Barry Humphries Books

Barry Humphries: a Passionate Book Collector

While Barry Humphries’ flamboyant stage personas of Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Paterson captivated audiences worldwide, his private passion lay in art collecting and the dedicated and determined pursuit of rare book collecting, amassing a library of some 7,000 volumes.

A Lifelong Love of Books

Barry Humphries’ fascination with books began while growing up in Melbourne, Australia and he had to overcome the resistance of his mother who disapproved of his second-hand book-buying habit. Humphries recalled his mother asking “Do you have to buy these bits and pieces? You never know where they’ve been!”; one day he came home from school to discover that his mother had given all his books away to the Salvation Army. When he asked why, his mother exclaimed “Because you’ve already read them!” A lesser person may have been deterred, but this episode appears to have inspired Humphries to collect even more.

The Collector’s Eye

Humphries’ literary tastes were broad, but he had a particular fondness for decadent and fin de siècle literature. He collected works by authors such as Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, Max Beerbohm, and Ronald Firbank—writers known for their wit, eccentricity, and subversive takes on society. His library included rare first editions, signed copies, and obscure publications that many modern readers may not have encountered. He also collected Gothic novels, ghost stories and his library shelves were packed with the works of William Beckford, Matthew “Monk” Lewis, Wilkie Collins, M.R. James, Edgar Allan Poe, M.P. Shiel and Ambrose Bierce.

His passion also extended beyond English-language works, with an appreciation for French literature and he was particularly drawn to Symbolist and Surrealist writers, Charles Baudelaire, and finely illustrated editions. Humphries also had an eye for fine bindings and his library shelves were full of gilt-tooled goatskin bound volumes by great binders of the 20th century.

On 13 February Christie’s held a live auction titled “Barry Humphries: The Collection”. The 241 lot sale featured paintings by the Australian impressionist artist Charles Conder, Dame Edna dresses and glasses; the sale also included a select group of some 80 rare books and manuscripts from Humphries’ private library which revealed a glimpse of the riches contained within.

Record Results

Many of the highest prices fetched for books in the Christie’s sale were for works by Oscar Wilde. Leading the Wilde selection was a special signed limited edition of The Importance of Being Earnest published in 1899, which was copy number 1 of just 12 large paper copies in a fine gilt decorated vellum binding designed by Charles Shannon. This copy had been presented by Wilde to his publisher Leonard Smithers and sold for £138,600, the second highest price recorded at auction. A first edition deluxe large-paper copy of the same work limited to 100 copies and signed by Wilde fetched £44,100.

Other notable results for works by Wilde included a record £35,280 bid for a first edition of A House of Pomegranates (1891) helped by the presence of two autograph manuscript pages by Wilde for his short story The Fisherman and his Soul. A deluxe large paper copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray limited to just 250 signed copies and with an autograph letter by Wilde bound-in fetched £50,400.

Among other highlights from the library sold at Christie’s was an original pen and ink design by Aubrey Beardsley for The Yellow Book which realised £60,480 and an illustrated autograph letter by Beardsley to his publisher that sold for £32,000.

A first edition of Aleister Crowley’s The Diary of Drug Fiend (1922) made a record £32,760 (estimate £2000-3000) due to its rare original pictorial dust-jacket of which very few examples survive. An inscribed copy of Matthew Lewis’s 1796 Gothic novel The Monk fetched a record £30,240 (estimate £2500-3500) and a presentation copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise (New York, 1920) realised £4,410.

The Barry Humphries auction at Christies realised a total of £4.6 million, of which the books and manuscripts accounted for almost £1 million.

A Second Selection from Barry Humphries’ Library

Following on from the success of the February sale, Forum Auctions held a sale on 26 March billed as “The Library of Barry Humphries”. This sale of 243 lots of books and manuscripts also offered works on paper and a few objets from Humphries’ library, including bronze sculptures and bookends. In the Forum catalogue introduction Rupert Humphries described his father’s library as follows: “Thick curtains were shut to keep out natural lights, and deep purple, red, black and yellow spines lined the sagging shelves with books stacked two, sometimes three layers deep. Many in morocco leather boxes with ornate gilt designs that he had commissioned […] The warm glow of iridescent glass lamps and a heavy art-deco chandelier, the smell of incense in the air. It was like a setting from one of the decadent stories he loved so much, maybe Prince Zaleski’s dilapidated abbey in Wales.”

