Finding The Federalist

Yesterday I built a full wall of bookshelves in my office to help contain my family's burgeoning book collection. And while I am quite happy with some of the great titles we've been able to add to our collection (including several with great Alvin Lustig and E. McKnight Kauffer designed jackets among others), none of our finds has come even remotely close to one made by Nathan Harlan. About 20 years ago, as a high schooler with an interest in American History, Harlan paid $7 for the first of two volumes of The Federalist at a South Bend, Indiana, flea market. This tiny booklet from 1788 includes articles written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay calling for ratification of the United States Constitution. Now after being on display in his home, Harlan has sold his fantastic find through Heritage Auction Galleries. The gavel finally fell when the bidding hit $80,000.00 ... far exceeding the $8-12,000.00 pre-sale estimate. Just another reminder to keep digging!

• 06.24.09