Rare set of the Picturesque Atlas of Australia will be put up for tender at the Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club book sale next month, says book connoisseur and volunteer Glenn Pettit. Photo/supplied
Rare set of the Picturesque Atlas of Australia will be put up for tender at the Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club book sale next month, says book connoisseur and volunteer Glenn Pettit. Photo/supplied
A three-volume set of the Picturesque Atlas of Australasia printed in 1886 will go up for tender at the Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club book bonanza next month.
Former newspaper editor, book connoisseur and volunteer Glenn Pettit says the books were quite remarkable.
"They are definitely the prize ofthis year's collector section and unique. "The books have gilded edges and leather-like bindings and are quite a prized possession for a serious collector."
"Volumes one and two are devoted to Australia while the third volume is New Zealand and Pacific with absolutely incredible engravings, maps and history." However those attributes made them hard to price, he says.
"It is difficult for us to determine a price so with these books we will let the market set the price. We will put them out and people can tender for them and make an offer." "We will have to see what they are prepared to pay, but it is quite rare to have a full set of three."
Ironically the club has also received a duplicate copy of volume one and volume three of the Picturesque Atlas of Australasia that could possibly go out for sale or tender.
Glenn, aged 81, says he has helped at the book fair for several years and had a wide appreciation for the written word. "I am quite happy to contribute where I can as it's a good cause."
Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club president Joan Forester says it is grateful to the public of Tauranga for its ongoing support, which has been brilliant.
The book fair begins on Friday November 11, from 5pm to 9pm, and 8am to 5pm on Saturday November 12 and Sunday November 13. "Last year on the Friday night it was hectic with people queuing up around the corner."
BOOK SALE Tauranga Harbour City Lions Club from November 11 - November 13 At 168 Devonport Road If you want to donate books contact Christine Currie on 0210645360 or 5767105 for more information.