Leading the Forum results was a superb set of four special editions of Evelyn Waugh’s novels, Decline and Fall, Vile Bodies, A Handful of Dust, and Black Mischief. These were each limited to just 12 copies printed for the author. This particular set had been presented by Waugh to Thomas Balston, director of the publishers Duckworth and Co. who had given Waugh his first advance for his biography of Rosetti. This handsome set bound in blue morocco fetched £19,530.

The sale was arranged chronologically and began with books from the late 18th century, notably a collection of books by and from the library of the novelist and eccentric English dilettante William Beckford (1760-1844). Highlights included a first edition of Beckford’s novel Vathek (1786) which was handsomely bound in red morocco and had been owned by Lady Caroline Lamb which realised £10,080. The same price was bid for a second edition of Samuel Rogers’s poem Human Life which contained an original watercolour portrait of the author as well as Beckford’s typically caustic comments written in pencil.

One of the outstanding bindings was an Art Nouveau design by a pioneer of modern German bookbinding Paul Kersten which realised £11,500. A first edition of Charles Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal (1857) was bid to £10,710; a rare presentation copy of Mrs Riddell’s Weird Stories (1882) fetched £6930; and Arthur Machen’s own copy of his collection of short stories The House of Souls (1906) made £2016.

A Legacy in Literature

The Forum sale realised a total of £615,000 with 87.2% of lots sold. Rupert Humphries concluded his introduction by commenting “As this sale commences I like to think that [my father] will be happy knowing that a little part of him will continue to be treasured in other libraries and bookcases around the world, and perhaps even in a few old book shops”. I have no doubt to say I am certain they will and I like to think that others will be inspired to start their own collections of books on whatever subjects or authors interest them.

Book Valuations

For books that are sold at auctions like this, we would suggest insurance values that match the price they sold for at auction – at least in the immediate period after the sale. 

Valuing books is complex because their worth depends on multiple factors beyond age and rarity. Condition is crucial – a book with its original dust jacket can be worth many times more than one without, especially for 20th-century first editions. Inscriptions and signatures also impact value, but not always positively; a book signed by the author to a notable figure can increase its worth significantly, while a generic inscription may have little effect. Provenance matters too – books from famous collections or with unique associations often command higher prices. Additionally, first editions vary by publisher, print run, and issue points, making identification and valuation a specialised skill requiring detailed knowledge and expertise. 

If you have a collection of books, photographs or maps, get in touch to arrange an up to date valuation by emailing us on [email protected] or call us on 01883 722736.

A first edition of Aleister Crowley’s Moonchild in the superb Beresford Egan dust-jacket.
A first edition of Aleister Crowley’s Moonchild in the superb Beresford Egan dust-jacket.
A rare presentation copy of the first edition of Mrs Riddell’s Weird Stories bound in original pictorial cloth.
A rare presentation copy of the first edition of Mrs Riddell’s Weird Stories bound in original pictorial cloth.
A first English edition of Oscar Wilde’s Salome illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley, one of 100 large
A first English edition of Oscar Wilde’s Salome illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley, one of 100 large
Lady Caroline Lamb’s copy of William Beckford’s Gothic novel Vathek (1786).
Lady Caroline Lamb’s copy of William Beckford’s Gothic novel Vathek (1786).
A superb set of four special editions of Evelyn Waugh’s novels, Decline and Fall, Vile Bodies, A Handful of Dust, and Black Mischief.
A superb set of four special editions of Evelyn Waugh’s novels, Decline and Fall, Vile Bodies, A Handful of Dust, and Black Mischief.
Importance of Being Earnest
One of 12 special large paper copies of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, inscribed to his publisher Leonard Smithers.
A superb binding by Charles Lanoë (1881-1959) on an illustrated edition of Francis Carco’s Quelques-une (1931).
A superb binding by Charles Lanoë (1881-1959) on an illustrated edition of Francis Carco’s Quelques-une (1931).
A magnificent Art Nouveau binding by Paul Kersten (1865-1943), a pioneer of modern German bookbinding on a copy of the periodical Ver Sacrum (1898-99).
A magnificent Art Nouveau binding by Paul Kersten (1865-1943), a pioneer of modern German bookbinding on a copy of the periodical Ver Sacrum (1898-99).
Under the Christmas Tree

