells Dreams of the shadowy ‘Wonderland.’ Child-friend, whom I shall never see! Let me in fancy feel thee nigh, And trust in other lands to be Remembered as the years go by – Kind thoughts will live, though we may die. Lewis Carroll. July 15, 1875.” Jessie’s father was author John Howard Clark, who originally wrote Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll, regarding his own book “Bertie and the Bullfrogs”, inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. Upon learning that Clark had a daughter Alice who died in infancy, Carroll kindly composed this poem and gifted it to Clark’s other daughter Jessie. Book measures 5″ x 7.25″, bound in publisher’s red boards with gilt titling. With original black endpapers and all edges gilt. Separation starting to front and rear joints, and scuffing to boards. Interior is clean, including manuscript pages. Overall in very good condition, with a dramatic presentation. Sold for $16,800.
First Edition Set of Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” — “Fellowship of the Ring” & “Return of the King” Are First Printings; “Two Towers” Is Second Printing — All Three Are Near Fine
Very rare first edition, early printing set of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1954 & 1955. All three are in extraordinarily near fine condition for both the books and their original dust jackets. “The Fellowship of the Ring” is a first edition, first printing (London: George Allen & Unwin, 1954) with map attached to rear flyleaf. Publisher’s red cloth with gilt spine titles. With signature mark “4” at the bottom of page 49. Original dust jacket priced “21s net”. “The Two Towers” is a first edition, second printing (London: George Allen & Unwin, 1954) with map attached to rear flyleaf. Publisher’s red cloth with gilt spine titles. Original dust jacket priced “21s net”. “The Return of the King” is a first edition, first printing (London: George Allen & Unwin, 1955) with map attached to rear flyleaf. Signature mark “4” present on page 49, and all lines of type sag in the middle. Publisher’s red cloth with gilt spine titles. Original dust jacket priced “21s net”. All measure 5.75″ x 9″ with top edges red. A beautiful set with only minor edge wear, toning to endpapers and very light wear to jackets. One of the nicest “Lord of the Rings” sets available. Sold for $14,588.
James Joyce Autograph and an Henri Matisse Autograph in a Scarce Limited Edition of “Ulysses”
Scarce copy of “Ulysses” rare book by James Joyce, illustrated by Henri Matisse. New York: The Limited Editions Club: 1935. Number 297 of a limited edition run of 1500 copies. One of only 250 such copies signed by both Joyce and Matisse. Boldly signed by the author and illustrator on limitation page. Full brown buckram boards with gilt embossing to front cover and backstrip. Large octavo measures 9″ x 11.5″. Volume runs 420pp. with an introduction by Stuart Gilbert and illustrations by Henri Matisse including 20 reproductions of preliminary drawings and six original soft-ground etchings. In 1935 George Macy, founder of the fledgling Limited Editions Club, made the bold decision to commission Matisse to illustrate Joyce’s controversial and previously banned masterpiece, “Ulysses.” Matisse, understanding that Joyce’s work parodied the original eighteen episodes of the “Odyssey,” chose to create his 26 full-page illustrations as actual illustrations of Homer’s original work. Matisse later signed all 1500 of Macy’s limited edition, however, as legend has it, when Joyce realized that Matisse had been working from Homer’s “Odyssey” rather than his novel, he refused to sign any more than the 250 copies he had already signed making this double-signed edition exceedingly rare. Rare book without original slipcase, else fine condition. Sold for $14,460.
