15.05.08. Lot 2200 caught my eye in Belman's Antiquarian & Modern Book Sale on May 23rd. Despite dinosaurs and other attractions, The Crystal Palace Company had steadily lost money and was declared bankrupt in 1911. The sale particulars offered here contain details of the Palace, Park and various leasehold properties around the perimeter, and were to be sold as one Lot. This copy is illustrated with 48 sepia photogravure plates, but lacks the coloured plan, and is estimated at £100-150.  Add a comment

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While bargains are to be had at auction, for the uninitiated, I think it's worth quoting from John Carter's ABC for Book Collectors. "The novice collector does well to recognise that in a bookshop there is a strong bond of common interest across the counter, but that in the sale-room every man's hand is against him. If he is a man of spirit, he may relish the encounter; hoping to beat the professionals at their own game and be prepared to take a few knocks in the process. Yet if he is also a man of sense, he will only do so after careful reconnaissance, and then with his eyes wide open".

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