Under the Tree: What our team are hoping for this Christmas

We’ve asked our fabulous team of valuers and admin staff, what they would like to find under the christmas tree if money were no object. Find out what they picked below…

Boodles The Knot Medium White Gold Diamond Ring

“After a visit to Boodles in Knightsbridge, I couldn’t stop thinking about this Knot White Gold Diamond Ring – it really caught my eye. The design is just stunning, and the diamonds have such a gorgeous sparkle. It’s the kind of piece that feels timeless, and I’d love to find it under the tree. Another thing I’d be happy with is a pair of single-stone diamond earrings. They’re simple, classic, and would go with pretty much anything. And if I’m being really wishful, I’d also be thrilled with two black labrador puppies. They’d bring so much joy and energy to the house – definitely the best kind of Christmas surprise!”

“I have taken this question rather literally! Dressing the Christmas tree with the children and now grandchildren is a seasonal tradition not only in the Dallas household, but almost everywhere in the Christian world.
Whenever I am in New York in December, I go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where there is a 20ft Christmas tree underneath which is grouped a nativity scene made of beautiful 18th Century Neapolitan Creche Figures and animals, which have been loaned by Loretta Howard and her family since 1957.
I’m not sure if one could ever find figures the quality of Loretta Howard’s, but even 19th Century Crib Figures can be in excess of £600 each, so they would cost a small fortune. Please be generous Santa!”

Under the Christmas Tee - Nativity
Under the Christmas Tree - Creche Figures

‘When Christmas comes each year it is a time for not only giving presents, but writing cards and getting in touch with people that you may not have spoken to throughout the year – whilst modern times dictate that you can email, or message – there is still something special about receiving a letter from a loved one, and what better way to do it than with a Montblanc pen. Whilst many people look at the ultra valuable fountain pens that they are well known for – I would opt for the entry level roller ball. With all the style and class of the bigger relations, but with a fraction of the cost”

Alas, what I really, really want under the tree this Christmas is not going to happen…
Although I am a picture man through and through, what people might not know, is that I adore antiquities and early sculpture…. I suppose as dark secrets go, it’s not that bad!
What I saw in an auction in November was a superb Khmer stone figure of a standing Goddess from Cambodia, dated to the 11th-12th AD – estimated at £5,000-8,000. I know this is not a small amount of money (it’s Christmas so who cares about reality!) – but the sculpture was amazing, and a perfect example of art from this period when the Cambodian civilisation was at its peak (anyone been to Angkor Wat?).
The sculpture is so simple and elegant, and the condition is excellent – discounting the missing arms and head! Unfortunately, I was not the only one with good taste – the work was bought by someone else with more money than myself for £8,000 plus fees. All I can hope for is that the buyer was in fact my wife who bought it as my surprise Christmas treat! Fingers crossed!

Khmer stone figure of a standing Goddess from Cambodia

“I would like to see a watercolour or two by Eric Ravilious (British, 1903-1942) under the tree, his work is sublime and uniquely English, his skill with watercolour is second to none and he faithfully follows in the footsteps of the great Masters of 19th Century watercolour painting tradition such as JMW Turner – Around £80 to 120,000 for something like this…”

“I have always loved Christmas and all the traditions that go with it. When I first worked at Bonhams Knightsbridge fresh out of university and earned a pittance, I would cross the road to Harrods once a week and buy a single decoration from their Christmas shop. Since then, I have bought Christmas tree decorations from all over the world and clever Father Christmas has given my children a decoration every year since they were born, so that they now have enough to decorate Christmas trees of their own. I would love therefore to have another decoration to add to my collection, perhaps something from the Georg Jensen range, always stylish and classy. The Scandinavians really do know how to do Christmas. However, if I am really allowed to indulge myself, I would love a delicate Edwardian natural pearl and diamond necklace. Something that could be worn everyday or with evening dress. This would give me great joy, transcend the vagaries of passing fashion and be something to pass on to my daughter in due course. I’ll have to wait and see if I’ve been naughty or nice and what Father Christmas has in store for me!”

