Every month we like to take a look at some of the most rare and interesting books that have sold through our sites worldwide. Here are the 10 most expensive sales for November.
- Ars Magna Lusis et Umbrae, in X. Libros Digesta by Athanasius Kircher - $14,375
This 1671 enlarged edition is a noteworthy for including an early description of the recently invented magic lantern, an early form of projector. It also includes the first printed pictures of the planets, Saturn and Jupiter. Kircher also addresses comets, lunar eclipses, color, optics, sundials, and astrological influences, specifically regarding the relationship of the heavenly bodies to timekeeping. - History of Exact Sciences - $8,066
Archive of volumes 1-59 (1960/62-2004/05) of the scientific journal which casts light upon the conceptual groundwork of the sciences by analyzing the historical course of mathematical thought and precise theory of nature. - The Ring of the Niblung. A Trilogy with a Prelude by Richard Wagner - $7,841
This includes The Rhinegold & the Valkyrie, Siegfried, and the Twighlight of the Gods. The works were translated into English by Margaret Armour and published as limited edition of 1150 copies. The set was signed by illustrator Arthur Rackham. - Academie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres, Recueil des Historiens des Gaules et de la France - $7,445
The compendium of the history of Gaul and France (1869-1880) over 19 volumes sourced from an enormous collection of mostly Latin sources - the information is sorted by period. - Two Stories by Salman Rushdie - $7,031
“The Prophet’s Hair” and “The Free Radio,” the two stories included, were both taken when Rushdie had to edit his 900-page novel Madam Rama to produce Midnight’s Children. Printed in 1991, this was copy 4 of 12 of a limited edition privately printed issue. Bound in full leather, it includes an extra set of signed prints by Bhupen Kharkhar and signed by the author. - Architecture Hydraulique, ou l’art de conduire, d’elever, et de menager les eaux pour les differents besoins de la vie by Belidor - $6,456
A beautiful book relating to water and all its uses, in particular: canals, mills, how to take artesian wells, bridges, locks, fountains and various other machines. Published in 1737 in France. - A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin - $5,138
First edition, first printing copy signed by Le Guin on the title page - a fine copy of a scarce and influential science fiction book. - Mongolija i Amdo i mertvii gorod Kara-Khoto by Peter Kuzmitsch Kozlow - $5,135
An extremely rare copy of the original edition depicting, in detail, the fourth expedition by Russian Intra-Asia-researcher P.K. Kozlow (1863-1935). - Atlas linguistique de la France by Edmont Gillieron - $4,986
A 10-volume atlas describing the linguistic dialects throughout France and Corsica. This item is a reprint of the 1902-1920 edition. - Memorable American Speeches by John Vance Cheney - $4,950
First edition of this four-volume set. I The Colonial Period, II Democracy and Nationality, III Slavery, and IV Secession, War, Reconstruction. Original gilt-stamped and decorated green cloth, this set is scarce when complete.
