A Bauman Rare Books sediada em Nova Iorque, Las Vegas e Fidadélfia (apenas por marcação) nos USA editou o seu catálogo para Junho, subordinado ao tema Cats.
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Na sua apresentação pode ler-se:
“Our catalogue for summer opens with a very rare first edition of the 1814 official chronicle of Lewis & Clark’s landmark expedition, with the famous and very scarce large folding map, in contemporary leather.[…]
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Cats - June Catalogue
Table of Contents
All told this catalogue contains 123 fantastic items across several broad categories: Americana; Classics (including a 1480 Koberger Bible!); Science, Economics & Law; Literature (including several scarce Orwell titles in dust jackets, and a signed Animal Farm); Travel; and Children’s. Enjoy!”
Como é hábito cito apenas alguns exemplos como ilustrativos da qualidade das obras inclusas nestes sempre bem elaborados catálogos.
Claro que o preço das obras nos deixa quase sempre “água na boca”, pois a bolsa é demasiado curta para a sua aquisição!
Este livro de viagens/exploração, ainda que de maior interesse para o mercado americano, julgo merecer a nossa atenção:
1. LEWIS, Meriwether and CLARK, William. History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark, To the Sources of the Missouri, Thence Across the Rocky Mountains and Down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. Philadelphia, 1814. Two volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter brown sheep, custom half morocco clamshell box.
Exceptionally rare first edition, one of only 1,417 copies printed, of the definitive account of the most important exploration of the North American continent, with the famous large folding map of the course of the expedition and five in-text maps.
“First authorized and complete account of the most important western exploration and the first of many overland narratives to follow” (Howes L317). “American explorers had for the first time spanned the continental United States and had driven the first wedge toward opening up our new far western frontier” (Streeter 1777). “The importance of exploring this area [beyond the Missouri River] had been evident to Thomas Jefferson as early as 1783… but it was not until twenty years later that Jefferson, then President of the United States, saw the realization of his idea… The purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in December 1803 greatly increased the importance of the expedition, which finally began its long journey [in 1804]… They wintered in the Mandan villages in the Dakotas and in the Spring pushed on west across the Rocky Mountains and then down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. Returning by the same route nearly two-and-a-half years after they had set out they arrived back in St. Louis in September 1806 to the amazed delight of the nation which had given them up for lost. Though unsuccessful in their attempt to find a transcontinental water route, they had demonstrated the feasibility of overland travel to the western coast” (Printing and the Mind of Man, 272).
A number of years passed between the end of the expedition and the 1814 printing of the official account. Lewis had made some arrangements for publication, but upon his suicide in 1809 Clark undertook the project, which was in disarray. “This is the great mystery of Lewis’s life. There is only speculation on what kept him from preparing the journals for the publisher, but no one can know the cause for certain, any more than anyone can know for certain the cause of his suicide… When Clark arrived at Monticello [where the journals had been sent], there was apparently some talk about Jefferson’s taking over the journals and doing the editing to prepare them for the printer. There was no man alive who had a greater interest in the subject, or one who had better qualifications for the job. But he was sixty-five years old and desired to spend his remaining years at Monticello as a gentleman farmer… After some false starts, Clark persuaded Nicholas Biddle to undertake the work. Biddle was only 26 years old, but he was a prodigy… Biddle was the perfect choice. He threw himself into the work and did it magnificently… In 1814, the book appeared, titled The History of the Expedition Under the Commands of Captains Lewis and Clark. It was a narrative and paraphrase of the journals, completely true to the original, retaining some of the more delightful phrases, but with the spelling corrected. [As a result of the failing health of Dr. Barton, who was to do the scientific volume] Biddle did relatively little with the flora and fauna… For the next ninety years, Biddle’s edition was the only printed account based on the journals. As a result, Lewis and Clark got no credit for most of their discoveries. Plants, rivers, animals, birds that they had described and named were newly discovered by naturalists, and the names that these men gave them were the ones that stuck. Lewis had cheated himself out of a rank not far below Darwin as a naturalist” (Ambrose, 469-470).
“The Lewis and Clark expedition stands as a major event in American history, solidly establishing our title to the vast Louisiana Territory and later to the Oregon country. The explorations revealed a strange and unknown world, full of exciting wonders, and pointed the way to its possibilities for future development” (Downs, Books that Changed America, 40). Sabin 855 and 40828. Graff 2477. Wagner-Camp 13.1. Paltsits, lxxvii. Small three-by-three inch section of map restored in fine facsimile and with repaired four-inch tear near gutter, title page of second volume and several leaves of text with short tears expertly repaired, free endpapers absent in second volume, usual browning and foxing throughout, scarce contemporary bindings a bit worn but fully intact. A desirable and complete copy of the most important work in American western exploration.
Refira-se esta obra de Isaac Newton:
4. NEWTON, Isaac. The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Translated into English by Andrew Motte. To which are added, the Laws of the Moon’s Motion, according to Gravity [by John Machin]. London, 1729. Two volumes. Octavo, contemporary full speckled brown calf gilt rebacked.
