Christie's: The William E. Self Library Part II, Important English and American Literature

The William E. Self Library Part II, Important English and American Literature realized $4,896,625/£2,949,774/€3,242,798 and was sold 73% by lot and 86% by value.  The top lot of the sale was Edgar Allan Poe's 1849 autographed manuscript verses of "For Annie", which achieved $830,500 and set at world auction record for a 19th century literary manuscript.
Francis Wahlgren, International Head of Books and Manuscripts comments: "We are delighted with the solid results of the second dedicated auction of William E. Self’s Library.  Both the pre-sale exhibition and the auction were well attended as predominantly private buyers from the U.S. bid competitively for high-quality material that is rarely seen on the market.  Many auction records were set, most significantly a rare, first edition of Edgar Allan Poe’s Tamerlane and Other Poems, which at $662,500 represents a new world auction record for a 19th century book of poetry."

Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts including Americana  realized $6,387,938/£3,848,155/€4,230,422 and was sold 82% by lot and 87% by value.  The top lot of the sale was George Washington's 1787 autographed letter signed to Bushrod Washington, which achieved $3,218,500 and set a world auction record for a George Washington letter and document.


Tom Lecky, Head of Books and Manuscripts of New York comments: “We are thrilled with the runaway success of McCarthy’s typewriter which sold for $254,500 before a crowded saleroom at Christie’s today.  The level of media interest in this unique item illustrates the enduring appeal of McCarthy’s novels and his importance to modern culture.  We are pleased to report that Mr. McCarthy will donate the proceeds to the Sante Fe Institute where he has invited the successful buyer to join him at a celebratory lunch.”  Chris Coover, Senior Specialist of Books and Manuscripts added: “Today’s superb price is a testimony to the continuing relevance of George Washington, whose enduring wisdom and eloquence offer many valuable insights and inspiration 220 years after this remarkable letter was penned.  As he put it: “The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.”