Rare Americana, Literary Treasures, and Natural History Masterpieces

Freeman’s | Hindman’s November Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana auction features nearly 350 lots of highly sought after works of Americana and Natural History, including color plate books, a fine selection of bindings, and other fine works of literature and economics.

“We are excited to bring together such a remarkable offering of rare and historically significant works for this sale,” said Gretchen Hause, Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts. “Each object in the auction tells a story that resonates across time, whether it is a unique first edition, an author’s transformative contribution to literature, a visually stunning ornithological masterpiece, or a foundational work in American history. We anticipate these works will spark lively interest and connect collectors with extraordinary moments in history.”

Among the most significant lots is a thick paper first edition of The Federalist (NY, 1788) (Lot 299) from the Library of Dr. John Talbot Gernon, estimated at $60,000–80,000. Written primarily by Alexander Hamilton, with contributions from John Jay and James Madison, The Federalist essays were pivotal in shaping public opinion during the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

This rare thick-paper issue, intended for presentation, is one of only seven to appear at auction in the last 50 years. It bears a watermark similar to those found on 1789 Connecticut banknotes made by early American papermaker Samuel Levis. The copy is believed to have been owned by Captain David Olmstead, a Revolutionary War veteran who served at West Point and the Battle of Ridgefield.

Natural History Masterpieces

Offered with an estimate of $60,000 – 80,000, John Gould’s masterpiece A Monograph of the Trochilidae...Humming-Birds. L., [1849-] 1861 (Lot 234) is "an incomparable catalogue and compendium of beauties," according to Fine Bird Books. Most of the subjects came from Gould's own collection of Hummingbird specimens, a number of which he exhibited at the Regent's Park Zoological Gardens during the Great Exhibition of 1851. The plates gave Gould the chance to display the new technique of imitating the birds' iridescent plumage by the use of brilliant metallic coloring. In total, the auction includes eight monographs by Gould reflecting his pioneering contributions to art and natural history.

Literary High Spots

A complete run of Limited Editions Club publications (1929–2010) (Lot 131) is another highlight, with an estimate of $50,000–60,000, the only complete run of these works to ever appear at auction. Founded by George Macy, the Limited Editions Club produced works of world literature with accompanying illustrations by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Thomas Hart Benton. Each title was issued in numbers of 1,500 exactly and was sold to club members for an annual subscription fee of $10.00 (roughly $150.00 today). Under later leadership, the club continued this tradition, adding works by modern artists like Faith Ringgold, Robert Motherwell, Phoebe Beasley, Balthus, and others.

Also presented in the auction is the first American edition, first issue of Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera (1911) (Lot 130), estimated at $6,000–8,000. This copy retains its exceedingly rare original dust jacket, one of only a handful known to survive, and only the second time this dust jacket design variant, showing Christine staggering and swooning, has appeared at auction. Another literary highlight is George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) (Lot 168), estimated at $6,000–8,000, the first edition in an exceptionally fine dust jacket. Orwell’s final novel introduced concepts such as "Big Brother," "Doublethink," and "Newspeak" which have become integral in modern discourse.

Additional Highlights Include:

• Lot 13 | [ARTIST'S BOOKS]. FOUJITA, artist. JOSEPH. A Book of Cats. NY, 1930. LIMITED EDITION, SIGNED. | Estimate $15,000 – 20,000
• Lot 80 | [ECONOMICS]. GRAHAM and DODD. Security Analysis... NY&L, 1934. FIRST EDITION INSCRIBED BY GRAHAM. | Estimate $15,000 – 20,000
• Lot 86 | EINSTEIN. THE THREE PARADIGM-SHATTERING PAPERS OF EINSTEIN’S “WONDER YEAR.” 1905. On relativity, photons & the atom. | Estimate $10,000 – 15,000
• Lot 230 | [NATURAL HISTORY]. GOULD, John. The Birds of Europe. L., 1837. FIRST EDITION. | Estimate $40,000 – 60,000

How to Bid

The Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana auction will be offered on November 14 in Freeman’s | Hindman’s Chicago saleroom. Bidding will be available in person, over the phone and via absentee or live online bidding. For more information, please visit hindmanauctions.com.

About Freeman’s | Hindman

Freeman’s | Hindman merged in 2024 to create a global team of experienced specialists who embrace tradition and innovation, creating a truly client-centric auction house. As America’s oldest auction house, Freeman’s has been an active part of the auction world and art market for nearly 220 years. Hindman, established in 1982, brings an expansive cross-country network, wealth of expertise, and strong relationships with fiduciaries nationwide to build a market-leading auctions and appraisals firm in Freeman’s | Hindman.