Auctions and Auctioneering

Discover the fascinating world of auctions, where commerce, strategy, and human behavior converge in a dynamic marketplace. In Auctions and Auctioneering, Ralph Cassady, Jr. provides the first comprehensive analysis of the auctioning process, delving deeply into its economic, cultural, and practical dimensions. Drawing on years of global research spanning 25 countries and numerous commodity fields, this book transcends anecdotal accounts to offer a rigorous examination of how auctions function as a critical price-making mechanism in the modern economy.

Cassady explores a wide array of auction formats, from the rapid-fire bidding of North Carolina tobacco auctions to the "upside-down" Dutch auctions of Tel Aviv, and even the high-stakes sale of fine art in Amsterdam. Through first-hand observations, interviews with industry practitioners, and meticulous theoretical analysis, the author unpacks the subtleties of auctioneer chants, buyer rings, whispered bidding, and electronic clock systems. This blend of immersive storytelling and scholarly insight reveals the inner workings of auctions while addressing broader questions about demand, competition, and market efficiency.

Both a technical resource and an engaging narrative, Auctions and Auctioneering is designed to appeal to economists, marketers, and general readers alike. With vivid accounts of auctions ranging from antique sales to fish markets and fur trading floors, the book captures the inherent drama and intrigue of the auction process. Whether you're an academic, a practitioner, or simply an enthusiast of the "auction game," this groundbreaking study will leave you with a deeper appreciation for one of the world's most captivating methods of commerce.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1967.