"Property from an Important American Collection" is a single-owner sequence of exceptional 19th-century literature.&nbsp; Carefully curated, it brings together first editions of each of Jane Austen’s finished novels; Austen’s own copy of Isaac D'Israeli’s Curiosities of Literature, signed by her on the title-page; first editions of each of the Brontë sisters’ finished novels; a presentation copy of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations; Wilkie Collins’s The Moonstone, scarce in its original cloth, and a host of other works that came to define the era, very much influencing the development and form of the novel itself.&nbsp; While it is remarkable to see so many high spots within one library, numerous titles are further distinguished by their provenance: the H. Bradley Martin copy of George Eliot’s Middlemarch; the Richard Manney copy of William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair; the Michael Sadlier copy of Anthony Trollope’s Ralph the Heir, and more. “Property from an Important American Collection” represents a truly impressive assemblage of works, and we are proud to offer it this December.

Explore this exceptional collection, which brings together first editions by Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, and other literary giants.

Property from an Important American Collection 

A remarkable rediscovery owned, signed, and almost certainly annotated by one of the best-loved authors in the English language.

An exceedingly rare association copy of Isaac D'Israeli’s&nbsp;Curiosities of Literature,&nbsp;signed by Austen on the title-page.

Spotlight on Jane Austen

Discover important manuscript material from George Washington to Martin Luther King, Jr.&nbsp;

Discover important manuscript material from George Washington to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Americana

Browse signed first editions by Allen Ginsberg, Patricia Highsmith, George Orwell, Ayn Rand, J.R.R. Tolkien and others.

Literature

Walt Whitman’s first-hand manuscript account of New York City on the day of President Lincoln’s assassination.

Spotlight on Walt Whitman

A Remarkable Whitman Manuscript

From Albert Einstein to The Irascibles, explore a range of works and subjects that will appeal to a host of interests.

Various Subjects

New York

Sotheby’s New York’s “Fine Books and Manuscripts,” open for bidding the 22nd of November through the 8th of December, is led by a single-owner sequence of exceptional 19th-century literature, “Property from an Important American Collection.” Bringing together first editions of each of Jane Austen’s finished novels; Austen’s own copy of Isaac D'Israeli’s Curiosities of Literature; first editions of each of the Brontë sisters’ finished novels; a presentation copy of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations, and a host of other high spots, this is an extraordinary assemblage, which we are proud to offer. Beyond this sequence, the sale will feature a rich array of material, spanning centuries and mediums, including "Property from the Library of an American Filmmaker." From this library we are particularly pleased to offer Walt Whitman's first-hand manuscript description of New York City on the day of President Lincoln's death. Whether a seasoned collector, or simply in search of the perfect holiday gift, a highlights exhibition will be on display the 1st through the 6th of December to coincide with Sotheby’s Luxury Week. Private views are available upon request. Sale Number: N11244

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

Richard Austin

Senior Vice President, International Senior Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Selby Kiffer

Assistant Vice President, Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Assistant Vice President, Head of Sale, International Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Dr. Kalika Sands

Cataloguer, Books & Manuscripts

Associate, Books & Manuscripts

Bridget Quinn

Pre-Sale Coordinator, Books & Manuscripts

Caroline Woodward

Meet Our Team

Important Modern Literature from the Library of an American Filmmaker 22 November–8 December 2023 | New York

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>

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Sotheby’s is pleased to present New York’s December sale, “Fine Books and Manuscripts,” open for bidding the 22nd of November through the 8th of December. The sale brings together a broad range of compelling books, letters, and other printed and manuscript artifacts, including works by Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Patricia Highsmith, Ayn Rand, Walt Whitman, Albert Einstein, and others.