Sydney Rare Book Auctions would like to thank you for your support over the last year and wish you a Happy Christmas and New Year.
In our last sale of the year, we have our usual eclectic assortment with early maps, letters, book plates, to signed books and fine bindings. There is something there for everyone.
*** We will be open over the holidays, but it will be best to call before coming in. Close weekends and Public Holidays.
Timed Auction (online only) Online bidding on Invaluable or our website
Viewing is encouraged & Questions welcomed Before 3pm Sydney Time Wednesday 24th December 2025
Where: Dalgety Square C11/372-428 Wattle Street, Ultimo. (Corner of MacArthur with the entrance on Wattle Street.) We are opened between 10am and 5pm week days.
Sydney Rare Book Auction is excited about the next installment in the Gary Gorton Collection – Australian Crime Fiction.
Australian Crime fiction started in colonial times, “precisely because of the national origins as a penal colony,” ( Sussex ) and “became an essential vehicle for communicating ideas of right and wrong as well as ideas of what it meant to be an Australian.” (Franks)
Lot 35 Alfred E Clarke – Tommy The Growler
Fergus Hume
We have over 10 books by Fergus Hume (1859-1932) in this catalogue (Lots 2-12; 87-93). Hume was born in England, educated as a lawyer in New Zealand and then move to Melbourne where he spent a few years (1885-1889 ) as a law clerk (ADB). In his spare time he wrote. His first book was The Mystery of a Hansom Cab, set in Melbourne. It was an instant success in Australian and soon after, the world selling 750,000 in 1886. (Caterson, 2012)
Guy Boothby
Guy Newell Boothby (1867-1905) was South Australian novelist (ADB) and his most popular series was Dr Nikola and occult anti-hero seeking world domination(Wiki). (Lots 10, 15)
Gary Gorton Collection
Gary collected books listed in Hubin’s Crime Fiction. He always bought the best that he could find so the books are in wonderful condition.
Where: Dalgety Square C11/372-428 Wattle Street, Ultimo. (Corner of MacArthur with the entrance on Wattle Street.) We are opened between 10am and 5pm week days.
Absentee bids and questions are due by email 3pm Sydney Time Friday 19th December 2025
*** During holiday period it is best to arrange a time to pick up your items by email or phone (just in case). We will definitely be close for weekends and public holidays over Christmas and New Year.