Incredibly scarce Jonathan Swift autograph letter signed, with humorous content on a number of issues, including various men of his Irish town. The satirist and author of ”Gulliver’s Travels” dates his letter 15 April 1735, when he served as Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Letter reads, ”My Lord Your Grace must remember, that some days before you left us, I commanded you to attend me to Doctor Delaney’s house, about a mile out of this Town, where you were to find Doctor Helsham the Physician. I told you they were the two worthyest gentlemen in this Kingdom in their severall Faculties. You were pleased to comply with me, called on at the Deanry and carried me thither; where you dined with apparent satisfaction. Now, this same Dr. Helsham hath orderred me to write to Your Grace in behalf of one Alderman Aldrich; who is master of the Dublin Barrack, and is as high a Whig and more at your devotion than I could perhaps wish him to be. And yet he is a very honest Gentleman, and which is more important, a near Relation of the [political family] Grattans, who, in Your Grace’s absence are governors of all Ireland, and your Vicegerents when you are here, as I have often told you. They consist of an Alderman whom you are to find Lord Mayor at Michaelmas next; of a Doctor who kills or cures half the city, of two Parsons my subjects as [illegible] who rule the other half, and of a vagrant Brother who governs the North. They are all Brethren, and your Army of twelve thousand soldiers are not able to stand against them. Now, Your Grace is to understand, that these Grattans will shickle to death for all their Cousins to the five and fiftieth degree; and consequently this same Alderman Aldrich being onely removed two degrees of Kindred and having a son as great a Whig as the Father, hath prevayled with Dr. Helsham to make me write to Your Grace, that the son of such a Father may have the Mastership of a Barrack at Kinsale, which is just vacant, His name is Michael Aldrich. Both Your Grace and I love the name for the sake of Dr. Aldrich Dean of Christ-church, although I am afraid he was a piece of a Tory, you will have several Requests this Past with the same Request, perhaps for different Persons, but you are to observe only mine, because it will come three minutes before any other. I think this is the third request I have made to Your Grace. You have granted the two first, and therefore must grant the third. For, when I knew Courts, those who had received a dozen favors, were utterly disobliged if they were denyed the thirteenth. Besides, if this be not granted the Grattans will rise in rebellion, which I tremble to think of. My Lady Eliz. Germain uses me very ill in her Letters. I want a Present from her, and desire you will please to order, that it may be a seal. Mine are too small for the fashion; and I would have a large one, worth forty shillings at least. I had a Letter from her two days ago, and design to acknowledge it soon, but [illegible] must first be dispatched, I mean the Request I have made to Your Grace, that the young Whig may have the Barrack of Kinsale worth 60 or 70 lb a year. I should be very angry as well as sorry if Your Grace would think I am capapble of deceiving you in any circumstances. I hope and pray that my Lady Dutchess may recover Health at the Bath, and, that we may see her Grace perfectly recovered when You come over. And pray God preserve and your most noble Family in Health and Happyness…Jonath: Swift”. 2pp. on card-style stationery measures 7” x 9”. Block of toning to verso panel, and repaired separation to verso along fold lines, else near fine. Sold for $13,401.
Incredible F. Scott Fitzgerald Typed Letter Signed on His Top 3 Influences as a Writer
Rare F. Scott Fitzgerald typed letter signed, devoted entirely to Fitzgerald’s revealing the people who impacted his writing. Dated 7 January 1934, in the final years of his life, letter to a Mr. Egbert S. Oliver at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon reads in part, ”Dear Mr. Oliver, The first help I ever had in writing in my life was from my father who read an utterly imitative Sherlock Holmes story of mine and pretended to like it. But after that I received the most invaluable aid from Mr. C.N.B. Wheeler then headmaster of the St. Paul Academy now the St. Paul Country Day School in St. Paul, Minnesota. 2. From Mr. Hume, then co-headmaster of the Newman School and now headmaster of the Canterbury School. 3. From Courtland Van Winkle in freshman year at Princeton – now professor of literature at Yale (he gave us the book of Job to read and I don’t think any of our preceptorial group ever quite recovered from it.) After that comes a lapse. Most of the professors seemed to me old and uninspired, or perhaps it was just that I was getting under way in my own field. I think this answers your question. This is also my permission to make full use of it with or without my name. Sorry I am unable from circumstances of time and pressure to go into it further. Sincerely, [signed] F. Scott Fitzgerald”. Fitzgerald added a few hand corrections in ink throughout the letter. 2pp. letter on 2 sheets of plain stationery, measuring 8.5” x 11” are quite attractively matted and framed alongside a photo of Fitzgerald to an overall size of 32” x 17.5”. Light toning, creasing and paperclip imprint to letter, else near fine. Sold for $13,045.
