Latest News Articles by Ian McKay
Newton gets into bubble trouble
15 June 2020Document signed by the great scientist reveals an investment skill not to the same standard.
Way to unlock Houdini secrets
15 June 2020Dating from c.1908, a “notebook of secrets from Harry Houdini’s collection” was one of the more successful lots in a very successful magic auction held by Potter & Potter (20% buyer’s premium) with 98% of lots sold and total of around $500,000.
Avengers venture out for a debut
08 June 2020Long run of the comics includes very first issue introducing The Hulk, Iron Man et al
Galleries go Down Town for selection of New York views
08 June 2020A sizeable collection of 18th and 19th century New York views, maps and maritime prints belonging to the Down Town Association, an historic private club located in Manhattan’s financial district, was the focus of a sale held by Arader Galleries (20% buyer’s premium).
Trembling, rising and hurling in Irish auction
08 June 2020Literary lots in a recent Irish sale included one of a thousand signed copies of the 1922, limited-edition issue of 'The Trembling of the Veil', one of William Butler Yeats’ autobiographical works.
First editions of poetry books including collections by WB Yeats and Philip Larkin sold at Forum
08 June 2020Bid way over estimate to sell at £1400 in a recent online sale was a 1912, Cuala Press first of WB Yeats’ 'The Green Helmet and other Poems'.
British and Irish book auctions: June 9-20, 2020
08 June 2020Our regular listing of books and works on paper auctions the UK and Ireland.
Doing the bidding maths remotely
01 June 2020Rare work on absolute geometry among highlights of mammoth German ‘lockdown’ sale
Alphabet is a Birmingham bonus
01 June 2020'The Loyalists Alphabet, an Original Effusion' was one of an additional group of 55 lots from the Birmingham Assay Office collections (see main report in ATG No 2438) that was offered as part of one of the regular online sales held by Forum Auctions (25/20/12% buyer’s premium).
British and Irish book auctions: June 2-20, 2020
01 June 2020Our regular listing of British and Irish book auctions (online only at present because of the Covid-19 alert).
Wide-ranging PG Wodehouse collection in Philadelphia features both popular and less well-known works
26 May 2020Diligently researched and documented by a local collector, the late William Toplis, a wide-ranging PG Wodehouse collection offered by Freeman’s of Philadelphia featured books, manuscripts, artwork and much more besides.
Illustrations: Potter and Shepard’s animal magic
26 May 2020One New York saleroom that has been notably active in the book market during the Covid restrictions is Doyle (25/20/12.5% buyer’s premium). A recent sale included original illustrations for some well-known English children’s books.
British and Irish book auctions: May 26-June 7, 2020
26 May 2020Our regular listing of books and works on paper auctions the UK and Ireland.
British and Irish book auctions (all online only): May 19-30, 2020
18 May 2020Our regular listing of British and Irish book auctions - all held online only for now because of the coronavirus alert.
Children’s author gets sale off to flying start
18 May 2020The name of the Finnish writer and illustrator Tove Jansson (1914-2001) may not be as familiar in the UK as that of many other creators of children’s favourites.
Fleming licensed to thrill
18 May 2020Two of Ian Fleming’s books were among the highlights of a general book and manuscript sale held on April 18 at a saleroom probably better known on these pages for its specialist sales in the field of magic and conjuring.
Fantasy fun of Frazetta and Frankenstein
18 May 2020Spread over four days, April 30-May 3, a comics and artwork auction held by Heritage (20% buyer’s premium) in Dallas raised over $7.5m with every lot sold.
Exceedingly good Kipling prices
11 May 2020Extensive collection of books and other material comes to auction from rare book shop duo.
Collected by an anarchist and a librarian
11 May 2020Top lot in a recent sale conducted by Galerie Bassenge (23% buyer’s premium) of Berlin, at €140,000 (£121,800), was a 1687 first issue of Newton’s 'Principia mathematica….'
British and Irish book auctions (all online only): May 12-28, 2020
11 May 2020Our regular listing of British and Irish book auctions - all being held online only for now because of the coronavirus alert.