May 1, 2024 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
235
Thomas Clarkson on sugar grown by slaves in Cuba and Brazil
Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection
CLARKSON, THOMAS
Autograph letter signed. Playford, Suffolk: 8 May 1844. A long autograph letter signed "Thomas Clarkson" on one sheet, about thirty lines in Clarkson's hand with corrections and underlinings, the letter addressed to Mr. [John] Scoble. Framed. Tipped to a backing, a few handling creases and spots, original smudging, not examined out of frame.
An late letter from the prominent English Abolitionist Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) to fellow anti-slavery activist John Scoble on the interesting subject of duties to be paid on slave produced sugar reaching England from Cuba and Brazil. The letter opens with the 84 year old Clarkson asking Scoble to send a copy of his letter on the subject that is to be read at by Joseph Sturge public meeting. Scoble, active in criticizing the apprenticeship and indenture system that had replaced slavery in much of the West Indies, had accompanied Sturge there in 1837 and contributed to his report. At the time of this letter Scoble was secretary of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Scotiety and it is likely that Clarkson's letter was to be read at one of their meetings. Here Clarkson outines the duty paid on colonial and free-grown foregin sugar and asks of Scoble what the duty will be on slave grown foreign sugar, such as that grown in Cuba in Brazil. An unusual letter on a practical subject from this great abolitionist.
Sold for $1,024
Estimated at $800 - $1,200
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection
CLARKSON, THOMAS
Autograph letter signed. Playford, Suffolk: 8 May 1844. A long autograph letter signed "Thomas Clarkson" on one sheet, about thirty lines in Clarkson's hand with corrections and underlinings, the letter addressed to Mr. [John] Scoble. Framed. Tipped to a backing, a few handling creases and spots, original smudging, not examined out of frame.
An late letter from the prominent English Abolitionist Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) to fellow anti-slavery activist John Scoble on the interesting subject of duties to be paid on slave produced sugar reaching England from Cuba and Brazil. The letter opens with the 84 year old Clarkson asking Scoble to send a copy of his letter on the subject that is to be read at by Joseph Sturge public meeting. Scoble, active in criticizing the apprenticeship and indenture system that had replaced slavery in much of the West Indies, had accompanied Sturge there in 1837 and contributed to his report. At the time of this letter Scoble was secretary of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Scotiety and it is likely that Clarkson's letter was to be read at one of their meetings. Here Clarkson outines the duty paid on colonial and free-grown foregin sugar and asks of Scoble what the duty will be on slave grown foreign sugar, such as that grown in Cuba in Brazil. An unusual letter on a practical subject from this great abolitionist.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024
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Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on May 1, 2024 Totals $1.2 Million
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A Medieval Manuscript Rules of St. Augustine Achieves $102k
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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
