Yahoo Movies 50 of the world’s rarest books go on sale
A collection of 50 exceptionally rare books and manuscripts, including a first edition of Galileo’s second published work “revealing his contemptuous outrage at the man who plagiarised his compass (his first significant scientific invention)” from 1607, is part of a new offering presented by the revered rare-books dealership Peter Harrington.
The catalogue ‘Fifty Fine Items’ presents a fascinating assortment of collectibles, both historic and modern, with highlights including a bejewelled manuscript of Edgar Allan Poe’s selected poems, which is valued at £125,000.
The contemporary offering comprises a Harry Potter manuscript, handwritten and illustrated by JK Rowling, and a first edition of John Lennon’s literary debut, In His Own Write, from 1964, which has been signed by all four Beatles and is priced at £22,500. The inscription by Paul McCartney reads: “Best Wishes, from Uncle Paul”.
Founded in 1969 and with its origins tracing back to the Chelsea Antiques Market on the King’s Road, Peter Harrington has since established itself as a world-renowned authority on the most exquisite first editions available. With a generational passion for antiquarian books, fine bindings, signed literature, maps and prints, the company has been overseen by Peter’s son Pom Harrington for the past 20 years.
“We are excited to be in a position to present these rare works and expect them to find pride of place on the shelves of some of our most serious collectors,” says Harrington of the catalogue.
Recent months have made the escapism books provide us will all the more precious, so what better time than now to start thinking about inaugurating, or indeed enhancing, a library filled with treasures of your own.
‘Fifty Fine Items’ is online now at www.peterharrington.co.uk.