F. Scott Fitzgerald Signed First Printing of “Tender is the Night”
Very rare F. Scott Fitzgerald signed first edition, first printing of “Tender is the Night”, featuring Fitzgerald’s autograph inscription to actress Helen Hayes. Charles Scribner’s Sons: New York: 1934, with “A” on copyright page, indicating first printing. Upon the front free endpaper, Fitzgerald writes the name of Hayes’ husband “Charlie”, her name “Helen”, and signs simply, “Scott”. Opposite he inscribes the front pastedown “Nyack N.Y. / Mr. Charlie MacArthur / Miss Helen Hayes”. Bound in hunter green cloth boards, book measures 5.5″ x 7.5″. Missing front free endpaper, light soiling to front board and toning to leaves, else near fine. From the estate of Helen Hayes. Sold for
$12,500.
James Joyce “Ulysses” First Edition From 1922 — #877 of the 1,000 Copies in the Rare First Edition
James Joyce’s magnum opus “Ulysses”, the first edition limited to 1,000 copies, of which this is #877 — one of the 750 copies printed on handmade paper in its distinct teal paper wrappers, here bound into contemporary half-linen boards. Paris: Shakespeare and Company, 1922. Interestingly, the date of publication for “Ulysses” was intended for Joyce’s birthday, 2 February 1922, but only two copies were printed that day, both from the batch of 750 copies printed on handmade paper, of which this is one. Following later in February were more of the 750 copies before the copies 1-250 were printed; therefore, although the 750 run is numerically higher, it actually precedes the others in printing priority. Book measures 7.5″ x 9.5″ and spans 732pp., with prospectus advertising the novel’s publication “in the Autumn of 1921”, affixed to front free endpaper. Newspaper photograph of Dublin also taped to front pastedown. Separation starting to front joint, but book itself, contained between teal wrappers is very good to near fine. One of the most influential books of 20th century modernist literature. Sold for $11,025.
First Edition, Third Printing of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Second Novel, “The Beautiful and Damned” — With a Charming Inscription to Actor Edward Everett Horton
Signed and inscribed first edition, third printing of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Beautiful and Damned.” New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons: 1922. Fitzgerald’s second novel paints a vivid portrait of the Eastern elite during the Jazz Age in America. Copy is inscribed by Fitzgerald on the front free endpaper: “This book oddly enough is responsible from its title for the phrase ‘beautiful and dumb.’ I doubt if it has any other distinction. For Edward Everett Horton from F. Scott Fitzgerald / Encino 1939.” In publisher’s original green cloth boards with some soiling. Includes a later printing dustjacket from the A.L. Burt edition with minor wear. Very good condition. Sold for $10,781.
Ernest Hemingway Signed First Limited Edition of ”A Farewell to Arms” — Scarce in Original Slipcase
Ernest Hemingway signed limited first edition of his post-WWI classic, ”A Farewell to Arms”, housed in its original limited edition slipcase, with numbers matching. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. Published on 27 September 1929 in a limited edition of 510 numbered copies, this being #214, signed boldly ”Ernest Hemingway” in black fountain pen. In matching slipcase with Charles Scribner’s Sons plate, again listing the limited edition as #214. Measures 6.5” x 9.5”. Some chipping to seams of slipcase, overall in very good condition. Chipping to spine label, otherwise book is near fine. Sold for $10,313.
Beatrix Potter Signed 1902 First Edition, First Impression of “The Tailor of Gloucester” — Very Rare
Beatrix Potter signed copy of her third book, “The Tailor of Gloucester”, Potter’s personal favorite of all her books. Published privately: London: 1902. Inscription on front free endpaper reads, “For Mr. Butler / from Beatrix Potter / Jan 16th 03″. This hardcover first edition, first impression includes 11 color plates and is one of 500 copies printed exclusively for Potter a year before the first trade edition by Frederick Warne & Co. This version of the text is longer than the first trade edition, and the cover illustration of the three mice was never used again. Measures 4.25″ x 5.25”. Tape on spine, wear to boards, and separation starting at joints. Pencil writing on front pastedown. Internal pages have some foxing and wear but are in generally clean, very good condition. A very rare, beloved children’s book. Sold for $10,000.
Hammett’s “The Thin Man” Inscribed 1st Edition
Scarce signed and inscribed copy of “The Thin Man” by Dashiell Hammett. New York: Alfred A. Knopf: 1934. First edition, first printing with red variant dust jacket with front flap reviews. Boldly inscribed, “For Dan and Peggy / with my best regards / Dashiell Hammett / New York / Sept. 23, 1934.” A rare copy of Hammett’s hardboiled detective novel which became the basis for the successful film series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. Minor fading and soiling to decorative green cloth boards (oxidation of green dye that was used in first edition printings has resulted in light green cloth boards). Moderate wear to unclipped dust jacket. Overall, very good condition. Sold for $9,600.
