National Book Auctions is holding another of its Americana-themed book and manuscript auctions, and this catalogue features a number of important vintage and antique first editions and a large collection dedicated to the history of the New England States.
Other important offerings include a unique collection of handwritten documents from the collection of William Howland highlighted by correspondence from Theodore Roosevelt and Susan B. Anthony, several early volumes on the history of golf and a signed 1930 copy of Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf."
Collecting Hitler's memorabilia is of course controversial, but it is an extremely sold investment as his leadership of Germany had such an impact on history around the world, so copies of Mein Kampf and examples of his signature are always in demand.
Those looking to collect first editions with more attractive content should look out for: John Wesley Powell's "Canyons of the Colorado" (1895); Harry Houdini's "A Magician Among the Spirits" (with rare dust jacket) and J. D. Salinger's "Franny and Zooey" (1945).
Likewise other author-signed works include a copy of James Patterson's "The Thomas Berryman Number" (1976); and an author-signed, limited-edition copy of Bertha Corbett's "The Sun-Bonnet Babies" (1900).
New England-related material includes hundreds of 19th century volumes on the histories of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Featured among this collection are two early works from authors Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
"A Historical Discourse, Delivered Before the Citizens of Concord, 12th September, 1835. On the Second Centennial Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town," printed in 1835, is Emerson's first separately published substantial publication.
Also included in this catalogue is a first printing of Thoreau's first book, "A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers" (1849). The private book club The De Burians, of Bangor, Maine, are also represented in the catalogue with two volumes: "Peter Edes: Pioneer Printer in Maine" and "Moses Greenleaf: Maine's First Map-Maker."
Four pieces of handwritten correspondence from Theodore Roosevelt and one from Susan B. Anthony, are among the featured items from the collection of the Howland family of Central New York.
The Howlands, a Quaker family, arrived in Central New York in the late 1790s and became an important influence in the history of Cayuga County, with William serving as a representative in the government and as a judge, among other key roles. Howland's sister, Emily Howland, was active in the suffrage and the abolitionist movements.
Collectors who specialise in sports memorabilia will be excited to know that NBA's auction also includes a number of important antique and vintage volumes on the history of golf. Such texts can be surprisingly lucrative, as we saw when an original Rules of the Thistle Club brought $22,800 at PBA galleries this summer.
Among the volumes, are a 1960 first edition of Richard Tufts' "The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf" and an author-signed copy of Charles Blair Macdonald's "Scotland's Gift - Golf."
National Book Auctions' sale takes place on January 9 in New York and online.
- Click here to view our autographed items for sale
- Learn how you can get pleasure and profit by investing in first editions
- Read all the latest Books and Autographs news
Join our readers in over 200 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today
