Tracing the development of the United States, from the establishment of the first English colony in North America through the American Revolution and to the beginnings of the American railroad, our significant selection of Americana offers a comprehensive survey of the nation’s history. Highlights include Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s contract for the voyage that made British settlement in North America possible; a first edition of The Federalist, uncut and in its original boards; two pages from George Washington’s diary; and Abraham Lincoln’s official transcript of the “Subscription book for the Alton and Sangamon Railroad Company."

Discover our remarkable selection of highly important printed and manuscript Americana ranging from 1582 to 1843.&nbsp;

The Making of the United States

The original enciphered instructions to John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Laurens—the encoded and decoded directions for negotiating the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain.

The original enciphered instructions to John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Laurens—the encoded and decoded directions for negotiating the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain.

“Mr. Jay Has The Key”

From John James Audubon to George Catlin to John Gould, these sumptuous works offer early and important images of many subjects from ornithology to ethnography.

Captivating Colorplate

Sotheby’s is thrilled to present three iconic works—Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations in its original cloth binding, Ludwig Bemelmans’ original mock-up of Madeline,&nbsp;and original illustrations from Beatrix Potter for The Tale of Benjamin Bunny—here in rare and exceptional form.

Discover three iconic works presented here in rare and exceptional form.

Fine Literature & Illustration

New York

Part 2 of this series—an online only sale—will run concurrently, opening for bidding on the 6th, and closing on the 20th of July. A highlights exhibition will be open for viewing from Thursday, 13 July, through Thursday, 20 July. Private viewings are available upon request. Sale Number: N11242

Global Head of Department, Books & Manuscripts

Richard Austin

Senior Vice President | International Senior Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Selby Kiffer

AVP, Specialist, Books & Manuscripts

Ella Hall

AVP | International Specialist, Head of Sale, Books & Manuscripts

Dr. Kalika Sands

Associate, Books & Manuscripts

James Pease

Meet our Specialists

Browse a curated selection of 19th century books from The Workman Collection. Including works by Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and more.

Online Auction: 20 July 2023 • 14:00 EDT •&nbsp;New York

Online Auction: 4 July 2023 • 14:00 BST • London

July 2023 | Paris, London &amp; New York

For assistance with bidding and registration, please contact: +1 212 606 7000 
 
 <a class="Link" href="mailto:enquiries@sothebys.com" target="_blank">ENQUIRIES@SOTHEBYS.COM</a>

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Sotheby’s is pleased to present New York’s July sale, “Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana.” Part 1 of this sale will be open for online and absentee bidding on 6 July and will culminate in a live auction on 20 July. This first part brings together a select group of truly exceptional books and manuscripts. With material ranging widely across periods and categories, the auction includes important and early manuscript Americana, a fine copy of Charles Dickens’&nbsp;Great Expectations, original artwork from Ludwig Bemelmans beloved Madeline, and much more. The sale continues online with Part 2, beginning with lot 1024 at 2:00 pm.

Fine Books and Manuscripts, Including Americana. Part 1