Ian Fleming Signed First Edition, First Impression of “Goldfinger” in Original Dust Jacket — Near Fine Condition — With University Archives COA
Pristine first edition, first impression of “Goldfinger”, signed by author Ian Fleming without inscription, housed in its original dust jacket with 15s. net price intact. London: Jonathan Cape, 1959. Considered the finest novel in the James Bond canon, Fleming’s large, bold signature appears on the front free endpaper in blue ballpoint, inside the famous boards of a skull with $50 gold coins for eyes. Book is near fine with no significant flaws, housed in a near fine jacket, and then further housed in a custom clamshell case. With University Archives COA. A must have addition for the Bond aficionado. Sold for $9,450.
Dashiell Hammett First Edition The Thin Man
Dashiell Hammett The Thin Man first edition signed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf: 1934. First edition, first printing rare book. Hardcover sans dustjacket. Blue ink inscription on ffep reads: “For Paul Hollister / with best regards / Dashiell Hammett / New York / January 6, 1934.” First printing copy of the very first in Hammett’s iconic series of Nick and Nora detective books, which in turn inspired various movie adaptations, including those starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. Book, measuring 5″ x 7.5″, runs 260pp. Inscription bold and legible, but suffers slightly from ink bleed. Cloth boards feature a stylish theater mask printed in blue ink on the front cover and excellent red and blue spine design. A large but light stain on the front cover and some shelf wear to bottom edges, very mild interior toning, but overall bright. An excellent copy in very good condition. Sold for $9,433.
Scarce Signed Copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ”The Great Gatsby”
Coveted signed copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece novel, ”The Great Gatsby.” Modern Library: New York, 1934, which included the first appearance of the author’s new introduction. Signed and inscribed by Fitzgerald to actor Ned Griffith: ”For Ned Griffith / from his friend / F. Scott Fitzgerald / Hollywood 1939”. Fitzgerald’s new introduction to ”Gatsby” reads in part: ”…I think it is an honest book, that is to say, that one used none of one’s virtuosity to get an effect, and, to boast again, one soft-pedalled the emotional side to avoid the tears leaking from the socket of the left eye…” In original publisher’s blue cloth boards with gilt lettering to spine, though sun-faded in spots. The Modern Library torchbearer emblem is stamped in gilt on front board and the endpapers are printed in orange. With a ”Stanley Rose Bookshop” ticket affixed to rear pastedown. Lower corner of front board is bumped and a tiny .25” hole appears to lower corner of front free endpaper; overall, book is in very good condition. Includes original dustjacket in fair condition, with price clipped, significant chips and some paper loss. An incredibly rare signed copy of Fitzgerald’s great novel, with a still bold inscription and signature. Provenance from Heritage Auctions in 2011. Sold for $9,375.
J.D. Salinger typed letter, clearly signed “J.D. Salinger” in blue ink, dated 14 May 1966 and written while on a trip to Bermuda. Addressed to a Carrol Roderick in Hampshire, England, 3pp. letter — in typical Salinger style with much tongue-in-cheek content — begins with a list of made up headlines about local town goings-on in Bermuda, and then continues in small part, “…They asked me to justify American policy in Vietnam and were rather shocked when I told them this I could not do because our VN policy stinks…” On page two, Salinger writes 10 lengthy stories about the “headlines” from page one, calling it a “six-penny edition”. The letter then reflects upon the saying that “we have the government we deserve” with Salinger writing, “…It would appear that the British and Americans have been very naughty indeed to have the governments they currently have…[signed] J.D. Salinger”. Letter measures 8.5″ x 11″ on three separate sheets. Folds from mailing, staple holes and paper loss at the upper left corners; overall in very good plus condition. Photo has been intentionally blurred. Sold for $9,424.
