Birmingham-Southern books, maps and atlases set for auction

Auction to be held online and live on July 31 and Aug. 1

A first English edition, limited issue copy of James Joyce’s epic novel “Ulysses,” published in London and Paris in 1922 by John Rodker for the Egoist Press, #1631 of 2,000 copies, on handmade paper will be featured in the auction slated for July 31. The book has an estimated value of $2,000-$3,000.

A collection of rare books, maps and atlases from the recently closed Birmingham-Southern College are to be sold at auction on July 31 and Aug. 1. Grant Zahajko Auctions will oversee the sale, both online and live at their gallery in Davenport, Washington, beginning at 9 a.m. Pacific time.

“This collection represents 300 years of history, with material relating to cartography, abolitionism, law, exploration and U.S. history by state, featuring Alabama, Florida and others,” said Grant Zahajko of Grant Zahajko Auctions. “Many titles represent the first to come to market in decades. Some books are one of only a few to come to market in the last hundred-plus years.”

On Aug. 1, several atlases, some dating back to 1721 and 1752, will be featured.

Birmingham-Southern College, which closed its doors on May 31, traces its roots back to 1856, the year the Alabama Legislature chartered Southern University as a Methodist institution. This collection was kept in the special collections room, called the Wood Room.

In all, nearly 1,000 lots will come up for bid. Lots 1-499 are planned for Session 1 on July 31, while the rest are slated for Aug. 1. A preview will be held at the Davenport gallery on July 30 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, or online via appointment on Zoom.

Internet bidding is available on the platforms LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, Auctionzip.com, Connect.Invaluable.com and Auction Mobility. Phone and absentee bids also will be accepted.

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For more information or to schedule a Zoom appointment, call 509-725-5600 or email [email protected].

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