The Pycroft Collection more than lived up to its billing as 'the most important private library' to come to market in this country, The first evening witnessed turnover in excess of $450 000 as collectors and book dealers from around the world competed to create a sale atmosphere seldom seen in any auction arena, let alone in the book market. A very few preliminary highlights included:9. E. H Shackleton, Signed Discover Photograph $2970
11. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Cook's Voyages $19 400
15. James Burney, History of the Discoveries in the South Seas $11 520
16. Alexander Dalrymple, Collection of Voyages in South Pacific Ocean $21 220
75. David Collins, An Account of the English Colony $8790
119. John Carne Bidwell, Rambles in New Zealand $5455
123. Barnet Burnes, A Brief Narrative $5940
128. Augustus Earle, Sketches Illustrative of the Native Inhabitants $36 380
149. Edward Wakefield, Adventure to NZ $10 610
220. George French Angas, The New Zealander's $24 850
270. Alexander Mackay, Compendium of Official Documents $31 530
Part two is tonight at 6:30 and i will endeavour to post a few highlights in the morning but a full list of prices realized will be available in the days after the sale (email pam@artandobject.co.nz).
