RARE book dealers from London and New York, as well as buyers from both public and private libraries and universities are expected in Dublin next Tuesday for the sale of the library of the late Fred Hanna, the well known book seller and collector.
The 670-lot sale, being conducted by Mealys, includes some of the most collectable Irish rare books, including a first edition of Ulysses, and limited editions of major Irish novels, as well as maps, letters and illustrations.
Auctioneer George Mealy believes that some of the lots are national importance are “being watched” by institutions such as the National Library of Ireland. However, current budgetary constraints may prevent the State getting involved in competitive bidding.
The sale features a copy of one of the most influential works of 20th-century Irish art and literature. Lady Gregory's personal copy of The Aran Islandswith text by JM Synge and illustrations by Jack B Yeats is estimated at €8,000-€12,000. This is number 39 of a limited edition of 150 copies published by Maunsel and Co in 1907 and is signed by both authors.
An archive of letters by WB Yeats dating from 1898/1899 to the journalist and former Irish Party MP Thomas P Gill is estimated at €8,000-€14,000, while a batch of letters from US President Theodore Roosevelt to Gill is €2,000-€3,000.
A rare 17th-century copy of the Books of Old Testament, translated into Irish as ‘Leabhuir na Seintiomna’, published in London and destined “for the publick good of that Nation” is €2,500-€3,500.
South African Sketches, a memoir of big-game hunting in early 19th-century Africa, by Kilkenny-born Captain Henry Butler, the father of renowned watercolourist Mildred Anne Butler, is estimated at €600-€800.
There’s a very good selection of maps and more than 40 examples of Georgian hand-coloured cartoons – to be sold individually – which caricature politicians and depict the frustration of the British Establishment in dealing with the interminable “problem” of Ireland.
Modern first editions include a copy of Nineteen Acresby the late Irish Timesjournalist John Healy (€200-€300); and Ploughman and other Poemsby Patrick Kavanagh (€800-€1,200).
The sheer range of the titles on offer will delight book lovers. Among the many eye-catching tomes are: The Feathered Tribes of the British Islands by Robert Mudie, published in two volumes in 1853, (estimate €250-€350); and, Facts from Gweedore: With Useful Hints to Donegal Tourists by Lord George Hill, published in 1845 (estimate €600-€800).
– MP
The Fred Hanna Collection, Tuesday, 19th July 2011, at D4 Berkeley Court Hotel, Dublin. A copy of the catalogue can be downloaded from mealys.com
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