May 1, 2024 10:00 EST

Rare Books, Autographs & Maps

 
Lot 231
 

231

The first American edition of Clarkson's famous essay

Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection

[CLARKSON, THOMAS]

An Essay on the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species, Particularly the African, Translated from a Latin Dissertation which was Honoured with the First Prize in the University of Cambridge, for the year 1785, with Additions. Philadelphia: Re-Printed by Joseph Crukshank, 1786. First American edition. Slate-blue wrappers, possibly publisher's. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (22 x 14 cm); xix, [2], [22]-155 pp., [1] p. ads, including for Crukshank's edition of Phyllis Wheatley. Backstrip mostly perished, old stain on front cover and first interior leaf, name ("Wm. Morris") on front cover, "Fahnestock Bequest 1869" stamped in blind on title and succeeding page.

This famous and influential essay on slavery sparked efforts that led eventually to the emancipation of all slaves in the dominions of the British Crown, and the abolition of the slave trade in its realms. Evans 19561; Sabin 13484; PMM 232a; HSP/ LCP Afro-Americana Catalog 2384.

Sold for $1,024
Estimated at $400 - $600

Includes Buyer's Premium


 

Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection

[CLARKSON, THOMAS]

An Essay on the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species, Particularly the African, Translated from a Latin Dissertation which was Honoured with the First Prize in the University of Cambridge, for the year 1785, with Additions. Philadelphia: Re-Printed by Joseph Crukshank, 1786. First American edition. Slate-blue wrappers, possibly publisher's. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches (22 x 14 cm); xix, [2], [22]-155 pp., [1] p. ads, including for Crukshank's edition of Phyllis Wheatley. Backstrip mostly perished, old stain on front cover and first interior leaf, name ("Wm. Morris") on front cover, "Fahnestock Bequest 1869" stamped in blind on title and succeeding page.

This famous and influential essay on slavery sparked efforts that led eventually to the emancipation of all slaves in the dominions of the British Crown, and the abolition of the slave trade in its realms. Evans 19561; Sabin 13484; PMM 232a; HSP/ LCP Afro-Americana Catalog 2384.

Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024

  • Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on May 1, 2024 Totals $1.2 Million

  • A Medieval Manuscript Rules of St. Augustine Achieves $102k

  • Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions


NEW YORK, NY -- Competitive bidding at Doyle’s May 1, 2024 auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps drove strong prices and a sale total that topped $1.2 million, surpassing expectations.

Featured in the sale was a fascinating selection of early manuscripts that achieved exceptional results. Highlighting the group was a 14th century manuscript of the Rules of St. Augustine from an English priory that soared over its $8,000-12,000 estimate to realize a stunning $102,100. The Rule of St. Augustine is among the earliest of all monastic rules, created about 400, and it was an influence on all that succeeded it. Other notable results included a 14th century Etymologiae of St. Isidore estimated at $5,000-8,000 that achieved $51,200 and a 15th century Prayer Book of Jehan Bernachier estimated at $10,000-15,000 that sold for $28,800.

A first edition of John James Audubon's octavo Birds of America sold for $41,600, far over its $25,000-35,000 estimate. Published in 1840-1844 in seven volumes, the first octavo edition was the final Birds of America publication overseen by Audubon in his lifetime.

The Fred Rotondaro Collection offered rare books and manuscripts on a range of subjects touching the African American experience in the United States over three centuries. A first edition copy of Frederick Douglass’ 1876 speech at the unveiling of the Freedman's Monument in Washington realized $12,800, far exceeding its $3,000-5,000 estimate. A first edition of the first issue of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin from 1852 also achieved $12,800.

Highlighting the range of offerings from the Ken Harte Collection of Natural History was a first edition Richard Bowdler Sharpe’s beautifully illustrated monograph of Kingfishers, 1868-71, that sold for $14,080, doubling its $6,000-8,000 estimate. It was accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie.


We Invite You to Auction!

Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.

For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com

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