The rare set of volumes by Richard Hakluyt sold for £365,000 (BK25/565).
The highlight of the Antiquarian Book Sale at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood on
7th/8th December 2021 was three rare volumes (bound in two) by Richard Hakluyt titled
The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English Nation,
made by Sea or Over-Land, to the remote and furthest distant quarters of the Earth
and dating from 1599/1600. Unusually, the folding map of the world (often missing)
was present and although in a delicate state, it didn't deter prospective purchasers
from all corners of the globe.
With twelve telephone lines booked, competition was fierce and it was clear this
rare set was going to exceed expectations and it didn’t disappoint. The battle lasted
for over 10 minutes with the hammer finally falling at £365,000.
- Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood
