Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection
WHITMAN, WALT
Drum Taps. New York: [Peter Eckler], 1865. WITH: Sequel to Drum-Taps. When Lilacs Last in the Door-Yard Bloom’d. Washington: 1865-6. First edition, the important and preferred second issue, one of only 1000 copies, with the first appearance of the sequel containing “Lilacs” and “O Captain! My Captain!” Original brown cloth, gilt-stamped title medallion on front board, title medallion blind-stamped on back, speckled edges. 7 x 4 1/4 inches (18 x 11 cm); (iv), 5-72, (3), 4-24 pp. Text generally fine, slight bubbling to pastedown. Light expert restoration to cloth spine, the spine now again defective.
An extremely good copy of this scarce and important work, containing the first printings of some of the most beautiful poems in all of American literature. This is the first edition to include Whitman's poems dedicated to President Lincoln, “O Captain! My Captain!” and "When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom'd." Myerson A3.1.a2; BAL 21398; Wells and Goldsmith pp. 11-12
Sold for $1,280
Estimated at $2,000 - $3,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: Property from the Rotondaro Collection
WHITMAN, WALT
Drum Taps. New York: [Peter Eckler], 1865. WITH: Sequel to Drum-Taps. When Lilacs Last in the Door-Yard Bloom’d. Washington: 1865-6. First edition, the important and preferred second issue, one of only 1000 copies, with the first appearance of the sequel containing “Lilacs” and “O Captain! My Captain!” Original brown cloth, gilt-stamped title medallion on front board, title medallion blind-stamped on back, speckled edges. 7 x 4 1/4 inches (18 x 11 cm); (iv), 5-72, (3), 4-24 pp. Text generally fine, slight bubbling to pastedown. Light expert restoration to cloth spine, the spine now again defective.
An extremely good copy of this scarce and important work, containing the first printings of some of the most beautiful poems in all of American literature. This is the first edition to include Whitman's poems dedicated to President Lincoln, “O Captain! My Captain!” and "When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom'd." Myerson A3.1.a2; BAL 21398; Wells and Goldsmith pp. 11-12
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024
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.
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