A Literary Treasure Hunt: Books & Maps Auction
Books have always been a gateway to different worlds, ideas, and perspectives. For collectors and bibliophiles, the allure of rare books and maps is irresistible.
The upcoming book and map auction at Giftex on the 10th and 11th of August,2024, promises to be an event filled with historical treasures and literary gems.
Giftex: Pioneering the Gifting Industry in India
For over three decades, Giftex has been at the forefront of the gifting industry in India, establishing itself as the premier platform for both corporate and personalized gifting products. With a reputation for quality and innovation, Giftex continues to evolve, responding to market trends and customer needs.
Why ‘A World of Collectibles’ Auction?
In a world where rising disposable incomes and a penchant for a luxurious lifestyle are increasingly prevalent, the demand for unique and extravagant gifts is on the rise. Recognizing this trend, Giftex introduced the ‘A World of Collectibles’ auction to cater to this growing market.
The vision behind this auction is to bolster the online auction space in India, providing a platform for rare and exquisite items that appeal to discerning buyers. Since its inception, the Giftex Auction has seen remarkable success, reflecting the robust demand for high-end collectibles.
Books and maps have always been more than just paper and ink; they are vessels of knowledge, culture, and history. The upcoming auction of rare books and maps is not just an event for collectors but a celebration of humanity’s intellectual and exploratory achievements. Books are timeless treasures that encapsulate the thoughts, ideas, and cultures of different era. Maps are more than just navigational tools; they are historical documents that reveal how people viewed the world at different times.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated items that will go under the hammer.
- “Birds Drawn for John Gould By Edward Lear”
This is a remarkable collection that showcases the extraordinary artistic talent of Edward Lear, a renowned British artist, and illustrator. Between 1832 – when he was just 20 – and 1838, Lear created 80 bird portraits for the naturalist and entrepreneur John Gould. For many, they are the world’s finest ornithological illustrations. The portraits were produced using the fledgling art of litography and coloured by hand. This book was published to commemorate the bicentenary of Edward Lear’s birth, these portraits are considered by many including David Attenborough, as the world’s finest ornithological illustrations. Lear’s illustrations in this collection are renowned for their precision and beauty. He captured the essence of each bird species with remarkable attention to detail, making the illustrations not only scientifically valuable but also visually stunning.
Details:
Publisher: The Folio Society
Location: London
Year: 2012
Plates: 80
Estimate: ₹ 4,50,000 – ₹ 5,00,000
- Calcutta & Howrah Guide Map: Third Edition (1943)
The “Calcutta & Howrah Guide Map: Third Edition” is a historical map issued in 1943, meticulously created by the Survey of India Offices. This map was published under the direction of Brigadier Sir E.O. Wheeler, M.C., who served as the Surveyor General of India. The map is a valuable artifact that offers a glimpse into the geographical and infrastructural layout of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Howrah during the mid-20th century.
Details:
Title: Calcutta & Howrah Guide Map: Third Edition
Issued: 1943
Creator: Survey of India Offices (P.L.O)
Director: Brigadier Sir E.O. Wheeler, M.C., Surveyor General Of India
Estimate: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000
- India Love Poems Translated by Tambimuttu & illustrated by John Piper
Meary James Thurairajah Tambimuttu born on 15 August 1915, was a Tamil poet, editor, critic, and publisher who was well-known in the literary scenes of London and New York City. The New York Times referred to Tambimuttu as “probably the best-known contemporary Indian poet. It is a rare , Limited to 200 copies edition, is signed by Tambimuttu (translator) and John Piper (illustrator). Accompanied by 18 illustrations by John Piper, the text is taken from Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, and Assamese, and the paintings are based on the temple sculptures in Konarak, Khajuraho, the frescoes of Ajanta. Tambimuttu, of Sri Lankan Tamil ancestry, emerged as a major literary figure in London around the second world war. He is better known as an editor-publisher than for his own work.
Details:
Publisher: Paradine
Location: London
Edition:51/200
Year: 1977
Plates: 18
Estimate: 3,50,000 – 4,00,000
- Satyagraha in South Africa” By M.K. Gandhi
This book features Satyagraha in South Africa” is an important book authored by Mahatma Gandhi, detailing his experiences and the philosophy of non-violent resistance that he developed and applied during his time in South Africa. The book serves as both a personal narrative and a historical account of the struggle for civil rights by the Indian community in South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement. He is widely recognized for his advocacy of non-violent resistance, a principle he termed “Satyagraha.” His experiences in South Africa were crucial in shaping his political and ethical beliefs.
Details:
Translated: from the Gujarati by Valjai Govindji Desai
Publisher: S. Ganesan
Location: Madras
Year: 1928
Estimate: ₹ 2,50,000 – 3,00,000
- Stories from the Arabian Nights” By Laurence Housman, Illustrations by Edmund Dulac
Transport yourself to world of Arabian Nights filled with genies and enchanted objects to mythical creatures,”Stories from the Arabian Nights” is a classic collection of tales from the Middle Eastern folk tradition, retold by Laurence Housman and beautifully illustrated by Edmund Dulac. This book captures the enchanting and exotic world of the Arabian Nights, bringing to life the timeless stories that have fascinated readers for centuries. renowned French-British illustrator, Dulac is celebrated for his exquisite and detailed illustrations in early 20th-century fairy tale books. His work in “Stories from the Arabian Nights” is considered some of his finest, capturing the magical and otherworldly essence of the tales.
Details:
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Location: Great Britain
Year: 1938
Plates: 12
Estimate: ₹ 15,000 – 20,000
Conclusion:
The upcoming book and map auction is not just a sale but a celebration of the rich tapestry of human knowledge and creativity. It’s a chance to own a piece of our shared history and to appreciate the craftsmanship and intellect of past generations. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a literary enthusiast, this auction offers a chance to own a piece of history. Mark your calendars and prepare for a journey through time and space! Happy Bidding!
About Post Author
