Books & Manuscripts

Leonard Joel offers reference and specialist interest books and manuscripts through to entire collections and libraries at auction.

Depending on the rarity and condition of books and volumes, these items are offered as part of our curated, Specialist Auctions, or within The Auction Salon.

If you have a single item or a collection of interest, please contact us for a complimentary valuation.

Books & Manuscripts Auction Highlights

IDA RENTOUL OUTHWAITE, Elves And Fairies

Sold for $3,538

DRYSDALE, Russell & KLEPAC, Lou, Henry Lawson, Short Stories

Sold for $3,904

DONALD FRIEND, Songs of the Vagabond Scholars

Sold for $4,514

DONALD FRIEND, Bumbooziana

Sold for $3,660
Books & Manuscripts Specialists
Chiara Curcio

Head of Decorative Arts, Design & Interiors

Chiara joined Leonard Joel in 2011 with a keen interest in antiques and the auction market. After completing her Bachelor Degree with a focus in Theory of Art and Design, Archeology, History and languages, Chiara joined Leonard Joel as a junior objects assistant. Her eager interest in object and furniture design and their histories moved her from junior assistant, to manager and then Decorative Arts specialist within a four year period.

In 2017, Chiara was appointed Head of Decorative Arts; within her tenure, she has pioneered two dedicated Asian Art auctions in this category per year and further developed partnerships with local and international collectors and societies within this field.

In addition to valuing and curating specialty auctions, Chiara is also a Senior auctioneer, offering eight years of auctioneering experience.

Dominic Kavanagh

Objects & Collectables Manager

Our Departments

Leonard Joel offers specialist experience and regular, curated auctions across a diverse range of categories.

Important Collections

Over our 100 year history, Leonard Joel has been entrusted with the auction of some of the most interesting and important collections in Australia.

Jewellery

Founded over four decades ago, Leonard Joel’s Jewellery department leads the market in Australia with regular, curated auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.

Art

Leonard Joel’s Art Department offers expertise and extensive market knowledge in traditional, modern, international and contemporary art.

Decorative arts

Leonard Joel presents fine European and Australian interiors in curated collections.

Asian Art

Featuring important Chinese jade, ceramics and textiles, Himalayan, Indian, Japanese and Korean works of art.

Modern Design

Modern Design is one of Leonard Joel’s most dynamic and increasingly popular collecting categories.

Luxury

Unique to the Australian marketplace, Leonard Joel’s Luxury department offers vintage and contemporary handbags and accessories.

Collectables

Leonard Joel provides unrivalled expertise in this eclectic collecting category.