Bonhams’ Books and Manuscripts Sale Offers Draft Copy of Newton’s Irenicum, Gutenberg Bible Page, and More

An autographed draft copy of Isaac Newton’s Irenicum, the thinker’s statement on God and Christianity, will soon be auctioned by Bonhams. Written near the end of Newton’s life, the Irenicum was the result of theological research spanning decades. Newton viewed the document as a bid for peace between Christian sects. He proposed a set of guiding principles that he felt all Christians could agree on. In the available lot, Newton clarifies some of his intent and sentiments outlined in the Irenicum, including his belief that Christianity must be founded on the teachings of the Old Testament. Also of note in this auction is an original leaf from the Gutenberg Bible. This contains Latin text from Ezekiel 39:7 to 40:27.  

More modern works in the auction include a presentation copy of Studies in Hysteria by Sigmund Freud. Published in 1895, this book represents Freud’s first foray into psychoanalysis. It details his work with Fanny Bardas (née Klein) over many years. The available copy was gifted and inscribed to Bardas. Other key lots in this sale include one of the first books published in California, a first edition copy of Nelson Slater’s Fruits of Mormonism; an illustrated set of anatomical drawings by Gautier d’Agoty; and a signed photograph of Albert Einstein. Visit Bonhams to view the complete catalog and register to bid in this Fine Books and Manuscripts sale.