Book

Shown here is what would be an arachnophobe’s nightmare: one of the 29 hand-coloured engraved plates that illustrate a copy of John Blackwell’s 'History of Spiders of Great Britain and Ireland'.

Shrewsbury sale offered rare opportunity to bid for a letters by the great writer and lexicographer

First published in 1755, Samuel Johnson’s 'A Dictionary of the English Language' had taken eight years to compile with six helpers.

A sale held by Martel Maides (20% buyer’s premium) of Guernsey to disperse the contents two island homes included some 60 or more single and multiple lots of books, a number of which boasted special bindings.

Middle-Earth history works edited by Christopher and two copies of The Hobbit with interesting links

Manuscript including recipes sold for £15,000 was written by a lady who died ‘aged around 100’

A 1908, presentation first of one of WW Jacobs’ maritime tales, 'Salthaven', was the top lot in a sale held by Potter & Potter (20% buyer’s premium).

Featured in an Oxford sale was a copy of the 1893, Kelmscott Press edition of The History of Godefrey of Boloyne and of the Conquest of Jerusalem.

Rare books specialist Shapero Rare Books run by Bernard Shapero is a regular exhibitor at TEFAF.

Inscription signalled one of American literature’s most significant editorial relationships

Sixteenth century work edited by Hakluyt aimed to encourage English expansion and influence

A 15th century first edition of a pioneering work by Johannes Gallensis surfaced at auction late last month.

Included in Potter & Potter’s latest sale of Books and Manuscripts is a rare first edition limited issue of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest.

Small group of the author’s ever-popular works makes a big impression at Gloucestershire saleroom

Lot offers US editions of two science-fiction and fantasy classics by the US writer

Copies of the 1615 reprint of the Geneva or ‘Breeches’ Bible are not too scarce.

The auction at Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium) on December 15 included two presentation first editions by Sylvia Plath.

Published by John Newbery c.1770, 'A Little Pretty Pocket Book…' and its companion 'Little Song Book' is a very small work indeed at little more than 3in (7.5cm) tall, but the latter includes some 54 woodcut illustrations and accompanying verses related to children’s games and pastimes.

Highlights including signed opera score from a varied auction held in North Yorkshire