Title
Lauderdale Set of Early English Auction Catalogues.
Date
1674-1701
Description
One of the Library’s most valuable resources for the study of the early English book trade is a collection of 71 book auction and bookseller catalogues dating between 1674 and 1701. Originally assembled by James Maitland, 8th Earl of Lauderdale (1759-1839), the collection contains virtually one-third of the English book auction catalogues known prior to 1689. Many of the copies are annotated with the prices and, in some cases, the names of buyers at the sale, providing a glimpse into book ownership at the turn of the century. The auctioneer’s copy of the sale catalogue of the library of William Hopkins (1647-1700) notes the Oxford College affiliations of many of the buyers.
Source
Purchased in 2005 at the Breslauer sale with Grolier Club Library Harper Funds, generously supported by Grolier Club member donations.