Books & Manuscripts

Rare Books, Manuscripts & Literary Treasures

Duke’s Books & Manuscripts department holds multiple sales annually, both as part of our Fine Art auction calendar and within our monthly Avenue Collectors’ Auctions. We have achieved notable success with rare works by celebrated authors including Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Jane Austen, alongside renowned local writers such as Thomas Hardy and T.E. Lawrence.

Our reputation as a market leader was firmly established in 2007 with the landmark sale of the Library of Jean Preston -a collection of significant scholarly and historical value.

We handle a wide range of material, from early printed books to modern manuscripts and rare first editions, as well as maps, autographs, and literary ephemera.

A recent highlight includes the sale of property from the library of a remarkable private collector, known for acquiring important association copies and first editions. Notable results include:
- Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph by T.E. Lawrence, sold for £67,600*
- A first edition, first issue of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, which realised £39,000*

To learn more or view upcoming catalogues, please visit our Upcoming Auctions page.

*Inclusive of fees

Specialists