The Valuable Library of Books in Fonthill Abbey. A Catalogue of the Magnificent, Rare and Valuable Library, (20,000 Volumes). Illustrated, in many instances, with two and three sets of Proof and other plates, generally of the most Choice Editions Selected with Great Care, and the utmost Liberality, during the last Forty Years . . .
Item #1001 With: The Unique and Splendid Effects of Fonthill Abbey. Catalogue of the Extensive Assemblage of Costly and Interesting Property, which Adorns this Magnificent Structure: Embracing part of the Furniture, the Bijouterie, Composed of Precious Gems . . . With: The Pictures and Miniatures at Fonthill Abbey. Catalogue of the Well-selected and Valuable Collection of Gallery and Cabinet Paintings by Ancient and Modern Artists . . . London: Which Will be Sold by Mr. Phillips, 9 September 1823 – 29th of October 1823. Thirty Seven Days of Sales for the complete contents of Fonthill Abbey, sold by Beckford to John Farquhar who after purchasing the property arranged for the sale of entire contents of the estate. 8vo. 235 x 155 mm., [9 ¼ x 6 inches]. pp. [10], 113, [1], plus blank; pp [119] -175 [1]; [2], pp.291 – 342 [2]; [8], pp. 231-278; pp. [175]-222; pp. [2], 343-391, [3]. Illustrated with a engraving of Fonthill Abbey. Bound in contemporary boards, spine worn with part of heading missing, hinges cracked, some toning to text block. Partially priced. Complete sale catalogue of the thirty-seven day sale of books, manuscripts, drawings, paintings, and the entire effects of the household. The catalogue includes twenty days of book sales, seventeen auction days of furniture and household goods, and four days of paintings and drawings. Although the pagination of this catalogue is complete it is organized from the first day of the sale consecutively to the final day of the sale on the thirty-seventh day. Called by Seymour De Ricci, “One of the greatest collectors of his day,” Beckford was influenced by “the artistic beauty of old books and manuscripts. Illustrations, especially in unusual states, and bindings, either handsome in themselves or adorned with the arms of early possessors, appealed to him more than books of texts . . .” British Museum, List of Catalogue of English Book Sales, p. 156. De Ricci, English Collectors of Books and Manuscripts, pp. 84-87. (1001)
Price: $750.00