An exceptional offering of Americana is led by two historic documents signed by Abraham Lincoln

Americana

Engravings of birds by John James Audubon and the first illustrated travel book by Bernhard von Breydenbach come together with early photography from Emmauel de Rougé and Maxime du Camp

Journey the continents through a selection of sketches, plates and photographs

Travel and Exploration

Groundbreaking first editions by Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin, and Luca Pacioli&nbsp;are joined by a rare second edition of Euclides

Groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy, evolution, and geometry

Scientific Breakthroughs

Explore rare editions from literary greats including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and William Blake

Fine Literature

A selection of books and documents, ranging from illuminated manuscripts to a first edition of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations

Various Subjects

New York

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 <h5>Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana</h5>

 </div>
 </div> Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana Part 1 will be offered alongside an online auction, Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana Part 2. Part 1 of this sale will culminate in a live auction on 26 June. Part 2 of the sale will open for bidding on 12 June, culminating in an online auction on 26 June. Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana, is part of our sale series, 
 
 <a class="Link" href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/book-week">Book Week</a>
 
 . Various Subjects: Lots 1-13 Picturing Americana: Lots 14-19 Americana: Lots 20 - 27 Contact the Books &amp; Manuscripts department : 
 
 <a class="Link" href="tel:+1%20212%20606%207385">+1 212 606 7385</a>
 
 Sale Number: N11831

Senior Vice President | Global Head of Department, Books & Manuscripts

Richard Austin

Senior Vice President | International Senior Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Selby Kiffer

Vice President | Head of Department | International Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Dr. Kalika Sands

Cataloguer, Books & Manuscripts

Fenella Theis

Pre-Sale Coordinator, Books & Manuscripts

Caroline Woodward

Books & Manuscripts Intern

Meet Our Team

June–July 2025 • New York, Paris, London

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact: +1 212 606 7000 
 
 <a class="Link" href="mailto:enquiries@sothebys.com" target="_blank">ENQUIRIES@SOTHEBYS.COM</a>

Stay informed with Sotheby’s top stories, videos, events &amp; news.

This June, Sotheby’s is thrilled to present Fine Books and Manuscripts, including Americana, as part of our 
 
 <a class="Link" href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/book-week">Book Week.</a>
 
 Part 1 of this sale will culminate in a live auction on 26 June. The collection features a range of printed material such as books, illustrations, historical documents, and photography. A collection of exceptional Americana includes the earliest official printing of the ratified Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment signed by Abraham Lincoln.

Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana. Part 1

Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana. Part 1