USIANA

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Auction 1431 brings together an eclectic and highly collectible array of literary and cultural material, anchored by significant first editions, illustrated classics, and rare examples of visual storytelling. Spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, the offerings reveal a focus on works that shaped literary imagination, gender discourse, humor, and historical consciousness across continents. From the American mythos reimagined by Nathaniel Hawthorne to the radical feminist voice of George Sand, the catalog captures the breadth of influence across genres and formats.

Among the literary highlights is an 1887 edition of Hawthorne’s Tanglewood Tales, a reworking of classical myths for young readers. Its worn but intact state speaks to its historical use and continued appeal. In contrast, the inclusion of Indiana by George Sand—complete in its original 1838 French edition—offers collectors a rare opportunity to own one of the foundational texts of feminist literature. Its association with early Parisian booksellers and elegant binding further enhances its desirability.

Equally notable are the visual and popular culture offerings. A lot featuring four variant first editions of Walt Kelly’s Pogoshowcases the early development of American political satire through comics. These variations, annotated by a previous collector, reflect the bibliographic richness of mid-century cartoon art. Complementing these are nautical histories, such as Deep-Water Sail and Queens of the Western Ocean, which document the golden age of sailing and merchant shipping with photographs and fold-out plates.

 

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This auction catalog features a noteworthy selection of literary and religious works, anchored by a significant first edition first printing of Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Widely considered one of the most influential novels of the 19th century, Stowe’s work galvanized anti-slavery sentiment and remains central to American literary and social history. Its presence here, in a collectible format, stands as a highlight of the sale for scholars and collectors alike.

Equally important is the inclusion of a rare reliquary of Sainte Thérèse of Lisieux. This devotional object reflects the deep reverence surrounding the young Carmelite saint, canonized in 1925 and often referred to as “The Little Flower.” The reliquary exemplifies early 20th-century Catholic devotional art and holds special interest for collectors of religious ephemera.

While much of the catalog centers on literary works, other highlights include editions by noted authors such as Theodore Dreiser, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and a first cloth edition of Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. Though more modest in presentation, these volumes offer insight into the broader cultural and intellectual currents represented in the sale.

Several lot are books from the personal library of Edward Herrmann, the distinguished actor and bibliophile and father figure on Gilmore’s Girls the beloved television sitcom.

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This auction catalog features a wide selection of antiquarian and collectible books, spanning subjects such as literature, religion, history, and science. Several items date to the early 19th century or earlier, including leather-bound works, engraved volumes, and regional imprints. Many books retain original bindings and handwritten inscriptions, offering insight into historical readership and ownership.

Among the notable entries is the twelve-volume Autograph Edition of the works of Kate Douglas Wiggin, inscribed by the author. This finely bound set documents Wiggin’s contributions to American children’s literature and domestic fiction. Also included is a rare Arabic Christian volume titled Kitab al-Naba’at (The Book of Prophecies), printed at the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Dair al-Shuwair, Lebanon, in 1775—an important example of early Arabic movable-type printing in a Christian liturgical context.

Additional highlights include the 1832 edition of The Poetical Works of John Dryden by William Pickering, the 1819 Geography Made Easy by Jedidiah Morse, and Peter Maverick’s engraved portraits from 1803. The catalog reflects a consistent focus on content-rich volumes with bibliographic or historical significance.

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This auction features an eclectic array of vintage and historical photographs with several standout highlights:

Astronomical Glass Plates Archive (circa 1900): Over 100 glass plates documenting star clusters and celestial phenomena, a rare visual archive of early astronomical photography.
1876 Vellum-bound Volume with Albumen Prints: A finely preserved extra-illustrated book including early albumen prints—an impressive blend of literature and photographic history.
Signed Studio Portraits of Chingwah Lee: Four signed photographs of the Chinese-American actor best known for his Hollywood roles, offering cinematic and cultural value.
Eleanor Roosevelt Press Photograph: A compelling press image distributed by International News Photos, documenting an important public figure in mid-20th-century politics.
Amusing Image of Men Riding Alligators: A pair of whimsical snapshots from the Los Angeles Alligator Farm, a slice of strange Americana.
Construction and Industry: Includes a circa 1900 image of a railway crew and another of a fisherman, offering rare occupational portraits in sepia.