Books & Manuscripts

Our international team of fifteen books specialists work in tandem with Sotheby’s regional representatives throughout the world. Their depth of knowledge and global reach have established Sotheby’s as the leading seller in this diverse field with sales from the past five years exceeding $350 million.

Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts Department is divided into five sub-specialties:

In addition to books, Americana encompasses pamphlets, letters, documents and manuscripts. These auctions are held in New York and Paris in June and December.

Offerings of Continental, Russian & Science books range from blockbooks and incunabula to the Russian avant-garde. Sales are held twice each year in London to coincide with our sales of Important Russian Art in June and December.

Music sales feature autographed music manuscripts by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Wagner, among others as well as first editions of music, books on music, letters, signed photographs and memorabilia. These auctions take place in London in June and December.

Some of the greatest treasures and collections of English literature and history from 1500 to the 21st century can be found in our sales of English Literature, History, Private Press and Children’s Books. They are held in London in July and December.

Sales of Travel, Atlases, Maps & Natural History include travel books, topographical photographs and maps. They take place in May and November in London.