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History Books

History books can be highly sought after at auction. Encompassing a myriad of subjects, history books open a portal to the past, allowing the modern reader to catch a glimpse into the events and discoveries that shaped the world as it is today.

Historical books that survive from past centuries are valuable primary sources for research. Many of them document events from firsthand experience, giving a glimpse into the impact these events had on civilization at the time of the occurrence and today. Historical books on science document scientific discoveries, revealing the evolution of these disciplines and providing clues to how this knowledge can be further transformed.

Common collectible history books are narratives of explorations and voyages. These are also some of the oldest history books, dating from the 15th century. Other collector’s history books are about wars, with war books written from personal experience among the most popular.


Quick Facts

  • "Relations," a compilation of voyages by scientist, diplomat, and author Thevenot, sold for $10,585 at a Bonhams auction in 2014
  • "Poblacht Na H Eireann. The Provisional Government of the Irish Republic to the People of Ireland," one of a small number of surviving copies printed in Dublin on Easter Sunday, 1916, sold for $457,500 at a 2015 Sotheby's auction. This title marked the beginning of the Easter Rising and modern Irish history
  • A 1661 first edition of Robert Boyle's "The Sceptical Chymist" sold for $536,500 at a 2015 Bonhams auction

Recommended Items at Auction

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Sandoval,P.de.
Jun 26, 10:00 AM CEST
Sandoval,P.de.
by Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Est: €400- €600
€4403 Bids
EARLY ROYAL HISTORY BOOK, JOHN HAYWARD, KING HENRY IV, 1599
Jun 27, 11:00 AM EDT
EARLY ROYAL HISTORY BOOK, JOHN HAYWARD, KING HENRY IV, 1599
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $500- $700
$1503 Bids
LEATHER BOUND BOOKS, 18TH AND EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Jun 25, 10:00 AM EDT
LEATHER BOUND BOOKS, 18TH AND EARLY 19TH CENTURY
by Potomack Company
Est: $100- $200
$803 Bids
War of 1812: 1816 Rare Medical Book
Jun 28, 12:00 PM EDT
War of 1812: 1816 Rare Medical Book
by Blackwell Auctions LLC
Est: $300- $600
$4502 Bids
COLLECTION OF FRENCH BOOKS ON HISTORY AND LITERATURE
Jun 27, 10:00 AM CDT
COLLECTION OF FRENCH BOOKS ON HISTORY AND LITERATURE
by Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $100- $300
$602 Bids
History of Venango County Pennsylvania
Jul 07, 6:00 PM EDT
History of Venango County Pennsylvania
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Soave,P. (d.i. P.Sarpi).
Jun 25, 10:00 AM CEST
Soave,P. (d.i. P.Sarpi).
by Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Est: €100- €150
€1001 Bid
Österreich - Gmunden - Krackowizer, F.,
Jun 29, 9:00 PM CEST
Österreich - Gmunden - Krackowizer, F.,
by Zisska & Lacher
Est: €300- €450
€3001 Bid
Militaria – MEMORIAL DE L’ARTILLERIE ou
Jun 25, 2:30 PM CEST
Militaria – MEMORIAL DE L’ARTILLERIE ou
by De Baecque & Associés
Est: €150- €200
€1501 Bid
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Jukichi Inouye, Der japanisch-chinesische Krieg, 1895, Altersspuren
Jun 28, 11:00 AM CEST
Jukichi Inouye, Der japanisch-chinesische Krieg, 1895, Altersspuren
by Auktionshalle Cuxhaven
Est: €0- €0
€51 Bid
The History of Scotland During the Reigns of Queen Mary and of King James V
Jun 25, 10:00 AM IST
The History of Scotland During the Reigns of Queen Mary and of King James V
by Purcell Auctioneers
Est: €60- €120
€501 Bid
(18) FRANKLIN MINT LEATHERBOUND BOOKS, HISTORY, LIKE NEW
Jun 27, 11:00 AM EDT
(18) FRANKLIN MINT LEATHERBOUND BOOKS, HISTORY, LIKE NEW
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $400- $600
$1001 Bid
TWO BOOKS ON HISTORY
Jun 27, 10:00 AM CDT
TWO BOOKS ON HISTORY
by Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $100- $200
$501 Bid
[HISTORY] - Portugal Reclaims its Crown: Allegorical Title-Page of Sousa de Macedo’s Rare 1645 Work
Jul 07, 2:00 PM BST
[HISTORY] - Portugal Reclaims its Crown: Allegorical Title-Page of Sousa de Macedo’s Rare 1645 Work
by L'Autographe Auctions
Est: £80- £120
£501 Bid
Kollar, Vincenz u.a. Bildliche Naturgeschichte des Thierreichs. 2. Teil (vo…
Jun 22, 7:00 PM CEST
Kollar, Vincenz u.a. Bildliche Naturgeschichte des Thierreichs. 2. Teil (vo…
by Jeschke Jádi Auctions Berlin GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€2001 Bid
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Welcome to Fairyland: Queer Miami Before 1940 by Julio Capo Jr.
Jun 29, 12:00 PM EDT
Welcome to Fairyland: Queer Miami Before 1940 by Julio Capo Jr.
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $50- $200
$201 Bid

Sellers Who Sell History Books


Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen

Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen

Purcell Auctioneers

Purcell Auctioneers

Helios Auctions

Helios Auctions

L'Autographe Auctions

L'Autographe Auctions