Rare Book Monthly

Articles - February - 2021 Issue

EXLIBRIS: Useful & Informative Listserv + A Miscellany of Other Interesting Bookish Links

Exlibris is a free listserv packed with useful information. Commercial posts are allowed on Tuesday.

EXLIBRIS: Chances are unless you are a professional in the field of rare books, manuscripts and special collections, or operate at an elevated level in the book trade, the free EXLIBRIS listserv hosted by Indiana University may have escaped your notice. 

 

That’s your loss.

 

This is a truly informative and useful resource and its thousands of subscribers include librarians, archivists, scholars, researchers, conservationists, and academics of all stripes and nationalities. It’s threads are packed with useful bookish information, albeit some of it is esoteric and obscure. Nonetheless it is always interesting and one of the best ways to know what’s going on in the groves of academe.

 

Along with often arcane chat, EXLIBRIST posts frequently links to exhibits, seminars, talks, meetings, job openings and is especially a place where book related information is widely and generously exchanged.

 

Be warned that this list has an extensive set of rules and that subscribers are expected to follow them to the letter. In other words mind your manners and this is not the place to inquire about the value of your grandmother’s Bible.

 

EXLIBRIS allows commercial posts on TUESDAY ONLY. These posts reach a very knowledgeable audience and are well worth the time and effort to participate.

 

Lurking for at least a few weeks prior to participation is strongly suggested. The subscription link lays out the rules. BE SURE TO READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS AND FOLLOW THEM EXACTLY. If you are a dealer and think you might want to post your elist on Tuesdays (the only day such commercial activity is permitted), READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL POSTS AND DO NOT DEVIATE.

 

Repeat: Tuesday only and only following their rules.

 

Subscribe to EXLIBRIS

list.indiana.edu/sympa/info/exlibris-l

Subscribe” button is at far left about half way down, followed by the “unsubscribe” link.

Note: Although Indiana University hosts the list it is not affiliated with the school.

 

One little quirk of EXLIBRIS is that if you do send a commercial post, everyone else on the list will get it except you; it will not show up in your own INbox. So if you want to be sure that your post has gone up best to send a blind cc to yourself.

 

Another important reminder is: Never hit the “reply” button unless you want your message to go to the entire list and not to a specific individual.

 

Also note that traffic is heavy on Tuesday, with the Euro dealers posting first, followed by the Americans. Some very beautiful (and often expensive) materials are offered on Tuesday; so even if you are not quite in that league yet, it’s a very good place to see new and select inventory. If you want a handle on who has what and what it costs, the Tuesday commercial posts are worth following.

 

  • US POSTAL SERVICE (USPS) - “PIRATE SHIP” FREE ACCOUNT

Having problems with shipping using the US Postal Service? Various dealers have enthusiastically recommended PIRATE SHIP www.pirateship.com which bills itself as a free USPS software. I have not used it myself, but it comes highly recommended by multiple reputable dealers.

 

  • THE HIDDEN PAYPAL SHIPPING LINK.

Do you use Paypal? Are there times you want to generate a shipping label that is not in response to a Paypal generated invoice? It’s not hard, but for some reason Paypal has taken some pains to hide the link. Here it is, suggest to put it someplace where you can find it again www.paypal.com/shiplabel/create

 

Besides making labels for material without prior existing Paypal invoices, this link is a useful workaround for international shipments. My recent experience is the regular link generated by Paypal does not always work when the shipment is headed outside the US. Before you tear your hair out trying to print out the label and customs info, try using www.paypal.com/shiplabel/create instead. This link seems to to have many fewer glitches than the usual way when it comes to shipping abroad.

 

  • RARE BOOKS SCHOOL AT U OF VA ANNOUNCES SUMMER COURSES 2021

The Rare Book School (RBS) at the University of Virginia is now accepting applications for their Summer 2021 courses. A five-day intensive course on the history of manuscript, print, and digital materials will be offered online and, conditions permitting, in person. A decision about in-person courses will be made no later than March 1. If courses move to an online format, more online courses will be announced.

