Hemingway, Gutenberg Bible are top-shelf entries at Freeman’s, Feb. 2

Left, presentation copy of ‘in our time,’ given by its author, Ernest Hemingway, to editor Maxwell Perkins, estimated at $60,000-$90,000; Right, Leaf from Johannes Gutenberg’s Bible, estimated at $60,000-$90,000

PHILADELPHIA — Freeman’s first Books and Manuscripts auction of 2023 brings nearly 150 lots to market that will delight collectors of presidential, counter-cultural, Americana, literature, and Civil Rights-era material. The February 2 sale is led by two extraordinary pieces, both estimated at $60,000-$90,000: a leaf from the most famous book printed in the West, Johannes Gutenberg’s Bible, from a collection put together by paper guru and printing historian Dard Hunter; and Ernest Hemingway’s presentation copy to his future editor, Maxwell Perkins, of the 1924 limited edition of his short story collection in our time, marking the beginning of one of the 20th century’s most important and legendary literary relationships. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

The February 2 Books and Manuscripts kicks off Black History Month with a selection of important African-Americana, including books and documents by and related to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Among these is a first edition of Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, MLK Jr.’s memoir of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, inscribed and signed by the activist to Alfonso and Lucy B. Campbell, who were among some of the early organizers of the boycott. It has an estimate of $6,000-$9,000.

First edition of ‘Stride Toward Freedom,’ signed and inscribed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., estimated at $6,000-$9,000

The sale also features other documents related to the Campbell family, the Montgomery Improvement Association and the Civil Rights movement, as well as two titles signed by Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks.

Basketball signed by players and coaches in the 1996 NBA All-Star game, including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, estimated at $1,500-$2,500

Freeman’s February 2 sale also features several distinct lots that celebrate 20th-century sporting greats, such as an official NBA basketball signed by the 26 players and coaches of the 1996 All-Star game, including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, estimated at $1,500-$2,500. Another standout is a 1960 program, signed by Civil Rights icon and baseball legend Jackie Robinson, for the Montgomery Improvement Association’s Fifth Anniversary and Annual Institute on Non-Violence, where he spoke, and an autograph album featuring a bold Babe Ruth signature, signed during the 1936 World Series.

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