Ending Dec 17, 2025 10:32 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
32
A scarce first issue set of Little Women
ALCOTT, LOUISA MAY
Little Women. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1868-69. First edition, first issue of both volumes. Publisher's cloth (volume I without "Part One" to the spine). 6 5/8 x 4 1/2 inches (17 1/2 x 12 cm); the first volume 342 pp., without announcement for part two at the end of the text, with frontispiece and 3 plates, 6 pp. ads at rear, the price of Little Women listed at $1.25 on the third page of the ads; the second volume 359 pp., first state with no notice to p. iv, frontispiece and 3 plates. As commonly encountered, this is a tired copy. The second volume is worn in particular but both with chips and markings, a tear costing a portion of a page, sprung leaves, etc. Tear to headcap of volume II, other wear to bindings, both with lean. The first volume with the contemporary pencil signature "Florence Deane" 1868.
Provenance: This copy offered in Justin G. Schiller's Spring 1970 catalogue Chapbook Miscellany, item 3.
A scarce first issue set of Little Women. The first edition was illustrated by Louisa May Alcott's sister May. Blanck 30; Bal 158-159.
Sold for $5,120
Estimated at $2,000 - $3,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
ALCOTT, LOUISA MAY
Little Women. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1868-69. First edition, first issue of both volumes. Publisher's cloth (volume I without "Part One" to the spine). 6 5/8 x 4 1/2 inches (17 1/2 x 12 cm); the first volume 342 pp., without announcement for part two at the end of the text, with frontispiece and 3 plates, 6 pp. ads at rear, the price of Little Women listed at $1.25 on the third page of the ads; the second volume 359 pp., first state with no notice to p. iv, frontispiece and 3 plates. As commonly encountered, this is a tired copy. The second volume is worn in particular but both with chips and markings, a tear costing a portion of a page, sprung leaves, etc. Tear to headcap of volume II, other wear to bindings, both with lean. The first volume with the contemporary pencil signature "Florence Deane" 1868.
Provenance: This copy offered in Justin G. Schiller's Spring 1970 catalogue Chapbook Miscellany, item 3.
A scarce first issue set of Little Women. The first edition was illustrated by Louisa May Alcott's sister May. Blanck 30; Bal 158-159.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, ending Dec 17, 2025
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Timed Online Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on December 17, 2025
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Featuring Outstanding Gift Ideas for Book Lovers of All Ages
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We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's timed online auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on December 17, 2025 offered a wide range of outstanding gift ideas for book lovers of all ages. Among the diverse offerings were printed and manuscript Americana, maps of all regions, early printing, fine bindings and library sets, fine printing and private press, travel and sport, science and technology, books on art and architecture, children’s and illustrated books, and English literature and American literature. Also featured were original autograph manuscripts and letters, illustration art and memorabilia.
Highlighting the sale was an extraordinary assemblage of signed documents and rare photographs relating to Negro League and related African American baseball that soared over its estimate of $600-800 to achieve an outstanding $9,600. Anchored by Percy Wilson’s signed 1923-24 contract with the Baltimore Black Sox--also signed by noted figures George Rossiter and Hall of Famer Pete Hill and bearing the team’s embossed seal--the group offered exceptional primary material relating to early Negro League professionalization. Also included were an earlier 1922 contract with the New Orleans Crescent Stars/Caulfield Ads, and a later signed 1933 Dixie League contract. The photographic material is equally compelling, including rare team images of the Caulfield Ads and an elusive Illinois Central Railroad Employees club, as well as a group of small-format photographs and clippings depicting African American athletes in baseball and football, with contemporary references to Wilson’s on-field performance.
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