Auctions return to Redlands library with legends of Southwest POSTED: 01/13/15 The silent auctions sponsored by the Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library are back on their regular schedule as of this week. Bid sheets and descriptions of each item up for bids are in the silent auction area on the main level of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands. The Professor Parsons’ Picks silent auction that runs through Tuesday has a mix of subjects to appeal to collectors. The auction features two first editions, as well as historical fiction and nonfiction. Of special interest to the collector of children’s literature is a volume of poems and a fictional classic first published in the late 19th century. The books are “Legends of the Spanish Southwest” by Cleve Hollenbeck and Juanita H. Williams, “Singing in the Wilderness — A Salute to John James Audubon” by Donald Culross Peattie, “Scouting for Washington” by John Preston True, “History of South Africa and the Boer-British War” by Henry Houghton, “Daisies from a Child’s Garden of Verses” by Robert Louis Stevenson and “Little Lord Fauntleroy” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Ted Parsons, president of the Friends of the Library board and head of the antiquarian committee, selects each book for the weekly Professor Parsons’ Picks auction. The goal is to offer collectible books at a reasonable price. Following are Parsons’ descriptions of the books and his comments. The first edition volume “Legends of the Spanish Southwest” by Cleve Hollenbeck and Juanita H. Williams is a fascinating collection of tales about people, places and events in Texas, Arizona, California and New Mexico during the Spanish colonial days. Some of the stories are historically verifiable while others are fanciful with some foundation in fact. The stories were collected in an effort to reveal and preserve information about the Spanish pioneers of the Southwest. They are tales of the missions, of mission life and of adventure, survival and communal spirit. This fine first edition was produced by an eminent publisher dedicated to preserving Southwestern history. The dealer price of copies in like condition is $40 to $100. The bidding opens at $17. ”Singing in the Wilderness — A Salute to John James Audubon” is a delightful find for both bird lovers and collectors. This charming book about John James Audubon is partly a biography, partly a book of nature lore and partly a travel memoir. It is signed by the author, Donald Culross Peattie, and relatively scarce. Audubon’s understanding of bird anatomy and movement and his beautiful artwork of birds in natural habitat have inspired a love of birding throughout the world. Even without a dust jacket, this signed first edition has a dealer price of at least $16. The book is worth reading because of the intimate and very human account of the life of Audubon. Bids open at $8. Step into the Revolutionary War through the eyes of the young hero in “Scouting for Washington” by John Preston True. This historical novel about the American Revolutionary War features young Stuart Schuyler from Massachusetts who meets Washington and Tarleton. Stuart becomes a messenger and scout for the Continental Army generals. His adventures take him from New England to the Carolinas and, for a time, into captivity by the British. John Preston True was a writer whose historical fiction was set primarily in the days of the Revolutionary War. He was very popular in the early 20th century though his books are not widely read today. The dealer price is $40 to $90. The minimum bid is $12. “History of South Africa and the Boer-British War” by Henry Houghton was published by Globe in 1900. Though in poor condition, the book is included in the Professor Parsons’ Picks auction because it is a very interesting, though sensationalized, account of the Boer War, an event which still shapes South African life. In the present day Americans know little about this conflict. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs and drawings and includes a fold-out map. Winston Churchill was a newspaper correspondent at the time and his reports on the Boer War helped to shape public opinion in Britain and America about the African situation. It also helped to launch him into politics. This is a romanticized version of the war and is an adventure tale of “wild beast and wilder men.” This book is collectible even in its present condition and would be worth restoration due to its scarcity. The dealer price for volumes in a similar condition is $25 to $97. The minimum bid is $9. Begin each day with a poem or two when you open “Daisies from a Child’s Garden of Verses” by Robert Louis Stevenson, a group of poems for children. There are selections for each day of the month, sometimes two or three short poems and occasionally a longer one. This volume was published in 1898 and is beautifully illustrated with polychrome drawings of garden settings in the Art Nouveau style. This lovely little book will delight collectors of children’s literature with its charming selection of poems and nostalgic artwork. How many of us recall the lines “I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me ...” and “A birdie with a yellow bill, hopped upon my windowsill ...”? It is great fun to reread these classic poems and share them with a newer generation. The book is in good condition for its age. The dealer price for copies in like condition is $20 to $50. The opening bid is $10. The classic “Little Lord Fauntleroy” by Frances Hodgson Burnett was originally published in 1886 and became an instant addition to most lists of favorite children’s literature. It was made into a movie in 1936 and also serialized in St. Nicholas Magazine. It has remained a widely read book for more than 100 years. The story tells of a young boy, Cedric Errol, living with his mother in poverty in New York. His grandfather, an austere British aristocrat, summons his American grandson to visit his grand castle in England. Though the earl despises all things American, he is determined to train his only living heir to succeed in British society. However, upon his arrival, the boy begins to teach his grandfather more than a few lessons about compassion toward those of lesser means. This is a classic tale of innocence, love and good cheer. This 1920 edition is in excellent condition and is a desirable addition to any collection of children’s literature. The dealer price is $15 to $30. The opening bid is $9. While browsing through the silent auction items, don’t forget to check out the display case by the circulation desk. As you will see, the Friends of the Library have been busy. They invite people to join the Friends and help support the A.K. Smiley Public Library. Source: Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library redlandsdailyfacts/arts-and-entertainment/20150113/auctions-return-to-redlands-library-with-legends-of-southwest
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 21:05:27 +0000
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