Fine Books Featuring Focus on Women — April 23, 2026 - Swann Galleries (original) (raw)

Live Auction

April 23, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT

This spring’s Fine Books covers prodigious territory in the bibliographic world, with many important Darwin titles in the sale, including a first London edition of his pivotal contribution, "On the Origin of Species," as well as two copies of the inspiring research that spurred him to see life on earth through a new lens, his foundational "Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of the Adventure and the Beagle." A notable collection of nearly 100 sixteenth century English imprints will give lovers of early printing a special opportunity to add rarities from the dawn of insular printing to their shelves. More rare and early astronomical works from Dr. Owen Gingerich’s collection will make up a significant portion of the sale, for those whose interests include book collecting and stargazing.

Bright spots in literature will also be on the block, spanning the decades. Bidders will have a chance at everything from a signed first edition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" to a beautifully preserved first edition of Frank Herbert's "Dune" in an excellent original dust jacket. We are happy to announce a healthy selection of children’s books in the sale, anchored by a lovely collection of first edition Oz books, many in dust jackets.

Finally, we are proud to continue our Focus on Women tradition with a variety of material by and about this half of the population. A fine copy of the first American edition of "Wuthering Heights" will be a highlight, along with suffragist material, fine art, ephemera, and other goodies.

Auction & Contact Information

Location

104 East 25th Street
New York, NY 10010