Rare Book Monthly

Articles - September - 2024 Issue

Peter Harrington Rare Books Bringing an Outstanding Collection to the Empire State Rare Book & Print Fair Sept. 27-29

Leaves from Shakespeare's Four Folios

Leaves from Shakespeare's Four Folios

Peter Harrington will be showing a selection of incredible items at the Empire State Rare Book & Print Fair taking place September 27-29, 2024 at the historic City College of New York.
 
Their collection spans centuries of intellectual and artistic achievement, and they will present an array of extraordinary pieces that celebrate cultural, musical, and literary heritage at the fair. 

Historic Musical Photographs and Memorabilia:

  • Original Photograph of Itinerant Afro-Cuban Musicians (1890): This rare and striking image captures a unique five-piece ensemble in the kitchen of a large plantation house, offering a glimpse into the early syncretic forms of Cuban music that influenced the development of jazz.

  • Louis Armstrong and His Concert Group (1949): A coveted autograph-laden poster from the iconic jazz trumpeter’s first All-Star group. Signed by Armstrong, drummer Cozy Cole, trombonist Jack Teagarden, and clarinettist Barney Bigard, this piece represents a pivotal moment in jazz history.

  • Original Signed Publicity Photograph of Sister Rosetta Tharpe (1940): Inscribed by the pioneering gospel musician herself, this 8x10 vintage publicity still by renowned photographer James J. Kriegsmann is a unique collectible, highlighting Tharpe’s influential role in shaping modern music.

2. Rare Books and Signed Editions:

  • Leaves from the Four Folios by William Shakespeare (1623): Four disbound folio leaves from the first four collected editions of Shakespeare’s plays, each a vital piece of literary history, representing the foundation of English literature.

  • "The Black Jacobins" by C.L.R. James (1938): A first edition inscribed by the author, this seminal work on the Haitian Revolution is a cornerstone of Caribbean studies and revolutionary literature.

  • "Grapefruit" by Yoko Ono (1964): A first edition, first printing limited to 500 copies, inscribed by Ono. This avant-garde work influenced generations of artists and musicians, including John Lennon, who credited it for inspiring his iconic song "Imagine."

3. Autographed Letters and Personal Correspondence:

  • Six Autograph Letters Signed by Allen Ginsberg: These letters to Carolyn Cassady offer rare insights into Ginsberg’s personal and creative life during the height of the Beat Generation.

  • "The White House: An Historic Guide" by John F. & Jacqueline Kennedy (1962): A limited edition, specially bound and inscribed by the President and First Lady, presented to Peter Lawford. This guide embodies a unique intersection of political history and literary preservation.

4. Exclusive Jazz Festival Programs:

  • Miles Davis Signed Programme from the Festival International du Jazz d’Antibes (1960): This multiply signed programme features signatures from Miles Davis and his esteemed band members, capturing a momentous event in jazz history.

5. Additional Highlights:

  • "New Orleans Jazz: A Family Album" by Al Rose & Edmond Souchon (1978): This second edition is a prized collectible, inscribed by Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts as a birthday gift from Mick Jagger.

  • Autograph Letters and Greetings by Arthur Rackham (1934): Including letters discussing business terms and original watercolors, providing a rare glimpse into Rackham’s professional correspondence and creative process.

Rare Book Monthly

  • High Bids Win
    Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines
    and Machine Manuals
    December 24 to January 9
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Ellis Smith Prints unsigned. 20” by 16”.
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: United typothetae of America presidents. Pictures of 37 UTA presidents 46th annual convention United typothetae of America Cincinnati 1932.
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec signed Paper Impressionism Art Prints. MayMilton 9 1/2” by 13” Reine de Joie 9 1/2” by 13”.
    High Bids Win
    Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines
    and Machine Manuals
    December 24 to January 9
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Aberle’ Ballet editions. 108th triumph, American season spring and summer 1944.
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Puss ‘n Boots. 1994 Charles Perrult All four are signed by Andreas Deja
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Specimen book of type faces. Job composition department, Philadelphia gazette publishing company .
    High Bids Win
    Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines
    and Machine Manuals
    December 24 to January 9
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: An exhibit of printed books, Bridwell library.
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur Court By Mark Twain 1889.
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: 1963 Philadelphia Eagles official program.
    High Bids Win
    Rare Books, Catalogs, Magazines
    and Machine Manuals
    December 24 to January 9
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: 8 - Esquire the magazine for men 1954.
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: The American printer, July 1910.
    High Bids Win, Dec. 24 – Jan. 9: Leaves of grass 1855 by Walt Whitman.
  • Sotheby's
    Fine Books, Manuscripts & More
    Available for Immediate Purchase
    Sotheby’s: William Shakespeare.
    The Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare, 1960. 7,210 USD
    Sotheby’s: Charles Dickens.
    A Christmas Carol, First Edition, 1843. 17,500 USD
    Sotheby’s: William Golding.
    Lord of the Flies, First Edition, 1954. 5,400 USD
    Sotheby's
    Fine Books, Manuscripts & More
    Available for Immediate Purchase
    Sotheby’s: Lewis Carroll.
    Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, Inscribed First Edition, 1872. 25,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: J.R.R. Tolkien.
    The Hobbit, First Edition, 1937. 12,000 USD
    Sotheby’s: John Milton.
    Paradise Lost, 1759. 5,400 USD

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