Bethunes’ latest catalogue of Rare Books is out, and some very tasty morsels it contains too.

The star item going under the hammer at 10am on 17 November is a complete set of the old auction standby, Cook’s Voyages (pictured), plus the Atlas to the Voyages. The estimate on this one is no less than $60,000.

More affordable at $800 is a selection of items printed on William Colenso’s hand press at his Missionary station in Napier between 1847 and 1853.

You can also bid on the archive of Sir Henry Matson, who came to New Zealand in 1845. Matson was a Captain in the 58th Regiment and the archive includes a diary that ends in 1845 when he was at Kororareka.

If that doesn’t tempt you, try your luck with an extensive selection of maps by Arrowsmith, Bowen, Zatta and Renard.

Viewing times are on 15 and 16 November, from 9am to 5.30pm. Buyers pay a premium of 13.5% on the hammer price plus GST.

Bethunes also report that prices from their 8 September auction included $35,000 for Angas’ The New Zealanders Illustrated and $10,500 for Godman’s A Monograph of the Petrels. And if you want to stay up with the play, a catalogue subscription costs $30 including postage.

You can get more details of the upcoming auction by contacting Miriam Shaw on 09-524 6804 or emailing bethunes@webbs.co.nz.