It has been an incredible start to the year at our Bath saleroom, and our latest Books & Works on Paper timed auction certainly did not disappoint. From 18th-century Bibles to mid-century signed first editions, the sale showcased the enduring appeal of the written word.

With collectors bidding from across the globe, we saw some fantastic results for rare literary gems. Here are the highlights and top-selling lots from the sale.

The Headlines: Dickens and Austen Lead the Way

The "battle of the classics" was the theme of the evening, with two of Britain’s most iconic authors securing the top spots.

1. Charles Dickens – A Christmas Carol (1843) First Edition The star of the show was undoubtedly the rare first edition (second issue) of Dickens’ festive masterpiece. Even nearly 200 years after its publication, the demand for this "Humbug!"-defying classic remains sky-high. After a flurry of bidding, it surpassed its estimate to hammer at a remarkable £3,100.

2. Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice (1894) 'Peacock Edition' Few book covers are as instantly recognizable as the 1894 "Peacock Edition" of Pride and Prejudice, illustrated by Hugh Thomson. Known for its stunning gold-gilt cover, this lot was highly anticipated. It proved to be a favorite among bidders, eventually selling for an impressive £1,700, comfortably exceeding its £500 - £800 estimate.

Botanical Beauty and Modern Classics

Beyond the heavyweights of Victorian literature, the auction saw strong interest in botanical works and modern signatures:

• Floral Masterpieces: Mrs. Jane Loudon’s beautifully illustrated works saw great success. The Ladies' Flower Garden of Ornamental Bulbous Plants (1841) achieved a hammer price of £280, while her British Wild Flowers (1846) first edition fetched £800.

• Wodehouse Wit: Fans of P.G. Wodehouse were out in force. A signed first edition review copy of Money in the Bank (1946) and a first UK edition of A Gentleman of Leisure (1910) both garnered significant attention, with the former reaching £360 and the latter £540.

• The Golden Age of Mystery: Agatha Christie remains a staple of the auction room. A "smart" first edition of Hercule Poirot's Christmas (1954) sold for £170, showing that even late-career Christie titles are highly collectible.

Looking Ahead

This sale once again proved that the market for antiquarian books and rare first editions is as vibrant as ever. Whether it’s the intricate gold-leaf of a Jane Austen classic or the screen-used charm of a production script, there is something uniquely tactile and valuable about collecting works on paper.

Thinking of Selling? If you have a collection of rare books, autographs, or manuscripts, our specialists are now consigning for our upcoming Spring sales. Contact our team today for a free valuation.