One of my favorite things about books, maps, and documents is that they often take us on an exciting journey, allowing us to explore various places and time periods. We get the chance to learn along the way, perhaps discovering new things about famous figures or far away countries. In the 19th century, large-scale landscape paintings were sometimes used as entertainment, and like today’s television programs and movies, they allowed viewers to stare at them and be instantly transported to a place they would likely never be able to visit in person. At least for me, many of the objects in this auction function the same way. When I look at them, I am immediately carried from my office and taken on a journey to Europe in the 1500s (Lot 3002), to colonial New England (Lot 3060), to 20th-century China (Lot 3018), or . . . even to the magic of the Land of Oz (Lot 3046). If we are lucky, some of the items might transport us back in time to childhood (Lot 3047), giving us a moment of comfort in this complex world.

This auction also invites us to consider our view of the world, sometimes taking a broad view and allowing us to explore large cities such as London and New York (Lot 3015, Lot 3062), whole countries, or even the entire world at one time. Others offer a very different perspective, and ask us to focus on something quite specific, such as one river in one part of what just might be this country’s most beautiful state (we are probably a little biased here though - Lot 3066).

In this post-holiday daze when we all might be feeling a little tired, or impatient for the warmer and longer days of spring, a distraction from our everyday lives could serve us well. Take a journey, even if just for a moment, to a new time or place. Offer yourself a new perspective. A trip to the Mediterranean perhaps (Lot 3012)? A visit to Yosemite with Ansel Adams, or to Maine with Andrew Wyeth, anyone (Lot 3023, Lot 3022)? Where will these books, maps, and documents take you?

Explore these works and many others being offered in our Collectible Books, Maps, & Documents Auction, which opens for live-online bidding on Thursday, January 22 at 10:00 am. Pre-bidding is available now.

Collectible Books, Maps, & Documents Auction
January 22 at 10:00 am ET