One of the perks of temporarily living in NYC is easy access to events. Today, I walked a mile in sweltering heat to Christies to preview the Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts Including Americana Sale on June 15. In particular, I hoped to see Lot #241, a broadside from 1777 relating the story of Washington’s victory in Trenton after crossing the Delaware. This has always been a thrilling tale to me- I couldn’t wait to see how folks felt about such an occurrence in 1777.
A small group of people were occupying the area I wished to peruse. I moved to another portion of the auction and patiently waited for them to move on. They did not move on. Sigh. One of the curators took me under her wing and informed me that the owner of the collection to be auctioned, Eric C. Caren, was in the group. Oh! But, Mr. Caren was not the center of attention. I had to ask who the predominant speaker was and found that it was Sir Harold Evans, of England, who had been editor in chief of The London Times and the Sunday Times, came to America and became editorial director of US News & World Report, the New York Daily News and The Atlantic Monthly. Oh! The curator urged me to join the group. But, there was a photographer accompanying the entourage and my hair was not done, so I declined.
If you have a moment, check out the Christies catalog online for the June 15 auction. I think history buffs will find the selections fascinating. Some of these include articles on the Salem Witch Trials, The Effects of Liquor on Native Americans, Repeal of the Stamp Act, Benedict Arnold’s Treason- on and on.
I plan to attend this auction and will post some highlights.