Auction Insights

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood's Auction of rare antiquarian books, maps and manuscripts on 6th June, will include some books with very topical themes.

Estimated to sell at between £500 to £1000 is a unique bound collection of eleven original pamphlets relating to the coronation of the 'Four Georges' between 1727 to 1821 (BK28/Lot 122). Most are illustrated with a large panoramic copper engraving of the procession and ceremonies.

Also offered is a first edition (1957) of Ian Fleming's fifth published James Bond Book, From Russia With Love (BK28/Lot 132). Still in its evocative dust wrapper designed by Richard Chopping displaying a loaded Smith & Wesson and a single rose, this book is valued at £300 to £450.

At £400 to £600 is a first edition of H.G. Wells's War of the Worlds (BK28/Lot 197), an early science fiction work that has gone on to influence many other writers of this genre since this edition was published in 1898.

On a more peaceful note, offered at £500 to £1000, is a rare and revealing letter written by Mahatmar Ghandi (BK28/Lot 373), one of the most significant individuals of the 20th century. In it we see incredible insights such as "I am likely to be back on the 14th but then too I shall be wholly silent for 4 days."

Finally, published in the early part of the 19th century and offered in individual lots priced between £50 to £400 there is a small collection of scarce, illustrated books which reflect the one-time importance of Regency Sidmouth. (Illustrative example BK28/Lot 227)