Discover masterful highlights of superb literature and illustration, remarkable Americana, and various other subjects by some of history's most prominent writers and thinkers.

Highlights from the Sale

Sotheby’s is proud to offer property from the Workman Collection, which features some of the finest copies of 19th century literary landmarks ever to appear at auction. Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, Thomas Hardy's&nbsp;Tess of the D'Urbervilles, and Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are just a few of the titles offered, and in truly exceptional condition. The Workman Collection is remarkable for both its quality and breadth, and we are thrilled to present it here.

Discover property from the Workman Collection, a fine assemblage of 19th century literature.

The Workman Collection

Sotheby’s is pleased to present a characteristically strong offering of Americana in our July. Standouts of “Property from a New York Collector” include documents pertaining to Andrew Johnson's impeachment, several manuscripts from John Adams, and a letter from Thomas Jefferson praising the spirit of innovation. Other remarkable lots emerge in Alexander Hamilton's Observations on Certain Documents and a second edition of The Federalist.

This sale features a fine selection of Americana, unraveling the country's development through texts and manuscripts by some of its most prominent thinkers and leaders.

Americana

With Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, and a host of others, this sale offers no shortage of unique and compelling first editions, attractive bindings, and manuscripts. Highlights include a delightful series of Ludwig Bemelmans’ letters and drawings; a touching Beatrix Potter watercolor drawing of a guinea pig and her child; a range of titles by T.S. Eliot, along with two books owned by one of the masters of Modernism; and much more to satisfy the tastes of a diverse collector base.

From a pristine copy of The Maltese Falcon, to texts owned by T.S. Eliot, the present sale boast a selection of page-turners and important titles, certain to captivate every reader and collector.

Literature

From a striking first edition of Galilei Galileo’s iconic&nbsp;Dialogo&nbsp;to a letter from Mohandas Gandhi explaining the goals of the Indian Independence Movement, a signed and inscribed photograph of Babe Ruth to autograph letters signed by Sigmund Freud, the present sale offers a breadth of material that will appeal to any interests.

The present sale offers a breadth of material that will appeal to any interests, spanning everything from science to politics to adventure.

Various Subjects

New York

A highlights exhibition will be open for viewing from Thursday, 13 July, through Thursday, 20 July. Private viewings are available upon request. Sale Number: N11243

Global Head of Department, Books & Manuscripts

Richard Austin

Senior Vice President | International Senior Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Selby Kiffer

AVP, Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

AVP | International Specialist, Head of Sale, Books & Manuscripts

Dr. Kalika Sands

Associate, Books & Manuscripts

James Pease

Meet our Specialists

Online Auction: 20 July 2023 • 14:00 EDT •&nbsp;New York

Online Auction: 4 July 2023 • 14:00 BST • London

Find out more about the Sotheby's Books &amp; Manuscripts sales, including all auction times, lots and locations.

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Sotheby’s is pleased to present New York’s July sale, “Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana.” Part 2 of this sale will take place as an online auction, open for bidding 6-20 July. The second part brings together a broad range of compelling books, letters, and other printed and manuscript artifacts, including a fine single-owner sequence of 19th century literature, the Workman Collection, boasting exceptional copies of Little Women, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Moby-Dick, and many other iconic titles.

Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana. Part 2