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Ferdinand the Bull

Science fiction and children’s books triumph at PBA Galleries

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Left, first edition of Children of Dune signed by Frank Herbert, $3,437; Right, first edition of Ferdinand the Bull in its dust jacket, $4,375
Left, first edition of Children of Dune signed by Frank Herbert, which sold for $3,437; Right, first edition of Ferdinand the Bull in its dust jacket, which achieved $4,375

BERKELEY, Calif. – PBA Galleries‘ Fine Literature Sale 757, held on March 24, was a solid success. It featured more than 400 lots that included important literature from the 19th and 20th centuries, scarce works from the counterculture and the Beat Generation, as well as a large selection of the works of Charles Bukowski.

A number of signed typescript poems by Charles Bukowski as well as a signed Author’s Edition of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass that went for $6,250 lead the bidding. Other notable lots were Sylvia Plath’s childhood copy of A Little Maid of Vermont and a copy of Frank Stanford’s rare first book, inscribed to poet Richard Eberhart.

First edition of Children of Dune signed by Frank Herbert, $3,437
First edition of Children of Dune signed by Frank Herbert, $3,437

A signed first edition of Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune, the final book in his Dune series, brought $3,437, and a complete set of Anthony Powell’s Dance to the Music of Time realized $5,000.

Among the several major works by Charles Bukowski on offer was a signed typescript poem from 1982, signed and dated by Bukowski on the second page in ink. It was the original carbon typescript of a poem that was not published in any collections during the poet’s lifetime. It sold for $2,812. Another lucky bidder won the lot containing Bukowski’s Women and an original signed oil painting by the author for $3,125.

Charles Bukowski signed, unpublished typescript poem from 1982, $2,812
Charles Bukowski signed, unpublished typescript poem from 1982, $2,812

Some children’s books were offered during the auction, and they did very well. Ferdinand the Bull was on the block – a first edition with all the called-for points of issue. This popular title in 20th-century children’s literature sold for $4,375. More cult children’s books will appear at PBA Galleries in its June 16 auction.

First edition of Ferdinand the Bull in its dust jacket, $4,375
First edition of Ferdinand the Bull in its dust jacket, $4,375

As always, the ephemera selection in the sale was well-received. Of particular note is a portion of a Fahrenheit 451 typescript. It consisted of six loose original typescript sheets that were signed, inscribed and dated by Ray Bradbury at the top of the first page: “By Ray Bradbury – July 20, 1976.” It achieved $4,062.

PBA Galleries is currently accepting consignments for a future Fine Literature with Beasts & the Counterculture auction until May 19. For more information regarding upcoming sales, consignments or auction results, please contact PBA Galleries at 415-989-2665 or pba@pbagalleries.com.

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