Under the Christmas Tree - Annabell

“They are a variation on the classic chandelier earrings but were popular in the 1800’s and often have rose cut, old mine cut and old European cut diamonds which were cut for candlelight and worn by beautiful wealthy women who had daytime and nighttime versions. Nowadays I would happily settle with a pair glittering in the winter evenings at a snug private dinner.
Surviving pairs of these earrings are rare as they were so decadent they have often been broken down during tough times. Therefore, because of their rarity, the value of a good pair is considerable so should any ever come up at auction there is always fierce international bidding and could be argued to be a savvy purchase and investment. I’ve sourced my ball gown, carriage and Prince just waiting for the finishing touch …..at a rough guess £80 – £100k”

“I’d like to find a diamond-set Trinity ring by Cartier. Cartier’s reputation needs no explaining. Their craftmanship remains unique, stylish and guarantees longevity. The Trinity ring is the perfect gift as it comprises the three gold colours, ready to suit any skin tone, and the diamonds add sparkle which is what Christmas is all about when it comes to the ladies’ gifts! It is ingenious of the brand to offer this ring in so many different options. The ring that I would like only has one band pavé-set with diamonds, and can be small or classic.”

Cartier Lapis Lazuli ring

“I would love to see a small wrapped parcel with a red box!!! And inside this striking incredible ring by Cartier. It’s not very old- 1970’s but I just love the design and how wearable it is! It makes a real statement but the fact that it’s made up of lots of small graduated pieces, with lapis lazuli floral top and diamond highlights, makes it delicate at the same time. £25,000- a steal!!!!

“Under the Christmas tree I’d be thrilled to discover a signed or inscribed copy of Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale which introduced the world to the now legendary British spy James Bond. The book was first published in 1953 with a dust-jacket devised by the author, and with a modest first print run of 4,728 copies. The book was an enormous success and Ian Fleming went on to write a further 13 novels in the series, which have sold more than 100 million copies to date. A first edition in a dust-jacket will cost from £10,000-30,000 depending on condition, and a signed or inscribed copy from £30,000-125,000 depending on the inscription.”

Under the Christmas Tree - Stephanie

“If i were to find one special piece under the Christmas tree it would be a Cecil Beaton design for the stage production of ‘Coco’ starring Katherine Hepburn. These designs are a combination of three 20th century legends – Cecil Beaton was at the height of his powers as an artist and costume designer. The musical starred the all time leading multi Academy Award winning actress Katherine Hepburn as Coco Chanel. Chanel in turn is the most influential fashion designer of the 20th century! Bonhams recently sold a very good example created for the 1969 production which would be a very special gift.”

“I would just love to receive some vintage Elsa Peretti under the tree! This year has really shone a light on her wonderful designs in the fashion world, I have well and truly been ‘influenced,’ seeing celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stacking up their Peretti bone cuffs over simple and stylised outfits. I personally could see myself wearing one of her lovely vase pendants, a vintage one of course would be preferable but I would be thrilled with this one currently retailing at £4,100.
… If Santa is feeling flush this year, I would definitely love to add to my watch collection! A Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 101 collection wristwatch would be a dream Christmas present! This 1970s example was set throughout with nine carats of baguette cut diamonds – the perfect blend of fine jewellery and watchmaking innovation – the 101 movement was created in 1929 and is renowned for being, still to this day, the world’s smallest mechanical movement ever made – weighing just one gram!

Art Deco Day and Night Ring from the 1920s

“Chinchillas normally cost between £80 and £200 and make excellent pets! Originating from the rocky slopes of The Andes they live together in large colonies, so cute!