 

Among the thirty-four courses, there are several pertinent to those involved in the study of rare books, manuscripts, special collections, and librarianship in special collections. These include two debut courses:

 

H-170: Spanish American Textual Technologies to 1800, taught by Hortensia Calvo, Christine Hernández, and Rachel Stein at Tulane University

L-120: Introduction to Audiovisual Archives Management, taught by Erica Titkemeyer and Steve Weiss at UNC-Chapel Hill

 

Explore the full RBS schedule here: rarebookschool.org/schedule

 

To be considered in the first round of admissions decisions, course applications should be submitted no later than March 3. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis, however, please note that some classes do reach capacity during the first round of admissions. Visit their website at www.rarebookschool.org for course details, instructions for applying, and evaluations by past students. Questions? Contact them at: rbsprograms@virginia.edu.

 

  • RANSOM CENTER AT UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HAS EXCEPTIONAL ONLINE PRESENCE

If you want to see what a truly exceptional university website looks like and have an enjoyable experience at the same time visit the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas (Austin). It is a bright and shining star. www.hrc.utexas.edu

 

During the period the physical center is closed due to the pandemic they have created a very user friendly entrance into exhibits, videos, blogs and other center functions called VISIT FROM HOME www.hrc.utexas.edu/visit-from-home Other parts of the Ransom Center site provide digital access to an astonishing number of archives and personal papers of well known and not so well known literary lights. Check it out.

