Books
We frequently offer books across our auctions throughout the year, with a particular focus on rare editions and first prints, and free valuations for books submitted to our auctions. Recent sales have featured modern first editions such as The Day of the Jackal, multi-volume sets including Southey's History of the Peninsular War, and illustrated natural history titles like Leaves from the Book of Nature.
Our Fine & Classic and Modern Art & Design sales feature a curated selection of books throughout the year. Many valuable books turn up in unexpected places — in an attic, passed down from grandparents, or found in a secondhand bookshop. First editions from the 1950s and 1960s have been particularly sought after recently; a first edition of *The Day of the Jackal* sold for £500 at one of our book auctions.
Scarcity and condition both matter. Does the book have its original dust jacket? Has it been stored well? Books kept in damp conditions, such as sheds or garages, can be affected.
Department specialists
What's selling well
A snapshot of what's attracting strong interest in our recent books sales.
Explore the Books directory
Discover information on all the artists and makers we've sold.
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"The Wind in the Willows" - Grahame (Kenneth)
Grahame (Kenneth). The Wind in the Willows, 1st edition, London: Methuen and Co., 1908. Frontispiece by Graham Robertson in original green and gilt cloth
Sold for: £750
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Five spring-back binders containing ephemera
Five spring-back binders (45x30cm) containing a variety of coloured and black/white printed paper ephemera, different themes namely: advertising labels - oranges (66 pages approx.), handbills (43 pages), tobacco (33…
Sold for: £2,700
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Signed edition of "Street Dogs" by Harold Riley, with original dog drawing.
Signed edition of "Street Dogs" by Harold Riley, signed in pen by the artist, with an individual pen drawing by the artist of a sleeping dog on the first page, published 2000 by the Peak Press Company, featuring a…
Sold for: £170
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Eighteen 1st edition Aubrey-Maturin series volumes
O'Brian (Patrick) 18 1st edition Aubrey-Maturin series volumes to include Post Captain, Collins, 1972; HMS Surprise, Collins, 1973; The Mauritius Command, Collins, 1977; Desolation Island, Collins, 1978; The Fortune of…
Sold for: £1,200
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King James Authorised Bible, 1613 imprinted at London by Robert Barker
King James Authorised Bible,1613 imprinted at London by Robert Barker, preliminary pages worn and marked, some of the genealogical tables missing, brown cloth, 22cms x 16cms, also included Wycliffe's New Testament…
Sold for: £1,200
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First Edition of J. K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone
J. K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone was featured in Wilson55’s Fine & Classic Sale in June 2025, which presented ‘Potterheads’ and book collectors with the exciting and rare opportunity to own…
Sold for: Sold: £6,750
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Heylyn, P., Cosmography in four books, History of the World, folio,
Heylyn, P., Cosmography in four books, History of the World, folio, seven spine panels marbled boards, red letters to title page.
Sold for: £300
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The Day of the Jackal - Forsyth, F
Forsyth, F., The Day of the Jackal, 1971, first edition, dust wrapper, signed by author and Edward Fox, very good condition other than some browning to free end papers, 1 volume.
Sold for: £500
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The Ascent of Everest, 50th anniversary edition - Hunt (John)
Hunt (John), The Ascent of Everest, 50th anniversary edition., Hodder & Stoughton, 1993. The volume signed by the ten surviving members of the 1953 British Everest Expedition, including John Hunt, Charles Evans…
Sold for: £550
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Leaves from the Book of Nature, one volume.
Leaves from the Book of Nature, containing the Principal Illustrations in Jardine's Naturalist's Library, upon One Hundred and Seventeen Sheets, with hand-coloured engravings.
Sold for: £3,300
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