Jun 25, 2026 10:00 EST
The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
89
Radziwill's pilgrimage to Jerusalem, gifted by David Ben-Gurion to John F. Kennedy
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
RADZIWILL, MIKOLAJ KRZYSZTOF
Ierosolymitana Peregrinatio [...] Primum a Thoma Tretero custode Varmiensi ex Polonico sermone in Latinum translata, nunc varie aucta et correctius in lucem edita. Antwerp: Plantin, 1614. Second, improved Latin edition, the Ben-Gurion–Kennedy–Radziwiłł copy. Contemporary quarter calf over vellum, the arms of a bishop in manuscript to both covers, 11 7/8 x 8 inches (29.75 x 20 cm). Collation: 2º: *6A–2R4; (10), 308, (12) pp., with engraved title-page and 5 full-page engraved illustrations in the text. A note from Ben-Gurion to Kennedy and a typed letter from Kennedy's secretary Evelyn Lincoln to Prince Stanisław Radziwiłł laid in. Binding worn, with both hinges and the upper joint cracked, the calf spine beginning to flake, the vellum covers soiled, stained, and crumpled, with a few small scrapes and punctures. Internally toned and soiled, with some dampstaining to the outer margin. An early owner's inscription to the title page and front endleaves, evidence of an erased inscription on the final leaf. Bookplates of Jaques-Gery-Joseph Colpin and G.J. Arvantidi to the front pastedown. Signature of David Ben-Gurion to the front pastedown.
A copy of Radziwill's influential pilgrimage to Jerusalem, given as a gift by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion to President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Kennedy and Ben-Gurion met in New York on May 30, 1961 to discuss several aspects of American policy in the Middle East, dedicating a large portion of their conversation to Israel's nuclear program. At the end of the conversation, Ben-Gurion gave this volume to President Kennedy, telling him that the book "was a record of a visit to the Holy Land by the author, Radzivilli, who was a forebear of Prince Radziwill, the husband of President Kennedy’s sister-in-law." Kennedy quickly passed along the book to his sister-in-law Lee and Stanisław Albrecht Radziwiłł.
Sold for $10,240
Estimated at $7,000 - $9,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
RADZIWILL, MIKOLAJ KRZYSZTOF
Ierosolymitana Peregrinatio [...] Primum a Thoma Tretero custode Varmiensi ex Polonico sermone in Latinum translata, nunc varie aucta et correctius in lucem edita. Antwerp: Plantin, 1614. Second, improved Latin edition, the Ben-Gurion–Kennedy–Radziwiłł copy. Contemporary quarter calf over vellum, the arms of a bishop in manuscript to both covers, 11 7/8 x 8 inches (29.75 x 20 cm). Collation: 2º: *6A–2R4; (10), 308, (12) pp., with engraved title-page and 5 full-page engraved illustrations in the text. A note from Ben-Gurion to Kennedy and a typed letter from Kennedy's secretary Evelyn Lincoln to Prince Stanisław Radziwiłł laid in. Binding worn, with both hinges and the upper joint cracked, the calf spine beginning to flake, the vellum covers soiled, stained, and crumpled, with a few small scrapes and punctures. Internally toned and soiled, with some dampstaining to the outer margin. An early owner's inscription to the title page and front endleaves, evidence of an erased inscription on the final leaf. Bookplates of Jaques-Gery-Joseph Colpin and G.J. Arvantidi to the front pastedown. Signature of David Ben-Gurion to the front pastedown.
A copy of Radziwill's influential pilgrimage to Jerusalem, given as a gift by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion to President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Kennedy and Ben-Gurion met in New York on May 30, 1961 to discuss several aspects of American policy in the Middle East, dedicating a large portion of their conversation to Israel's nuclear program. At the end of the conversation, Ben-Gurion gave this volume to President Kennedy, telling him that the book "was a record of a visit to the Holy Land by the author, Radzivilli, who was a forebear of Prince Radziwill, the husband of President Kennedy’s sister-in-law." Kennedy quickly passed along the book to his sister-in-law Lee and Stanisław Albrecht Radziwiłł.
Auction: The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile, Jun 25, 2026
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Successful Auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 Tops $550k with 97% Sell-Through Rate
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Featuring a Wide Range of Americana and Military History Spanning the 18th through 20th Centuries
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We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's highly-anticipated auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 delivered outstanding results, with trans-Atlantic bidding driving the sale total beyond expectations and an impressive 97% sell-through rate. Comprising more than 200 lots, this extensive and fascinating collection featured books, manuscripts, and original illustration art spanning centuries of antiquarian interest.
Signed Volume from Abraham Lincoln's Personal Library - Sold for $64,000
Books from Abraham Lincoln's personal library are among the great rarities of the American book trade. Leading the sale was an 1849 first edition of William W. Campbell's The Life and Writings of De Witt Clinton inscribed by Lincoln that achieved $64,000, more than doubling its $20,000-30,000 estimate. Lincoln signed the book on November 19, 1860, less than two weeks after his election to the presidency. In February 1861, he would depart Springfield by train for Washington, never returning to his hometown until his burial following his assassination.
A United States Senator, Mayor of New York City, and Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton is best remembered for championing the Erie Canal, one of the great infrastructure projects of the 19th century. Lincoln admired Clinton's vision and leadership, looking to him as a model of a strong executive capable of undertaking and completing ambitious public works.
British Military & Naval Color Plate Books - Sold for $16,640
The wide selection of color plate books featured magnificent first editions of James Jenkins' celebrated The Martial Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1799 to 1815 and The Naval Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1793 to 1817. Amid trans-Atlantic bidding, this elegant two-volume set sailed its $7,000-10,000 estimate to realize $16,640. Among the finest military color plate books of the early 19th century, these large-paper editions, featuring over 100 hand-colored aquatint plates, were presented in their most desirable state, with coloring of exceptional quality and delicately tinted plate surrounds not found in the regular issue. Completing the lot was an original watercolor by William Heath, the leading British military watercolorist of the period, prepared for one of the plates in The Martial Achievements.
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