 (4).png)
This diminutive book was discovered during a routine house clearance in Essex, despite damage to binding, the text is complete and carries a guide price of £10,000-15,000.
17/07/2024
View Lot Request a Valuation Contact a Specialist
Hidden in the depths of our 250 lot works of art section, in our 1267 lot two-day September Fine Art auction is an unremarkable looking tome with decrepit ancient leather binding (Lot 803). Belying appearances, this pocket sized book is a tremendous rarity for collectors and we anticipate significant interest when it goes under the hammer on the 25th September. This is a rare first English translation of Machiavelli’s Prince, dating to 1640. The original book was published in 1532, and was presented as an instructional guide for new Princes. The philosophy which Machiavelli outlines is essentially that immoral acts are justified if they can help achieve political glory. The publication was tremendously influential and is widely considered to be the first philosophical publication. So amoral and explosive was the text, that the book was highly censored and an English translation wasn’t made until a century later.
Lot 803, Machiavelli - The Prince, the first English edition, published London 1640, the text complete, in crude early full calf binding. Estimate £10,000 - £15,000
This diminutive book was discovered during a routine house clearance in Essex, despite damage to binding, the text is complete and carries a guide price of £10,000-15,000.
We are delighted to announce the opening of our new, second saleroom in Smeaton Close, adjacent to our main saleroom, in which we will hold regular auctions in addition to our current calendar.
04/09/2025
Reeman Dansie Auctioneers of Colchester is delighted to announce the auction of the collection of Mr Harry Sunderland, an avid Rolls-Royce enthusiast and restorer who for four decades, has delighted newly weds in Norfolk with his wonderful cars, which he hired out.
29/08/2025
The sale includes a good selection of clocks, including some scarce late 17th Century Lantern clocks.
08/08/2025