First edition in English of Newton’s Principia, published two years after his death, with scarce copper-engraved frontispieces and three headpieces by the translator Andrew Motte, 47 engraved folding geometric plates (three accompanying Machin’s treatise) and two folding tables.
First published in Latin in 1687, “the Principia is generally described as the greatest work in the history of science. Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler had certainly shown the way; but where they described the phenomena they observed, Newton explained the underlying universal laws. The Principia provided the greatest synthesis of the cosmos, proving finally its physical unity. Newton showed that the important and dramatic aspects of nature that were subject to the universal law of gravitation could be explained, in mathematical terms, with a single physical theory. With him the separation of the natural and supernatural, of sublunar and superlunar worlds disappeared. The same laws of gravitation and motion rule everywhere; for the first time a single mathematical law could explain the motion of objects on earth as well as the phenomena of the heavens. The whole cosmos is composed of inter-connecting parts influencing each other according to these laws. It was this grand conception that produced a general revolution in human thought, equaled perhaps only by that following Darwin’s Origin of Species… [Newton] is generally regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time and the founder of mathematical physics” (PMM 161).
John Machin’s 71-page treatise “Laws of the Moon’s Motion According to Gravity” misbound at rear of Volume I, with accompanying plates bound at the end of Volume II. Bound without half titles, as usual. Babson 20. Gray 23. Norman 1587. Early ink owner signature on title page of Volume II. Minor marginal wormholing to a few leaves of Volume II, very faint scattered dampstaining to text, only slight rubbing to boards. A most desirable, near-fine copy.
E aqui temos a obra que “empresta” o nome para este catálogo:
13. NAM, Jacques Lehmann and COLETTE, (Sidonie-Gabrielle). Chats. Paris, circa 1950. Modern half navy cloth portfolio (19 by 21 inches) with original image and text from original portfolio laid down on front cover, containing six loose folio gatherings and five original aquatints (as issued), original prospectus laid in.
Limited first edition, one of 25 copies on Imperial Japon paper, of five wonderful folio color aquatints of cats, each signed and numbered by Jacques Nam, accompanied by amusing commentaries by Colette, with six original watercolors signed by Nam on the half title and the accompanying text for each aquatint. Including an original prospectus also signed by Nam laid in.
“Time spent with cats is never wasted” (Colette). Jacques Nam was known primarily for his paintings and illustrations of animal subjects, mostly cats, which found their ways into the Salon d’Automne and the National Gallery of Beaux Arts. During the early 20th century, Nam provided illustrations for such French magazines as La Vie Parisienne and Le Petit Journal Illustré de la Jeunesse. Colette’s works “express a sensibility shaped by the style of the belle époque and informed by a sensual responsiveness to the life of nature and the world of childhood” (Drabble, 213). No one who is fond of cats can afford to miss her descriptions of “Le Siamois,” “Simplette,” and “Fastagette.” Text in French. Part of a more general limited edition of 380 copies. Laid in is an original prospectus for the work, signed by Nam beneath the top illustration. Also laid in is a photograph of a self portrait by Nam surrounded by cats. Without one silk tie, a beautiful copy.
E este outro soberbo exemplar até pela sua proveniência (Thomas Jefferson):
14. JEFFERSON, Thomas. Memoires de Maximilien de Bethune, Duc de Sully, Principal Ministre de Henri le Grand;… Nouvelle Edition…. Londres [but actually Paris], 1767. Eight volumes. 12mo, contemporary French mottled calf gilt, morocco spine labels. Housed in four separate chemise and custom clamshell boxes.
