First editions of each of Jane Austens major novels led Hindmans Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts Auction on May 11. The five books, including Austens Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, realized more than $300,000. Overall, the sale realized more than $1.1 million and was over 94 percent sold. The passion of private collectors for rare works of literature and first editions led to very competitive bidding on the Jane Austen novels, commented Gretchen Hause, Hindman vice president of books and manuscripts. We are thrilled with the results, and to see that the market for literature, and particularly for literature written by women, continues to gain strength. Jane Austen First Editions Highlighting the five first editions was Austens Pride & Prejudice (lot 138), which sold for $107,100, more than double its high estimate. The work, written by Austen at the age of 21 and published 15 years later in a small edition of approximately 1,500 copies, stands as one of the most enduring and beloved works of 19th century literature. Austens first novel, Sense and Sensibility (lot 137), sold for $81,900 against a $20,000-$30,000 estimate. John James Audubon and Americana Highlights The Americana session achieved outstanding results, continuing to underscore the firms strength in the category. A presentation copy of the first octavo edition of John James Audubons The Birds of America From Drawings Made in the United States and their Territories (lot 362) led the Americana session, realizing $88,200. The double-elephant folio edition of Audubons The Birds of America (1827-1838) established his reputation as the greatest ornithological artist of his time, and this octavo edition adds 65 new images for a total of 500 plates, making it the most extensive color plate book produced in America up to that time. A copy of the Bible (lot 360), owned by John Adamss granddaughter and with a partial presentation note in Adamss hand, soared past its pre-sale estimate to realize $25,000. In addition to Adamss warm presentation note to his granddaughter, the Bible included several leaves of family marriage, birth, and death records. Highlights also included a pair of signed 1913 letters (lot 411) from President Woodrow Wilson to Senator James A. Gorman, regarding the appointment of the Collector of the Port of New York. Competitive bidding drove the letters significantly above their $800-$1,200 estimate to realize $16,380. Bidding for the auction was available in-person at Hindmans Chicago Bid Room and via telephone and absentee bid, and online via the Digital Bid Room. For more information, visit www.hindmanauctions.com.