Johns, W.E.

i) Biggles series, 664 volumes; ii) Biggles Omnibus, 37 volumes; iii) Biggles works in translation, 84 volumes; iv) Worrals series, 43 volumes; v) Gimlet series, 53 volumes; vi) Space series, 46 volumes; vii) other novels, including Steeley series, 60 volumes; viii) Annuals, compilations of stories and other volumes, including biographical works, catalogues, occasional papers, etc., 90 volumes; ix) Periodicals, c. 250 volumes; mostly 8vo, mostly original bindings, occasional spotting and browning, occasional wear to bindings(c.1327)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This extensive collection is a rich bibliographical resource and features many early editions, later reprints, paperback editions and more recent limited edition reprints. Many include their dust-jackets. Highlights include:

The Camels are Coming. Hamilton, [c.1933], later edition (colour frontispiece), 32pp. publisher’s catalogue original cloth, worn, facsimile dust-jacket;

The Cruise of the Condor. Hamilton, [c.1933], first edition, colour frontispiece and other plates, original cloth, dust-jacket, loss to dust-jacket (protected by facsimile), adhesive tape repairs to dust-jacket;

Biggles Flies Again. Hamilton, [1934], first edition, colour frontispiece and other plates, original cloth, dust-jacket, loss and tears to dust-jacket, adhesive tape repairs to dust-jacket;

Desert Night. Hamilton, [1938], original cloth, slightly skewed, facsimile dust-jacket;

The Murder at Castle Deeping. Hamilton, [1938], first edition (although no catalogue at end), original cloth, dust-jacket (with “5’-” sticker on upper inside flap), dust-jacket frayed and chipped at extremities;

Worrals of the W.A.A.F. Lutterworth Press, 1941, first edition, original cloth, reprint dust-jacket (title on lower wrapper), lacking front free endpaper, dust-jacket worn and soiled with some loss

The periodicals comprise i) Modern Boy, 1930-1939, 79 volumes; ii) Popular Flying, 1934-1938, 18 volumes; iii) My Garden, 1936-1942, 22 volumes; iv) Men Only, 1937-1941, 11 volumes; v) Girl’s Own Paper, 1939-1941, 25 volumes; vi) Boy’s Own Paper, 1941-1942, 22 volumes and 1951-1958, 16 volumes; vii) Britannia and Eve, 1941-1942, 3 volumes; viii) Biggles and Co., 1992-1996, 17 volumes; ix) Biggles Flies Again, 1997-2013, 37 volumes; together with several others and a large collection of clippings, several of which appear to be from the collection of the author, many disbound, some lacking covers, numerous tears and creases