Children's Books & Modern First Editions (KID17B) Fri, 15th Dec 2017 Lot 680 Estimate: £40000 - £60000 + Fees Booker Prize Collection. Booker Prize Collection. A comprehensive and complete private collection of first editions of all Winning and Shortlisted Booker Prize Novels for the years 1969 to 2013, comprising 47 Winners (including two Joint Winners), of these 43 are signed (plus autograph of Bernice Rubens loosely inserted for 1970; missing only signed copies for 1973, 1977 and 1985), together with Proof Copies of 41 of these Winners (22 signed) and 39 1st US editions (20 signed), plus all 214 first editions of the Shortlisted novels (144 signed), plus an additional 110 copies (69 signed), mostly 1st US editions, proof and other copies of these shortlisted books, all the books as issued and complete with dust jackets where required, some later books published in paperback only and the proof copies as issued, usually original wrappers, the 41 winning novel proof copies housed with the accompanying true first edition in purpose-made twin slipcases, a total of 450 books, of which 298 are author signed, the condition generally very good to near fine, the proof copies in more variable condition, mostly 8vo This superlative Booker Prize collection is most likely unique and unrivalled, being far more comprehensive than any similar collection identified. Stanley Middleton's Holiday is often believed to be the scarcest winner, (along with Bernice Reubens's The Elected Member) and the copy here found not only comes in fine condition but with the rare wraparound and a signed quotation from the author to the title-page. Other noted rarities found within the collection include Gordon M. Williams's From Scenes Like These, T.W. Wheeler's The Conjunction (signed) and Elizabeth Mavor's The Green Equinox, a signed and inscribed simultaneous paperback edition. Due to Bruce's enthusiasm and contacts developed through his publishing house he was able to obtain autographs from authors that might otherwise be difficult to obtain. At one signing where Bruce presented Salman Rushdie with a proof copy of his Booker Prize winning book Midnight's Children the author exclaimed "Where did you get this?!" before duly signing. The collection covers the Booker Prize (now known as the Man Booker Prize) from its inaugural event in 1969 through to 2013, the last year in which only Commonwealth, Irish, South African, and later Zimbabwean citizens were eligible to receive the prize. Lots 681-686 also come from the library of Bruce Howard and demonstrate a more moderated bibliomania for book prize collecting! Indeed, it was his special enthusiasm for the Booker Prize which inspired him to create and publish The First Chapter Series of books, a set of which is offered here as lot 682. Qty: 450.