From Renaissance philosophy to twentieth-century masterpieces: five centuries of literary achievement.
Welcome to our most expensive sales of April, May, and June 2025. Highlights include a pristine first edition of Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," Dali's surrealist "Alice in Wonderland," and a rare Brussels edition of "Don Quixote." This quarter's diverse offerings span from landmark Renaissance editions to defining works of modern literature.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck - $24,500
John Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Grapes of Wrath," stands as a defining work of Great Depression literature. Published in 1939, this powerful narrative follows the Joad family's arduous journey from Oklahoma to California, capturing the desperation and resilience of displaced farmers during one of America's most challenging periods.
This exceptional copy presents in fine condition, with its first issue dust jacket showing only the slightest rubbing - a rarity for a book of this age and significance. The copyright page confirms its status as a true first edition, stating "First Published in April 1939." Preserved in a custom-made collector's foldout case, this pristine example offers a glimpse into the novel's original reception, before it became a cornerstone of 20th-century American literature.
Sold by Bookbid
John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath is one of the seminal works of American literature. It vividly and empathetically portrays the plight of migrant workers in a way that has never stopped resonating, including with the controversy today over undocumented immigrant workers. The book had a large first printing in 1939 -- between 20,000 and 50,000 copies -- but what made this particular copy so special was its near mint condition. According to one scholar, 'The Grapes of Wrath may well be the most thoroughly discussed novel – in criticism, reviews, and college classrooms – of 20th century American literature.'
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Salvador Dali - $20,000
Salvador Dali's surrealist reimagining of Lewis Carroll's beloved classic represents a remarkable fusion of literary and artistic genius.
This deluxe edition features 12 striking prints and a color etching, each signed by Dali and presented in signature-adorned portfolios.
His surrealist vision transforms Carroll's beloved characters through melting forms and dreamlike distortions, each print enhanced by the artist's hand-drawn remarques.
Housed in its original morocco case, this rare edition (one of only 200) beautifully merges the whimsy of Wonderland with Dali's surrealist imagination.
Sold by Marninart, Inc
This book is a wonderful example of a harmonic blend between two artistic talents, Carroll and Dali, united by a fascination with the surreal, the whimsical, and the dreamlike. Their work invites us to question what’s real and what’s imagined. Dali’s stunning imagination comes alive in this edition. His colorful and psychedelic interpretation perfectly complements the logical absurdity of Carroll’s words. A fascinating book that I had the privilege to hold in my hands, now passed into the care of its next owner, to be fully enjoyed. As booksellers, we are channels of discovery, passing treasures from one hand to the next, each exchange a quiet invitation to dream, reflect, and be inspired.
The Poetical and Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley - $18,500
This extraordinary eight-volume collection showcases the pinnacle of Cosway-style binding, featuring a miniature portrait of Shelley set within a gilt border adorned with sixteen semi-precious stones. Bound by the celebrated Bayntun (Rivière) of Bath, each volume is finished in dark brown morocco with exquisite gilt decoration.
From William A. Foyle's distinguished library, this set contains Buxton Forman's definitive text of Shelley's works, presented in a binding style that represents the height of early 20th-century bookmaking artistry.
Sold by Whitmore Rare Books
We were very pleased to have this lovely example of a Cosway-style binding in stock. First developed over a hundred years ago, the Cosway-style binding is a very pleasing binding style that incorporates a fine miniature portrait under glass into a luxurious binding. We have several other handsome examples of the Cosway style in stock, although this set of Shelley's works was one that certainly seemed appropriately bound. We are always striving to offer the finest examples on the market, whether in the fine binding category, as here, or first editions, children's literature, important works of western culture or books dealing with social movements. Reach out with specific questions or requests as we are always happy to chat with collectors and institutions about their interests.
Complete set of Harry Potter Books, each signed by J.K. Rowling - $17,500
The set's provenance is impeccable - donated by Rowling herself to DEBRA Scotland for a fundraising auction, rare outside her own charitable foundations. Authentication comes from Harry Potter Specialist Adam Houston.
With Bloomsbury's recent typeface update to match the Warner Bros. font, this collection stands as a unique artifact in the Harry Potter publishing history, a truly one-of-a-kind treasure from the wizarding world.
Sold by Winters Rare Books
With the largest selection of signed Harry Potter books in mainland Europe, I’ve seen firsthand how scarcity and provenance shape today’s market. Sales like this one aren’t just about price — they reflect deep collector trust, and the unique stories that accompany truly rare books.
El Ingenioso Hildago Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes - $17,500
This rare 1607 Brussels edition of Don Quixote marks a pivotal moment in literary history. As the first printing outside Spain, it introduced Northern Europe to Cervantes' iconic knight-errant and his faithful squire, just two years after the Madrid debut. Renowned for its superior print quality, this edition represents Don Quixote's first step towards becoming a cornerstone of world literature.
Though missing 13 leaves, this beautifully bound copy in mottled calf with gilt tooling offers a tangible connection to the birth of the modern novel. For Spanish literature collectors, its significance rivals that of Shakespeare's Folios in the English canon.
