[Spencer (Charles, 3rd Earl of Sunderland)] [Sale Catalogue] Bibliotheca Sunderlandiana. Sale Catalogue of the Truly Important and Very Extensive Library of Printed Books known as the Sunderland or Blenheim Library, 5 vol. in 1, printed price lists bound at end, contemporary mottled calf, gilt, by Zaehnsdorf, spine gilt in compartments with red roan label, g.e., a little rubbed, joints split, large 8vo, Puttick & Simpson, 1881-83.
⁂ The magnificent library of the 3rd Earl of Sunderland (1674-1722) contained roughly 20,000 books, including many incunabula (several on vellum), Bibles, and early Continental literature. It was put up for sale by the Duke of Marlborough in 1881, having first been offered in toto for £20,000. Baron James de Rothschild, Lord Crawford and Bernard Quaritch were all interested but the first died during negotiations and the last was unable to raise the money. The five auctions contained 13,858 lots and realised £56,581 6s.; approximately £33,000 in total was paid by Quaritch.
Please Login or Register to request further information and images