Posted 13 years ago
Piston51
(3 items)
I need some help in identifying if these old books I have might be of any value - here is some info about them: 1) “Sullivans View of Nature” Volumes 5 & 6 – A View of Nature in Letters to a Traveller Among the Alps with Reflections on Atheistical Philosophy now exemplified in France. By Richard Joseph Sullivan, Esq. F.R.S. & F.A.S. in six volumes (of which I only have the 2 mentioned above). London: Printed for T. Becket, Pall Mall Bookseller to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and their Royal Highness, the Duke of York & Clarence & by the Junior Princess, 1794. The outer leather covers of these are a little worn – especially on the spines. The spine of Vol. 6 is partially torn from the back cover (not all the way). I’ve also attached some pictures of these. The pages are all intact – though a little yellowed as are the other books mentioned below. 2)“Debates of the Lords” Volume I – VIII. The History and Proceedings of the House of the Lords From the Restoration in 1660, to the Present Time. Volume the First, from 1660, to 1697; London, Printed for Ebenezer Timberland in Shipyard, Temple-Bar, & Fold by the Bookfellers in Town & Country, 1742. I’ve attached a couple of pictures of this book, the inside cover and the title page of Volume I (obviously each Volume of the 8 has it’s own wording in the title page referencing the info i.e. “Volume the Second ect….) The outer leather covers of these books are worn but in good shape, the spines aren’t broken ect…..the pages themselves are a little yellowed with age, but in good shape – not ripped or anything. I believe the 8 volumes is a complete set.
The "“Debates of the Lords” Volume I – VIII" appears to be an important set. You should get in contact with a professional book dealer or auction house.
There are two factors contributing to the desirability of the books. First is that they record England's reaction to the US War of Independence. Also, the identity of the former owner, signified by the bookplate. The full name and status of the individual may be of great importance.
I wish you good luck, take care of the books while you own them, and be patient. Working with an auction house takes time, but it can be worth it.
I can't personally recommend any Auction Houses, but the East Coast has some major Book Auctioneers, just pick a large one and get in touch with them. Make sure to take some better photos, of the group, close up of the spines, the front covers and a good close up of the book plate. Make sure to note that the bookplates are in all the volumes. Also make note of any pages that fold out, and the total number of pages of each volume.
Note that two volumes are listed, seperately...OH, MY !
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sortby=1&tn=Debates+of+the+Lords&x=66&y=7