Louisa May Alcott signed ”Little Women,” published by Roberts Brothers: Boston 1880. Impossible to find, the author’s signature within her masterpiece reads: ”L.M. Alcott” upon the fly-leaf. An Alcott signed instance of ”Little Women” has not been sold at auction in over 4 decades. First published in 1869, Alcott’s spellbinding novel about four sisters coming of age in the Civil War era has since become a classic. This edition is bound in hunter green cloth boards with gilt and black lettering and design. All edges gilt. Measures 7” x 8.5”. Surface loss to exterior corners and edges. Cracking to interior front hinge, with detached front free endpaper. A bookplate affixed to the front pastedown indicates this volume was gifted to the Brookline Public Library in 1917. In addition, the library’s perforated label appears at the bottom of the title page. A news clipping of Alcott’s obituary has been affixed to integral blanks. A label affixed to the rear pastedown reads: ”This book is for use in the library building only” and a barcode label has been partially removed from the rear free endpaper, else very good. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $8,908.
Lovely first edition set of Mark Twain’s ”Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and ”Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, bound in publisher’s rarer and generally more desirable blue cloth with gilt accenting. ”Tom Sawyer” is a first edition, second printing (Hartford: American Publishing, 1876) while ”Huckleberry Finn” is a first edition, first printing (New York: Charles L. Webster, 1885). ”Tom Sawyer” printing points include half-title and frontis on same leaf, and no type damage on ”furniture to” on last line of page 17, found in the 3rd and later printings. One of only 748 copies with all edges gilt. All first printing points for ”Huckleberry Finn” are present including the most important table cloth visible underneath the bust of Twain with ”Heliotype Printing Co.” imprint. Both books measure 7” x 8.75”. Light rubbing and shelf wear to both and some internal foxing. ”Tom Sawyer” is in very good condition with the front hinge starting. ”Huckleberry Finn” is in very good plus condition. Internally, both are clean and free of any writing. A very attractive set with the blue cloth still bold and vibrant. Sold for $8,750.
John Steinbeck “Cup of Gold” 1st Edition
First printing of John Steinbeck’s first book, “Cup of Gold”. New York: McBride, 1929. One of only 1,537 copies printed, this volume still retains the very rare unclipped first edition dust jacket, showing the original price of $2.50. First edition has matching dates of 1929 on the title and copyright pages, and with “First Published, August, 1929″ at the top of the copyright page. Measures 5.5″ x 8”. Very handsome copy is bound in yellow-gold cloth stamped in black, with top edge blue. Very light soiling and wear to book, otherwise near fine. Dust jacket is restored for display by noted conservator John Pofelski, otherweise near fine condition. Sold for $8,743.
Exceptional lot of three letters signed, and two pages of illustrations by Dr. Seuss, in addition to four pages of illustrations by Walt Kelly. All letters by Seuss are dated 1957 when both ”The Cat in the Hat” and ”How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” were published, with Seuss here writing enthusiastically about the success of the books and considering toys and games based on the characters. Lot comes from the estate of Mike McClintock, whose children’s book ”A Fly Went By” was published by Random House, and also includes two letters regarding the book from Random House editors (one lengthy letter is by Seuss’ collaborator Phyllis Cerf). All Seuss letters are near fine, written on front sides of sheets only, and though varied in size, measure approximately 8” x 10.5”. A fantastic lot with unusual and personal content from Seuss just as his most successful books were gaining worldwide notoriety. Sold for $8,529.
First Edition, First Printing of Robert Louis Stevenson’s ”Treasure Island” in Near Fine Condition — With Check Signed by Stevenson to His Stepson & Co-Author S. Lloyd Osbourne
Robert Louis Stevenson’s first edition, first printing of his classic ”Treasure Island”. London, Paris & New York: Cassel & Co, Ltd., 1883. With all first printing points present: ”dead man’s chest” not capitalized on pp. 2 and 7; ”rain” for ”vain” in the last line of p. 40; the ”a” is not present in line 6 on p. 63; the ”7” is bolder and slightly raised in the pagination on p. 127; lacking the period following ”opportunity” in line 20 of p. 178; ”worse” rather than ”worst” in line 3 on page 197; frontispiece map in four colors. Octavo measures 5.25” x 7.75” with four pages of ads at rear dated ”5R-1083” and incorrectly listing ”Treasure Island” as having 304 pages, as called for in the first printing. In publisher’s full green cloth with gilt spine titles, in near fine condition with only the slightest overall wear, expert repair to hinges and foxing to front free endpaper and half-title page. Housed in a custom one-quarter leather clamshell box over marbled boards. Accompanying the book is a signed check from Stevenson to S. Lloyd Osbourne, Stevenson’s stepson with whom he co-authored three books. Check is dated 8 August 1887 for ”ten pounds sterling”. 8” x 3.25” check is in very good condition with toning and a line drawn through Stevenson’s signature. A lovely first printing of ”Treasure Island” with accompanying signed check. Sold for $8,400.
