A world record for a travel book was set when Samuel de Champlain’s Les Voyages du Sieur de Champlain Xaintongeois … Paris: Chez Jean Berjon, 1613, sold for double the high estimate at $758,000, inclusive of the premium. The renowned Siebert copy of this landmark of French Americana and New World Exploration is a work whose importance is perhaps only surpassed by its scarcity. It is a first edition in complete and unsophisticated condition and is a pioneering work in ethnography and the first accurate mapping of the New England coast. The book was purchased by London book dealer Peter Harrington.
The collection of 81 books, documenting the European exploration of the New World, ranks as one of the finest in private hands. Tom Lamb, Bloomsbury’s International Head of Books and Manuscripts, said, “This tremendously successful sale brought together an international gathering of collectors and their agents competing to secure some of the rarest books on the early history of the Americas. Clients came to Bloomsbury Auctions’ New York saleroom from France, Spain, Italy, England, Canada and the Americas intent on acquiring these rare works. We were delighted with the results, which are a testament to the collecting acumen of Bruce McKinney.”
Another volume from Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635), lot 69, Les Voyages de la Nouvelle France occidentale, dicte Canada faits par le Sr Champlain, dated 1629 and containing three parts in one volume with the rare double sheet engraved map, realized $196,200 (estimate $70,000-$100,000). Lot 2, the Hartmann Schedel, 1440-1514, Das Buch der Croniken und Geschichten, a first edition and the most extensive illustrated book of the 15th century and fully colored, sold for $183,000 (estimate $100,000-$150,000). Lot 50, Jan Huygen van Linschoten (1563-1633) Itinerario, Voyage ofte Schipvaert naer oost ofte Portugaels Indien, sold for $146,000, (estimate $100,000-$150,000). This richly illustrated travel guide was held in such high esteem that, for nearly a century, copies were given to all ships sailing to India from Portugal. A complete set of Las Casas’ Indian Tracts, a great rarity, eight parts in two volumes, sold for $134,200 (estimate $30,000-$50,000).
Richard Austin, director of Bloomsbury Auctions, New York, said, “Our approach to the presentation of this collection and the wonderful books it contained encouraged the reappearance of established collectors and brought new collectors to the marketplace. Great books brought strong prices and the magnificent copy of Champlain’s Les Voyages, one of the most important travel books of the 17th century, brought a world record.”
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
