Oct 27, 2020 - Sale 2549

Sale 2549 - Lot 132

Unsold
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
West, James (1703-1772)
Bibliotheca Westiana: a Catalogue of the Curious and truly Valuable Library of the late James West, Esq.

London: [no printer], 1773.

First edition, octavo, preface by Samuel Paterson (1728-1802), bound in later calf boards, rebacked, interleaved throughout, with prices added on interleaves, 7 3/4 x 4 3/4 in.

ESTC T3188; http://estc.bl.uk/T3188.

As an active British antiquary, West's collection was strong in early English books, including an astounding thirty-six Caxtons, including some from the Harleian Library. The books were selling cheaply at the time, Caxtons, Pynson, Wynkyn de Worde for five to ten pounds each. 4,653 lots were sold over twenty-four days between March 29th and April 24th, 1773; the house usually selling about 200 lots per day.