Or I’d also love to see an Art Deco Day and Night ring from the 1920s, multiple rings in one! £3,315.51- 1st Dibs”

“If I could receive any gift this holiday season, I would choose this terracotta figure of a court lady from the Tang Dynasty that I was fortunate enough to view in person at Sotheby’s New York during Asia Week this year. The Tang Dynasty has always been one of my favorite periods of Chinese history, not only from an art historical standpoint, but also because of the freedoms that court women enjoyed compared to in the surrounding dynasties. Terracotta sculptures of such women shed insight into their daily lives and interests, such as riding horses, playing music or dancing in women-only ensembles, or displaying the latest fashion trends. Tang court ladies are either portrayed as very thin or round, with the latter shown here in this 8th-century example. Her large zhuimaji (“falling off the horse”) hairstyle is modeled after the concubine Yang Guifei and is characteristic of the period, as are her long sleeves extending well beyond her hands.There is no shortage of Tang ladies in the Asian art market, meaning that unusual or high-quality examples perform significantly better at auction. This Tang lady is notable for her size, condition, and provenance.”

Ashley with Tang Sculpture
Alhambra Bracelet

“A few years ago, 2016 to be precise, Adele headlined on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury. As always, her performance was exceptional in her typically down-to-earth way, complete with her ‘potty’ mouth as she calls it! But apart from her singing and language, another thing stood out for me – her bracelet! Her outfit that night was a lovely Boho style dress, complemented with this lovely bracelet that I had to Google to find out what it was, as I’d never seen one before! Since then, everyone is wearing them, including Queen Camilla, who can regularly be seen wearing her turquoise example! I’m quite sure that Queen Camilla’s will not be fake, which probably can’t be said for all the women and girls I see wearing them now! It is of course the Vintage Alhambra bracelet with 5 motifs.”

“As a massive Prince fan, I would love to receive a copy of the new book Prince: Icon. Prince: Icon is a photography book curated by Steve Parke, former art director at Paisley Park, and contributions from those close to him, with new and rarely seen images of the artist, from album covers, performances, candid snapshots and portraits to name a few. I was fortunate to attend a Prince concert when I was in high school and his music, art and creativity has continued to inspire me since then. This book would be a perfect addition to my Prince music and memorabilia collection. ”

Prince Icon book
Under the tree - lapland trip

“I am a big kid at heart and love the magic of Christmas each year. What I would really love is to visit Lapland and pretend for a few days that it’s all real – completely immerse myself in all the Christmassy goodness. I would visit Father Christmas, feed the reindeer, travel by sleigh, play in the snow and drink cocoa by a roaring fire. I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy more!”

Unearthing Literary Treasures by Richard Fattorini

Unearthing Literary Treasures

The Fascination of Collecting Beatrix Potter First Editions

In the realm of literary works, few names conjure up the same sense of whimsy and charm as Beatrix Potter. The beloved author and illustrator has captured the hearts of readers young and old with her enchanting tales of mischievous rabbits, dapper mice, and adventurous squirrels. As a result, the quest to collect first editions of her works has become a passion for collectors worldwide, offering not only a glimpse into the history of children’s literature but also a chance to connect with the magic of Potter’s timeless stories and illustrations.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

In September 1893 Noel Moore, the five year old son of Beatrix Potter’s friend and former governess was unwell. To cheer him up Potter wrote the now famous Peter Rabbit picture letter. “I don’t know what to write to you,” she began, “so I shall tell you a story about four little rabbits”. Noel was delighted with the letter and a few years later Beatrix decided to develop the story and turn it into a little book. Thus The Tale of Peter Rabbit was born, but it took a while for the story to make it into print.

Potter approached many publishers with her manuscript but to no avail, so she resolved to publish the story at her own expense and sent the manuscript to a London printer Strangeways & Sons. Thus is was that on the 16 December 1901 an edition of 250 privately printed copies of her book were ready to sell or distribute to friends. To keep printing costs to a minimum the book had a card cover and only one colour illustration with the other illustrations being in black and white. The size of the book was also important: Potter believed that it should be of a size that a child could hold easily in their hands and the paper should be durable, so the pages were easy to turn.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit was received with great enthusiasm by children and adults, so Potter ordered a second printing of 200 copies. The format remained the same as the first printing, but there were some minor changes to the text and the quality of the binding was improved. The colour of the boards changed from grey to olive green and the spine became rounded, rather than flat. Booksellers and collectors often describe these two privately printed editions as either ‘flat backed’ or ‘round backed’.

