Antiques

Richard Bromell ASFAV, Charterhouse Auctioneers

When looking at books there is one line on the end, or fly papers, we look for which is ‘First Edition’, printed preferably with ‘First Impression’ so you know it is a good early copy. Back in the 1990s, when I was working for auctioneers in Yorkshire, I headed up their book department. I have always had an interest in books and volunteered myself for the position as no-one else wanted to do it. There are many rewarding parts to running a book department. The first is, of course, getting to see, handle and smell the books along with an occasional long read. But as you imagine, there are also some not-so-rewarding parts.

Thankfully, I was fit and young in the 1990s. Just as well as I have no idea how many tons of books I sorted, catalogued and moved. I remember one particular library I catalogued; it was a classic gentleman’s library formed in the 19th century with mostly historical and literature tomes. During the Second World War the country house they came from was commandeered for use, probably as a hospital. Many of the items in the house were put into storage, but whoever organised this clearly did not like books as they were all put into the damp cellar. They remained in the cellar and continued to deteriorate over many years. By the time they surfaced to be sold they were all in a pretty sorry state and whilst they sold reasonably well, I cannot start to guess what they would have made if they had been better stored.

But this was a classic gentleman’s library of books from the 19th century. Although they were well received, there was not the excitement which books printed in the 20th and 21st centuries can generate. Put simply, the demand for modern first editions way outstrips the demand for classic historical volumes such as Gibbons famous The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. I still find it unbelievable that a first edition Harry Potter can sell for £100,000. In the Bromell household we have two copies each of all the Harry Potter books printed, as one copy was not enough for the family for such a wizard read! However, not all modern first editions carry such a hefty price tag. Recently, a client brought in some books to the saleroom for valuation. They belonged to her late husband, which was confirmed by him writing his name on the end papers in case they were lent out or just to show proud ownership. Most of the group of books dated to the early 1960s, clearly a time he enjoyed reading, but one book stood out for me – A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. Here, I must confess the book is not really my cup of tea, but there is a huge following for Anthony Burgess and a huge following for this book, which, as many of you will know, was made into a film with the same title which today has a cult status.

As mentioned above, not my personal choice for a light read on a Sunday morning, but this 1962 first edition, even with its price crudely torn out, the dust jacket with a few knocks, bumps, a little faded and with the original owner’s name written on it, is estimated to sell for £400-600 in our book auction on Thursday 6th January, and will no doubt be hotly contested.