Reese Collection Auction

foremost dealer-scholar of antiquarian books of his generation.

William Reese, universally acknowledged to be the greatest American antiquarian bookseller of his generation, known for his expertise in Americana, color plate books, natural history, exploration, literature, and the history of the book, and also widely celebrated as a man of uncommon graciousness, generosity, humor, and decency died in 2018.¹

The Private Collection of William S. “Bill” Reese is among the most valuable sales of printed Americana in over 50 years. With the rich combination of printed works, historic prints, fine art, and color-plate books, this stands as one of the most visually beautiful collections of Americana to ever come to auction.

The sale will encompass 700 lots, with a value estimated at between $12 million and $18 million.

The Reese Collection is currently on auction at Christies.

Virtual Tour of the Sale

Private collection of William Reese.

Catalog of the Auction

Here is the catalog of the sale.

1. In Memoriam: William Reese (1955-2018). The New Antiquarian. June 7, 2018.