MUMBAI.- Prinseps is set to host the third edition of The Nationalism Book Auction on 25th January, 2022, the auction brings a rare collection of first-editions to the market, most of which have not been offered for sale before. Printed in India between the pre-independence to the post-independence period, these books come from a difficult period to source, with few copies having survived. The auction offers a rare glimpse into pre-independence India, the period which gave rise to freedom fighters, ideologies, revolutionaries and renowned leaders.

Key highlights from the auction include the comprehensive, and thoroughly up-to-date edition of Mr. Gandhi's Speeches and Writings (Lot 5; Speeches and Writings of M.K Gandhi by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, 1922); and a collection of Jawaharlal Nehru's political writings comprising his presidential addresses, followed by some shorter essays written in prison. (Lot 15; India and the World by Jawaharlal Nehru, 1936).

The catalogue comprises 85 lots collectively ranging from the pre-independence to the post-independence period, bringing alive a plethora of stories and narratives of distinctive political leaders, authors and philosophers. These literary assets carry an estimate of INR 30,000 - 1,00,000.

Other key lots include writings and narratives that view Pakistan from various different angles (Lot 34; Consequences of Pakistan by K.L Gauba, 1946); the most intriguing problems of modern democracy - the problem of protection of the minorities (Lot 20, The problem of Minorities by Dhirendranath Sen, 1940); and a collation of Gandhi’s thoughts, opinions and musings regarding the importance of non-violence whilst organising movements during the British Raj (Lot 3, Young India by M.K Gandhi, 1922).

Speaking about Prinseps’s Nationalism Book Auction, the Vice-President and Curator Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil shares, “We are ecstatic to host the third edition of The Nationalism Book Auction, it brings a rare collection of first-editions or limited editions that can be considered as irreplaceable in today’s age. To our good luck and efforts, the books are in an exemplary condition having been preserved with utmost care”.

The Nationalism Book Auction is currently open for proxy bidding. Alongside the Nationalism Book Auction, Prinseps will also be offering a rare auction of a selection of NFTs based on Bhanu Athaiya’s drawings and sketches in the forthcoming months.