The first Trade Printing

In December 1901 Beatrix Potter received a letter from the publisher Frederick Warne which read: ‘Dear Miss Potter, I must apologise for not having written to you earlier with reference to the “Bunny Book”’. Warne offered to print the story in an edition of 5,000 copies, on the condition that Potter supplied all the drawings in colour. They suggested a royalty of 1d (one pence) per book, rising to 3d (three pence) per book should there be any subsequent editions. Warne cautioned that: “we cannot tell whether the work is likely to run to a second edition or not, and therefore we fear it might not provide a reasonable remuneration for you.”

Following some negotiations a contract was agreed and Potter set to work producing the illustrations in colour. So it was that in October 1902 the first published edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was offered for sale in book shops in Britain. Potter wanted the book to be affordable so there were different editions available: the book was available to buy in either brown or grey paper boards, retailing at 1/- (one shilling) or in pale green cloth, retailing at 1/6 (one shilling and sixpence). Warne suggested that brighter colours might sell better, but Potter was adamant that the colours of the boards needed to be in keeping with the natural colours of her animal world.

Warne’s publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, launched Potter’s career as a children’s author and has remained in print ever since. Subsequent titles, including The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (1903) and The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, (1904) followed in quick succession, each adding to Potter’s growing legacy.

The Appeal of Beatrix Potter First Editions

What makes collecting Beatrix Potter first editions so appealing? At its core, it’s a journey into the past, a way to trace the evolution of Potter’s writing and illustration style, and to appreciate the craftsmanship of these hand-sized publications. Each first edition holds a unique story, from the initial print run to the hands that have cherished it over the decades. For many collectors, owning a piece of literary history is a way to pay tribute to an author whose work continues to captivate generations.

Navigating the World of Beatrix Potter First Editions

For those embarking on the quest to collect Beatrix Potter first editions, understanding the nuances of the market is essential. Identifying true first editions can be a challenge, as publishers often made subtle changes to subsequent printings. Key indicators of a first edition include the presence of the phrase ‘All rights reserved’ on the title page, as well as the absence of later printings listed on the verso.

Additionally, examining the colour and condition of the dust jacket, if present, can provide further clues to a book’s authenticity. Potter’s books are notoriously difficult to date as the publisher Warne used a dating process which is not easily decipherable for novice collectors. In most instances Beatrix Potter first editions state the publisher as ‘F. Warne & Co.’ before Warne became incorporated in 1919 and the imprint changes to ‘F. Warne & Co. Ltd’.

The Rarity and Value of Beatrix Potter First Editions

While some of Potter’s works were printed in large quantities, others had more limited runs, adding to their rarity and value. For example, The Tale of Peter Rabbit had an initial print run of just 250 copies, making first editions of this iconic book highly sought after. Similarly, titles such as The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher (1906) and The Tale of Jemima Puddle -Duck (1908) are prized for their scarcity and charm.

In recent years, the market for Beatrix Potter first editions has experienced steady growth, with rare and pristine copies commanding high prices at auction. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for books in excellent condition, with original dust jackets or glassine wrappers, and minimal signs of wear. However, even well-loved copies with some wear and tear can hold significant value, particularly if they possess unique provenance or inscription by the author.

The value of a first edition can vary significantly, with pristine copies fetching five-figure sums, while worn copies without a dust jacket may be worth in the hundreds of pounds. While some early editions may hold value, the sheer number of subsequent printings means most are worth only a few pounds.

Preserving a Literary Legacy

Beyond the thrill of acquisition, collecting Beatrix Potter first editions is also a means of preserving her literary legacy for future generations. By safeguarding these rare and cherished books, collectors play a vital role in ensuring that Potter’s timeless tales continue to enchant readers for years to come. Whether displayed on a bookshelf or carefully tucked away in a protective sleeve, each first edition serves as a tangible reminder of the enduring magic of Beatrix Potter’s imagination.

In the end, collecting Beatrix Potter first editions is about more than just acquiring rare books – it’s a journey of discovery, connection, and appreciation for one of the most beloved authors in children’s literature. With each new addition to their collection, enthusiasts pay tribute to Potter’s legacy and celebrate the enduring power of storytelling to ignite the imagination and inspire wonder in readers of all ages.