Ernest Hemingway Signed “Men Without Women” — Dedicated in His Hand to the Son of Renowned Actress Helen Hayes
Ernest Hemingway signed “Men Without Women”, Charles Scribner’s Sons: New York: 1955. Hemingway’s autograph dedication to the front free endpaper is to the son of actress Helen Hayes and reads in full: “To Jim MacArthur / With best wishes from his friend / Ernest Hemingway / Finca Vigia / San Francisco de Paula / Cuba”. Hemingway’s short story collection is bound in oatmeal cloth boards with gilt lettering and black print to spine. Measures 5.25″ x 7.5″. Cocking to spine, mild sunning to backstrip and wear to spine ends, else near fine. From the estate of Helen Hayes. Sold for $8,160.
Signed First Edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Acclaimed Debut Novel “This Side of Paradise” — “…to write it took three months; to conceive it — three minutes; to collect the data in it — all my life…”
Rare F. Scott Fitzgerald signed first edition, third printing of “This Side of Paradise”. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons: 1920. One of approximately 500 copies with a tipped-in “Author’s Apology” leaf boldly signed in pen, “Sincerely / F. Scott Fitzgerald”. Prepared for an American Booksellers Association convention, Fitzgerald’s signed “Apology” reads: “I don’t want to talk about myself because I’ll admit I did that somewhat in this book. In fact, to write it took three months; to conceive it — three minutes; to collect the data in it — all my life. The idea of writing it came on the first of last July: it was a substitute form of dissipation. My whole theory of writing I can sum up in one sentence: An author ought to write for the youth of his own generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters of ever afterward. So, gentlemen, consider all the cocktails mentioned in this book drunk by me as a toast to the American Booksellers Association. May, 1920″. Hardcover book, without dustjacket, is in original teal-cloth boards and measures 5.5″ x 7.5”. “S” in Fitzgerald’s “Sincerely” is slightly smudged. Very good. Sold for $8,000.
Ian Fleming “You Only Live Twice” Signed First Edition — Scarce
Ian Fleming signed first edition of “You Only Live Twice”, published by Jonathan Cape: London: 1964. Fleming’s autograph inscription appears on the front free endpaper, “To Jane From Ian Fleming”. Second printing of Fleming’s eleventh James Bond novel runs 256pp. Bound in black cloth boards with silver lettering. Measures 5.25″ x 7.5″. Light soiling and wear to boards and cocking to spine. Very good overall. Dustjacket shows toning, some paper loss to spine ends and corners, and remnants of tape repairs to verso. Very good. Housed in a black slipcase. Sold for $7,717.
Ernest Hemingway signed presentation copy of ”The Old Man and the Sea”, the novel perhaps most responsible for Hemingway’s Nobel Prize in Literature awarded in 1954, the same year he signed this copy. Hemingway writes in bold blue ink, ”For Ian / with much affection / Ernest Hemingway. / Laitokotok 1954”. The recipient is Ian Richard Whichello, a policeman in Kenya at the time of the inscription, and the place, Laitokotok, is a town in Kenya near Amboselli National Park – the site of Mount Kilimanjaro, which Hemingway and his wife visited in January 1954. Shortly after this visit the Hemingways would survive two well-known plane crashes, after which Whichello might have attended to them, given the personal nature of the inscription here. Copy published in London by the Reprint Society, 1953, with decorative illustrations throughout including the large marlin on the endpapers. Bound in teal cloth boards with silver lettering and embellishments to boards. Measures 6.25” x 8.75”. Whichello’s name on front free endpaper, a bit of foxing to endpapers and minimal expert restoration to spine. A stunning copy in very good plus condition with a bold and interesting inscription by Hemingway. Sold for $7,500.
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Vladimir Nabokov letter signed