An 1877 edition of Alfred Tennyson’s Vivien will be one of the many collectible items for sale at The University of Queensland Alumni Association’s rare book auction on Thursday, April 24.
The poem is complemented by illustrations from the celebrated 19th century French artist Gustave Doré. It tells the story of the relationship between Merlin and Vivien under the magical backdrop of Camelot.
Rare book auction convenor Keith Price said some high quality items would be going under the hammer at The Women’s College Playhouse at 6:30pm. He said each book would have its own history and story to tell.
“Vivien was generously donated by an English couple. It survived the bombing of south-east London during WWII and is still in remarkably good condition,” Mr Price said.
“The minute detail and intricacy of the artwork is exceptional.”
Mr Price said the books up for auction would be of a very high quality and many would be sought after by collectors and dealers.
Also included in the auction will be copies of Peter Pan and Wendy, The Swiss Family Robinson and David Copperfield, all with beautifully tipped-in (pasted in) illustrations.
The rare book auction precedes the Alumni Association’s 13th biennial book fair at the UQ Centre from Friday, April 25 to 29, daily from 11am to 6pm, except April 25 (noon to 6pm). The book fair will offer for sale hundreds of thousands of books, magazines, periodicals, sheet music and records.
Money raised from both events will support initiatives such as the UQ Excellence in Teaching Awards, the Alumnus and Graduate of the Year, postgraduate and sporting scholarships and students with disabilities.
The proceeds from the 2001 book fair helped to fund a number of scooters for disabled students as well as equipment for various UQ schools and faculties.
Media: For more information, contact Book Fair Convenor Feona Walker (telephone 07 3392 4419) or Alumni Executive Officer Lynne Norris (telephone 07 3365 1561) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479, email: c.saxby@uq.edu.au).
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