Books & Periodicals

Material in this specialist market ranges from the early printed works of the Gutenberg Press and William Caxton right through to Modern First Editions and now up to signed copies of Harry Potter. Condition and rarity are the keys to this sector.


An archive of menus and food related ephemera

Antony Worrall Thompson collection sells at Bonhams

24 October 2025

The celebrity chef served up something tasty at Bonhams Knightsbridge: a few morsels from of his own collection.

Manuscript

Big numbers predicted for library of Newton’s protégé

20 October 2025

The principal contribution made by James Stirling (1692-1770) to the history of mathematics is the Methodus Differentialis, a paper first published in 1730.

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Meredith of Manchester: a sport memorabilia first pick

20 October 2025

City and United player once mired in a bribery scandal but who played until 49 is today a major draw at auction

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Wozza serves up a treat for book collectors

20 October 2025

Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson is offering something tasty at Bonhams Knightsbridge this week: a few morsels from of his own collection.

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Harrington gets into the travel business

20 October 2025

It’s a busy time for Peter Harrington. Hot on the heels of opening its Upper East Side gallery in New York, the rare book dealership is launching a loan exhibition on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein's monster and a new catalogue.

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British books contribute to Chicago auction

20 October 2025

US auction house Potter & Potter (20% buyer’s premium) enjoyed great success with its event titled Select Rarities: Exceptional Books & Manuscripts Sale.

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Winnie the Pooh first edition emerges in the US

20 October 2025

A scarce 1928 US first edition of The House at Pooh Corner hammered for $5000 (£3720) against a guide of $500-700 at Copake Auction (25% buyer’s premium).

Books and works on paper auction calendar, October 22 to November 10, 2025

20 October 2025

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book sand works on paper sales

Books and works on paper auction calendar, October 15-30, 2025

13 October 2025

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

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Inventory recalls wonders of Thomas Windus’ Gothic Hall

13 October 2025

Manuscript work offered in Nottingham covers contents of Georgian private museum in north London

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Chelsea Rare Book Fair ready for autumn edition

13 October 2025

This particularly rare American issue of the 1939 Michelin Guide was specially commissioned by the Military Intelligence Division of the War Department in Washington D.C. during the Second World War.

William Reese Company New York

Three rare booksellers create New York ‘hub’

06 October 2025

A New York City antiquarian books hub involving three well-known big names has been established, creating something of a Manhattan powerhouse of the trade.

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Sale of stand-out limited edition works puts renowned illustrator Rackham in the picture

06 October 2025

A private collection of children’s illustrated books formed over the past 50 years provided several stand-out lots in The Collector’s auction held by Catherine Southon (27.6% buyer’s premium inc VAT).

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Frieze Masters preview: Focus on first of famous six wives

06 October 2025

Wedding gift for Catherine of Aragon stands out as one of the highlights at the latest Frieze Masters

Books and works on paper auction calendar, October 7-28, 2025

06 October 2025

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

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Tempest blows in to Kensington's Reindeer Antiques

06 October 2025

Kensington Church Street dealership Reindeer Antiques is hosting an exhibition and book launch for cartoonist Annie Tempest (b.1959).

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Dust jacket helps Golding classic to fly at auction

06 October 2025

When William Golding (1911-93) wrote his debut novel Lord of the Flies in 1953 it was rejected by nine publishers and damned as ‘rubbish and dull’ before being picked up by Faber & Faber.

Leaf

Fern foundations of photographs used in books were laid by pioneering botanist Anna Atkins

01 October 2025

The botanist, artist and photographer Anna Atkins (1799-1871) is thought to have been the first woman to have created a photograph and the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images.

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Ticket for George III's coronation brings demand in Shropshire sale

29 September 2025

This official ticket allowed admission to Westminster Abbey for the coronation of George III on September 22, 1761.

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Books auction previews: Bumper crop of autumn treats on offer

29 September 2025

Colder weather is on the way but so too are plenty of book sales to warm you up. Here we pick out a selection of upcoming lots

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