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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
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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.
Two rare classic cars have been uncovered in a rural Suffolk barn, following decades off the road. The 1950’s Mercedes - Benz 220 Type A Convertible and 1921 Talbot - Darracq with a combined age of 175 years are being offered for sale due to the passing of their owner.
09/10/2024
We are delighted to offer this historic Royal overcoat owned by H.M. King Edward VIII who later became the Duke of Windsor and who carried on wearing it after his abdication.
08/10/2024
Our November Art and Antiques sales features a wonderful private collection of 19th century Folk Art.
02/10/2024