Sold by Raptis Rare Books
The first modern novel, Don Quixote is still relevant today as the novel explores the nature of truth and the human condition. Written over four centuries ago, the novel still resonates today.
Dhakhirat al-Iskandar al-Malik ibn Filiqs Dhi al-Qarnayn - $15,800
This fascinating manuscript, legendarily attributed to Aristotle as a gift for Alexander the Great, offers a rare glimpse into medieval Islamic esoteric knowledge. Purportedly translated into Arabic for Caliph al-Mu'tasim, its eight chapters cover topics from poison composition to animal properties.
The 18 hand-colored illustrations are the manuscript's crown jewel, uniquely fusing Western zodiac symbols with Islamic artistic traditions. Highlights include a nearly full-page zodiac diagram and esoteric images like a woman astride the Capricorn sea-goat. Bound in contemporary limp brown calf, this 8vo volume represents a remarkable intersection of Hellenistic philosophy, Islamic science, and medieval occult practices.
Sold by Antiquariat INLIBRIS Gilhofer Nfg. GmbH
Brimming with astrological illustrations, this 18th century manuscript was completed somewhere in Persia or Central Asia. Its text is attributed – by legend – to Aristotle’s correspondence with his student, Alexander the Great. This claim was a common one for medieval and early modern esoteric manuscripts in both Europe and Asia, where the Alexander mythos loomed large. The work covers poisons, charms against diseases, the order of the planets, and healing plants and herbs, and is fabulously illustrated with figures both familiar and strange.
Der Judenstaat by Theodor Herzl - $14,400
This landmark first printing of Herzl's manifesto established the foundation of modern Zionism. One of just 300 copies in the true first state—distinguished by its left-pointing single-flower printer's device—it preceded a larger printing of 3,000 copies that same year.
The copy's significance is enhanced by its provenance from Felix Guggenheim, the German-born journalist and Pacific Press founder. His 1973 letter to his son (included) observes: "It is one of the most impressive proofs for the might of the pen." As noted in Printing and the Mind of Man, the establishment of Israel within fifty years of Herzl's death directly reflected the vision outlined in this 1896 manifesto.
Sold by Antiquariat INLIBRIS Gilhofer Nfg. GmbH
One of the politically most consequential books of the twentieth century, published in the final years of the nineteenth. This highly rare first issue was once owned by the great Felix Guggenheim, himself a victim of antisemitic persecution: born in Konstanz less than a month before the passing of Herzl, the former board member of the German book subscription club "Deutsche Buchgemeinschaft" who held doctorates in economics and law emigrated to the U.S. in 1940. Based in Los Angeles, he founded the 'Pazifische Presse', the only West Coast publisher of German writers in exile, and acted as consultant and sometimes agent of such authors as Alma Mahler-Werfel, Erich Maria Remarque and Vicki Baum.
Platonis Opera Quae Extant Omnia (1578) - $14,000
This monumental Renaissance edition of Plato's complete works represents the most influential printing of the philosopher's corpus. Henri Estienne's masterful editing and Jean de Serres' Latin translation established the Stephanus pagination system—still used by scholars today—and served as the standard reference for over two centuries.
This exceptional copy retains its rare dedication to Queen Elizabeth I and original blank pages, often removed due to political tensions with England. Bound in 20th-century leather following the traditional two-tome format, the text presents in uncommonly fresh condition. Its completeness, including all preliminary materials, makes this a cornerstone example of Renaissance humanist scholarship.
Sold by Jen's Rare Books
This exceptional 1578 Stephanus edition of Plato's works is a living testament to cultural and intellectual heritage, influencing scholarship across centuries. As a boutique dealer in rare philosophical and historical works, we rely on a trusted network of collectors and specialists to find volumes rarely seen on the open market. When needed, we work with Europe’s most skilled restorers to preserve their historical charm. We are passionate about keeping these remarkable texts alive, ensuring their ideas keep challenging and inspiring minds for generations to come.”
A Gent from Bear Creek by Robert E. Howard - $13,700
This rare first printing of Robert E. Howard's posthumously published Breckinridge Elkins stories showcases the Conan the Barbarian creator's versatility through humorous Western tales, originally serialized in Action Stories magazine.
The volume retains its original publisher's cloth binding and half-title page, showing only minor wear - slight spine darkening and occasional foxing to early pages. Complete with original endpapers and publisher's adverts, and supplied with a facsimile dust jacket, this well-preserved copy represents a significant piece of pulp fiction history.
Sold by Elder Books
The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich August von Hayek - $13,300
This landmark first printing of Hayek's critique of centralized economic planning emerged during the final months of World War II, quickly becoming a cornerstone of classical liberal thought.
The volume retains its scarce original dust wrapper, unclipped and well-preserved despite minor wear. Printed on wartime paper stock, the book shows only slight cloth discoloration and occasional corner creases. Given wartime publication constraints, first impressions in this condition are notably rare and offers collectors a tangible connection to one of the 20th century's most influential works of political economy.
Sold by blograrebooks
https://www.abebooks.com/books/rarebooks/most-expensive-sales-april-may-june-2025
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