Source : Braislin

Source Title The Important American Library Formed by Dr. William C. Braislin
Description "The American Library of Dr. William C. Braislin, is too well known as a whole, to collectors of Americana, to require a foreward to engage their attention; but it may be doubted whether very many outside of Dr. Braislin's historical circle of friends, or [even]those who have spent considerable time among his books, realize the vast number of rarities he has succeeded in gathering on the subject which may be broadly called the History and Development of the West, with all its romance and realism, its incredibilities and practicalities.

This will include quite naturally, the Americana Aborigines; the advent of the White Men; Pioneer development and Overland Journeys; the various Wars, not only with the Indians, but with Great Britain on the North, and Mexico on the South; New States and their Development; the Discovery of Gold; Canals; Railroads; Indian Captivities and Narratives. The most interesting and most valued volumes [of] all of these, and more, Dr. Braislin has succeeded in procuring; and he has been fortuniuate enough to obtain copies of some books of which only from one to fivew copies appear to be known."
Scope of Text "The building of a country involves petty politics as well as lofty motives, aspirations, and actions, and the founder of this library realized that he must not only possess the important writings of the day by or about Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and men of similar national significance, but also of others, whose lives were a part of the life of the growing country, and whose actions were reflected in such growth.

To give in detail the many rarities to be found in the following pages, would merely duplicate a large part of the catalogue. It is sufficient to say there are many books listed here which collectors have been looking for, for some time, and this may be the last opportunity to procure them."

This sale realized $48,376.50.
Total Records in AED 0
  • 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
  • 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.