ANYONE INTERESTED in rare and antiquarian books should not miss Mealy’s separate sale of “An Irish Gentleman’s Library” on Tuesday. A fascinating catalogue features hundreds of volumes from the 18th century library of Richard (Ricardi) Moore of Barne House, Co Tipperary.
The auctioneers described the collection as “extremely important” and the best auction of an Irish gentleman’s library in decades.
Collectors from Ireland and overseas are expected to bid for books – many of them first editions printed in Dublin and bound in calf-skin leather – on subjects including science, foreign travel,architecture and astronomy. Illustrated Indian manuscripts, rare maps and almanacs also feature.
An intriguing selection of French books includes a treatise on defensive fortifications by Monseigneur Le Maréchal de Vauban, a 17th century French military engineer. Traité des Sièges, de l’attaque et défence des places, in its “original 18th century French crimson morocco” binding, is lavishly illustrated and expected to sell for between €4,000 and €6,000.
The books will go on display at the Berkeley Court Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin tomorrow (April 22nd), auction, Tuesday (April 24th).
