Apr 16, 2026 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
50
A popular 18th century mathematics work, with a volvelle
The Property of a New England Family
[MATHEMATICS]
WAKELY, ANDREW. The Mariner's Compass Rectified. London: Printed for Mount and Page, 1787. 272.pp; collates complete. Contemporary brown sheep, rebacked with original spine laid down, raised bands, with volvelle on p. 95. Spine ends with small chips, covers bowed with minor wear, scattered spotting and short marginal tears to text, volvelle intact and text overall quite nice. Charmingly bound.
First published in 1694 and innumerable times throughout the 18th century.
Sold for $448
Estimated at $300 - $500
Includes Buyer's Premium
The Property of a New England Family
[MATHEMATICS]
WAKELY, ANDREW. The Mariner's Compass Rectified. London: Printed for Mount and Page, 1787. 272.pp; collates complete. Contemporary brown sheep, rebacked with original spine laid down, raised bands, with volvelle on p. 95. Spine ends with small chips, covers bowed with minor wear, scattered spotting and short marginal tears to text, volvelle intact and text overall quite nice. Charmingly bound.
First published in 1694 and innumerable times throughout the 18th century.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, Apr 16, 2026
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Successful Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 Surpasses Expectations
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Thomas Jefferson Letter Commenting on Toussaint Louverture Achieves $32,000
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
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We Invite You to Contact Us for Complimentary Auction Estimates of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY – Doyle's auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 saw international competition drive strong results throughout the sale and a total that surpassed expectations.
Thomas Jefferson Letter on Toussaint Louverture
Highlighting the sale was a fascinating 1802 letter from Thomas Jefferson as president to Maryland Governor John Francis Mercer that achieved a strong $32,000. The remarkable letter captures a rare, candid moment in which Jefferson assesses, with striking clarity, the arrest of Toussaint Louverture, a leader of the Haitian Revolution, by French General Charles LeClerc, Napoleon’s brother-in-law. Jefferson perceptively warned that LeClerc’s actions would erode trust and likely spark further racial conflict—an insight that proved remarkably accurate. Beyond its sharp political foresight, the letter reflects the broader anxiety the Haitian Revolution provoked in the United States, which contributed to decades of diplomatic isolation of Haiti.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
