The three volumes noted here are English language highlights of a separately catalogued, 380-lot, single-owner collection in the October 30-November 1 series of sales held by Reiss & Sohn (18% buyer’s premium) that was offered under the title Wirtschaft und Staat – or Economy and State.
It fell slightly short of expectations, but a 1798 first of Thomas Malthus’ well known Essay on the Principle of Population… in a slightly later and restored binding that sold for €80,000 (£70,795) was one with an intriguing addition. It was suggested that the unidentified owner whose bookplate it bears may have been an alumnus of Jesus College, Cambridge, where Malthus himself studied and where his own library is still held. Differing exchange rates in effect over the years make direct comparisons tricky, but this would seem close to a record auction price.
Handsomely bound in contemporary dark blue morocco gilt, a fine 1814 first of Robert Owen’s A New View of Society… of 1814 sold for €34,000 (£26,155).