I was in the middle of a transaction with a fellow for a sort-of pricey item. He suddenly says, “Do you have any old books on birds?”
A little out of the blue, (so to speak), I thought, but I says in reply, “I may have a couple. Not so old, though.”
“Anything by that guy Audubon?” he asked.
“Oh, you mean the most expensive book in the world,” I wanted to reply. “Yes. Let me think. There may be a couple of those around here somewhere…”
I admit to being disorganized and maybe not being aware of the significance of every book that comes through, but Audubon is beyond the surprise-find category. Not much chance at this point of finding one in someone’s attic.
We do have a rare chance to look at a copy of James John Audubon’s Birds of America, which is estimated to be worth about five-cool-million dollars. Sotheby’s is putting the book on display this fall in Paris, New York, and London before an auction on December 7th.
There are about 100 copies known to exist. A big book, because the author wanted to show the birds life-size. So, check your attics. You may have a couple laying around somewhere, too.
Otherwise, you can pick one up at auction in a few weeks. Bring your checkbook and your holiday gift-buying list.
I’ve been a good boy this year…
Much less expensive, but identifies your tweeters: