The naked truth

A photographic heavyweight

The German–Australian star photographer Helmut Newton (1920–2004) has been called one of the most influential and controversial photographers of the 20th century – especially famous for his photos of naked women. The large publication SUMO is a homage to photography as well as being one of the world’s most expensive book productions – and at 30 kg it is probably also one of the world’s heaviest tome. This enormous book comes with a table designed by Phillippe Starck. The book has been numbered and signed by Helmut Newton.

Original letters from Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin to Jens Jørgen Thorsen

The Danish painter, multi-artist and provo Jens Jørgen Thorsen (1932–2000) left behind an exciting collection of letters and photographs that document his important work on the controversial film project “Quiet Days in Clichy” – a Danish film from 1970 scripted and directed by Jens Jørgen Thorsen and based on a novel by the American writer Henry Miller (1891–1980). The collection comprises among other things Thorsen’s correspondence with Henry Miller. In addition, there are three letters from Miller’s intimate friend – the French writer Anaïs Nin (1903–1977), who, in her letters to Thorsen, expresses her hope that precisely he will be the one to make film versions of several of her literary works. A wish, however, that was never fulfilled.

Coloured antique maps

If you are interested in antique maps of Denmark, now is your chance to acquire several different maps of the kingdom. Included in the auction is a collection of coloured antique maps by such well-known cartographers as Johannes Mejer, Matthias Seutter, Jan Janssonius and Johan Baptist Homann. Also featured is Braun and Hogenberg’s fine map of Prague “Praga, Bohemia Metropolis Accuratissime Expressa” from Cologne, 1572–1624.

Private book collections

Also included in the auction are a considerable number of books from the large collection of the Danish book collector Vilhelm Albertsen, including first editions of works by French, English and American writers among others Evelyn Waugh, Ernest Hemingway, Aldous Huxley and D.H. Lawrence. Another section of the comprehensive private library of the Danish historian Palle Lauring will also come under the hammer. Also up for auction are good Danish reference works, art books with original illustrations, first editions of works from the Danish Golden Age as well as original letters by well-known Danish cultural figures.

Viewing and auction

The viewing will take place at Baltikavej 10 in Copenhagen on Thursday, 19 August, from 10 am to 5 pm, and Friday, 20 August from 10 am to 3.30 pm. The book auction will close on Sunday, 22 August from 1 pm.

The autumn’s next online book auction will start in late September, with special focus on Icelandic books and works by the Danish writer Gustav Wied (1858–1914). The auction will take place on Sunday, 3 October, and viewing will be as usual at Baltikavej 10 starting Thursday, 30 September. Note that we are regularly on the look-out for books, maps and manuscripts for our forthcoming auctions.

See all the works featured at the book auctions here
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