Rare Book Monthly

  • Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 7, 2023
    Swann, Dec. 7: Samuel Augustus Mitchell, A New Map of Texas, Oregon and California with the Regions Adjoining, Philadelphia, 1846. $3,500 to $5,000.
    Swann, Dec. 7: 17th–19th-century case maps of various locations. $1,500 to $2,000.
    Swann, Dec. 7: Andreas Cellarius, Haemisphaerium Stellatum Boreale Cum Subiecto Haemisphaerio Terrestri, celestial chart, Amsterdam, 1708. $2,500 to $3,500.
    Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 7, 2023
    Swann, Dec. 7: Vincenzo Coronelli, Set of engraved gores for Coronelli’s monumental 42-inch terrestrial globe, Venice, circa 1688–97. $18,000 to $22,000.
    Swann, Dec. 7: Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer, group of four navigational charts, Antwerp, 1580s. $2,000 to $3,000.
    Swann, Dec. 7: Thomas Bros, Block Book of Berkeley, Oakland, 1920s. $800 to $1,200.
    Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 7, 2023
    Swann, Dec. 7: John Nieuhoff & John Ogilby, An Embassy from the East-India Company of the United Provinces, map of China, plan of Canton, London, 1673. $1,200 to $1,800.
    Swann, Dec. 7: Frederick Sander, Reichenbachia, St. Albans, 1888-1894. $5,000 to $7,000.
    Swann, Dec. 7: Two early illustrated works on horsemanship and breeding, Nuremberg, early 18th century. $700 to $800.
    Swann
    Maps & Atlases, Natural History & Color Plate Books
    December 7, 2023
    Swann, Dec. 7: John Gould, A Monograph of the Ramphastidae, or Family of Toucans. Supplement to the First Edition, London, 1834; 1855. $40,000 to $60,000.
    Swann, Dec. 7: John Pinkerton, A General Collection of the Best and Most Interesting Voyages and Travels in All Parts of the World, London, 1808–14. $1,500 to $2,500.
    Swann, Dec. 7: Oakley Hoopes Bailey, Hackensack, New Jersey, Boston, 1896. $800 to $1,200.
  • Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Roberts (David) & Croly (George). The Holy Land, Syria, Idumae, Arabia, Egypt and Nubia. Lond. 1842 - 1843 [-49]. First Edn. €10,000 to €15,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Incunabula: O'Fihily (Maurice). Duns Scotus Joannes: O'Fihely, Maurice Abp… Venice, 20th November 1497. €8,000 to €12,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: An important file of documents with provenance to G.A. Newsom, manager of the Jacob’s Factory in Dublin, occupied by insurgents during Easter Week 1916. €6,000 to €9,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: WILDE (Oscar), 1854-1900, playwright, aesthete and wit. A lock of Wilde’s Hair, presented by his son to the distinguished Irish actor Mícheál MacLiammóir. €6,000 to €8,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Heaney (Seamus). Bog Poems, London, 1975. Special Limited Edition, No. 33 of 150 Copies, Signed by Author. Illus. by Barrie Cooke. €4,000 to €6,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Binding: Burke, Thomas O.P. (de Burgo). Hibernia Dominicana, Sive Historia Provinciae Hiberniae Ordinis Praedicatorum, ... 1762. First Edition. €4,000 to €6,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: COLLINS, Michael. An important TL, 29 July 1922, addressed to GOVERNMENT on ‘suggested Proclamation warning all concerned that troops have orders to shoot prisoners found sniping, ambushing etc.’. €3,000 to €4,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Scott Fitzgerald (F.) The Great Gatsby, New York (Charles Scribner's Sons) 1925, First Edn. €2,000 to €3,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Yeats (W.B.) The Poems of W.B. Yeats, 2 vols. Lond. (MacMillan & Co.) 1949. Limited Edition, No. 46 of 375 Copies Only, Signed by W.B. Yeats. €1,500 to €2,000.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Miller (William) Publisher. The Costume of the Russian Empire, Description in English and French, Lg. folio London (S. Gosnell) 1803. First Edn. €1,000 to €1,500.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Miller (William) Publisher. The Costume of Turkey, Illustrated by a Series of Engravings. Lg. folio Lond.(T. Bensley) 1802. First Edn. €800 to €1,200.
    Fonsie Mealy’s, Dec. 12-13: Mason (Geo. Henry). The Costume of China, Illustrated with Sixty Engravings. Lg. folio London (for W. Miller) 1800. First Edn. €1,400 to €1,800
  • ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
    ABAA VBF: Holiday Edition
    November 30-December 2
    abaa.org/vbf
  • Sotheby’s
    Fine Books from a Distinguished Private Library
    28 November 2023
    Sotheby’s, Nov. 28: Captain Thomas Brown | Illustrations of the American ornithology. £80000-120000
    Sotheby’s, Nov. 28: William Hamilton | Campi phlegraei. £40000-60000
    Sotheby’s, Nov. 28: Nicola Zabaglia and Domenico Fontana | Castelli, e ponti con alcune ingegnose pratiche. £6000-8000
    Sotheby’s, Nov. 28: Bible, German | Nuremberg: Koberger, 1483. £40000-60000
    Sotheby’s, Nov. 28: Bible, English | King James version. £8000-12000
  • Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    30th November, 2023
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Saint Jerome penitent, woodcut with contemporary hand-colouring and letterpress text beneath, [Augsburg], [Johann Froschauer], [c.1498]. £15,000 to £20,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Elimithar (Elluchasem) "Ibn Butlan". Tacuini sanitatis, first edition, Strasbourg, Johann Schott, 1531. £15,000 to £20,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: [Missale Romanum], Latin, Incipit ordo missalis secundum consuetudinem Curiae Romani, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, 234ff. [c. 1400]. £15,000 to £20,000.
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    30th November, 2023
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Foyle copy.- [Shakespeare (William)]. Macbeth. A Tragedy: With all the Alterations, Amendments, Additions, and New Songs. As it is now Acted at the Theatre Royal, for Hen. Herringman, 1687. £5,000 to £7,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Dickens (Charles). A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, first edition, first impression, first issue, Chapman & Hall, 1843. £12,000 to £18,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Lawrence (T.E.) Revolt in the Desert, working draft typescript, 1927. £10,000 to £15,000.
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    30th November, 2023
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Hampstead Bindery.- Phillips (Stephen). Marpessa, exquisitely bound by The Hampstead Bindery, almost certainly P.A. Savoldelli, 1900. £6,000 to £8,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Matisse (Henri).- Joyce (James). Ulysses, one of 1500 copies, this one of 250 signed by the author and artist, New York, The Limited Editions Club, 1935. £8,000 to £12,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Burroughs (Edgar Rice). Tarzan at the Earth's Core, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to his son, New York, 1930. £5,000 to £7,000.
    Forum Auctions
    Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper
    30th November, 2023
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Fitzgerald (F. Scott). Tender is the Night, first edition, first printing, signed by the author, New York, 1934. £15,000 to £20,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: Fleming (Ian).- Hooks (Mitchell) and David Chasman. Dr. No, British film poster, Stafford & Co Ltd, [1962]. £10,000 to £15,000.
    Forum Auctions, Nov. 30: America.- California.- Palou (Francisco). Relacion Historica de la Vida Y Apostolicas Tareas delVenerable Padre Fray Junipero Serra..., first edition, second issue, 1787. £6,000 to £8,000.

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