Thomas Jefferson’s copy of the memoirs of the Duke de Sully, a writer “usually included in Jefferson’s lists of recommended historical reading” who shared many of Jefferson’s interests in an agrarian economy. With Jefferson’s manuscript initial “T” written in front of the letter “I” (substituting for “J”) signature in each volume, and with his manuscript initial “I” written after the letter “T” signature in each volume (save for the final volume, which has no “T” signature). With impeccable provenance: with ownership signatures of Jefferson’s descendants, this set was once in William Randolph Hearst’s library. Jefferson’s initials are here as found in most of his own books, which are rarely ever seen on the market. Sowerby notes that Sully’s Memoires “are usually included in Jefferson’s lists of recommended historical reading.” Sowerby further notes that the first set that Jefferson owned, the set that was part of the library he sold to the Library of Congress, was the 1778 edition. The present set was almost certainly purchased by Jefferson to replace the set sold to the Library of Congress in 1815. This set is listed in the 1829 auction catalogue of Jefferson’s library (item 75: 8 volumes, 12mo), but it was apparently kept by Thomas Jefferson Randolph. It is not surprising that Jefferson would recommend Sully’s memoirs as part of a course of historical reading, or that he would be sure to have a set at hand for himself—the two men shared several common notions. Maximilien de Bethune, duc de Sully (1560-1641) served King Henry IV of France in several capacities, as an army officer, engineer, Superintendent of Finances, and as a confidential advisor. As did Jefferson, Sully strongly favored agriculture over industry as an economic base, and encouraged its expansion. He also encouraged stock raising and forbade the destruction of forests. In order to facilitate trade, Sully encouraged internal improvements, sponsoring canals, roads, and bridges, and he abolished export fees on grains and wine. The first portions of Sully’s memoirs were originally published in 1638, and the work was translated into several languages and reprinted often. Jefferson compiled three substantial libraries in his lifetime. Books from his collection are exceptionally scarce on the market. To find a set of books that Jefferson thought of so highly, and with whose author he was in such agreement, is rare indeed. Sowerby, Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson, 199. The front fly leaf of the third volume is signed in pencil by Thomas Jefferson Randolph (Thomas Jefferson’s grandson and the executor of his estate), the signature reading “Th. J. Randolph/Edge Hill/Virginia.” Sarah N. Randolph (T.J. Randolph’s daughter and Thomas Jefferson’s great-granddaughter), also of Edge Hill, has also signed her name on a slip of paper laid into the third volume. This set was sold by Hammer Galleries in 1941 as part of the sale of books from William Randolph Hearst’s library. Bindings worn, a few joints cracked, spine ends of first volume chipped (with a one-inch piece missing from head of spine). Leaves V6 and V7 in second volume loosely laid in. An occasional minor fox mark, some light tanning. Overall, very good condition in unrestored contemporary French calf-gilt.
Podemos igualmente encontrar esta obra imortal de Gustave Flaubert, que é muitas vezes “a estrela” em alguns leilões:
74. FLAUBERT, Gustave. Madame Bovary. Moeurs de Province. Paris, 1857. Two volumes in one. Thick 12mo, contemporary marbled boards rebacked in tan calf gilt.
Rare first edition, first issue in book form of Flaubert’s literary masterpiece, “the definitive model of the novel” (Émile Zola) and the work that “ushered the age of realism into modern European literature.” Upon publication of Madame Bovary, both Flaubert and his publisher were brought to trial on charges of immorality and narrowly escaped conviction (the same tribunal found Charles Baudelaire guilty on the same charge six months later). Although purportedly based in part on the circumstances of Flaubert’s friend Louise Pradier, the author’s claim that “Madame Bovary is myself,” with his unrelenting objectivity and deep compassion for his characters, earned him a reputation as the great master of the Realist school of French literature. Flaubert’s attention to minute particulars of description and his belief in “le mot juste” significantly influenced later writers and thinkers, making Madame Bovary integral to the evolution of modern literature. First serialized in La Revue de Paris in October and December of 1856, this is the first issue in book form, with misspelling of “Senard” as “Senart” on dedication page. With both half titles; bound without publisher’s advertisements. Text in French. A handsome copy in fine condition.
E para quem aprecie literatura policial, como eu, aqui ficam as Aventuras de Sherlock Holmes (claro que o preço reduzirá drasticamente o número de potenciais compradores!):
76. CONAN DOYLE, Arthur. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. WITH: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. London, 1892, 1894. Two volumes. Octavo, original pictorial light blue and dark blue cloth, custom slipcases.
First editions in book form of these classic stories starring literature’s most famous detective, illustrated by Sidney Paget. Although Sherlock Holmes first appeared in the novel A Study in Scarlet (1887), his adventures in the Strand Magazine brought both him and his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, lasting fame. “The initial 12 tales were collected between covers as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, published in England and America in 1892; and 11 of the second 12… as The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, published in 1894. If any reader be prepared to name two other books that have given more innocent but solid pleasure, let him speak now—or hold his peace!” (Haycraft, 50). These volumes contain such famous and memorable tales as “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Adventure of the Speckled Band.” Of special note is the last case in the Memoirs, “The Final Problem,” in which Holmes apparently meets his death in a struggle with “the Napoleon of crime,” Professor Moriarty. “At one point, tiring of the detective, Doyle attempted to exterminate him… but the clamor of his admirers forced him to resurrect Holmes for several further volumes, and his popularity has waned little since” (Benet, 273). Green & Gibson A10a, A14a. Interiors with scattered light foxing, occasional soiling, inner paper hinges expertly reinforced. Cloth bindings with mild rubbing to spines and edges. An exceptionally nice pair of volumes, quite unusual in this condition.
24. (VIRGINIA) BEYER, Edward. Album of Virginia. Richmond: Edward Beyer, 1858. Large oblong folio (25 by 17-1/2 inches), period-style three-quarter calf gilt retaining contemporary cloth boards, original red morocco cover label.
Bom penso que já consegui cativar a vossa curiosidade. Agora há que ler e procurar alguma obra que possa interessar, ou pelo menos, colhermos mais algumas informações bibliófilas e bibliográficas sempre úteis para o nosso coleccionismo.
Saudações bibliófilas.
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