A first edition copy of beloved children's classic Winnie-the-Pooh will be among the literary treasures on sale at The University of Queensland's UQ Alumni Book Fair and Rare Book Auction.
Rare Book Auction co-convenor Anne Mullins says the A.A. Milne work features the original green cloth cover with gilt illustrations and Christopher Robin's map of the 'Hundred Aker Wood' on the inside.
"We were thrilled to receive Winnie-the-Pooh in good condition, especially considering it was printed in 1926," Ms Mullins said.
"E.H Shepard's illustrations are delightful and the map on the inside cover is full of nostalgic places like 'Eeyore's Gloomy Place' and the 'Nice for Piknicks' spot."
Just weeks after taking delivery of Winnie-the-Pooh, organisers received a first edition of another A.A Milne work, the songbook, Teddy Bear and other Songs from When We Were Very Young.
"The songbook was released the year the late Queen Elizabeth II was born and includes a beautiful printed dedication to the young princess," Ms Mullins said.
A.A Milne appears to be a royal favourite, with Prince Louis reportedly receiving a first edition copy of Winne-the-Pooh as a christening gift from his uncle, Prince Harry.
The books will be auctioned together, alongside a catalogue of several hundred works including a 1780s edition of The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy and books by renowned naturalists and explorers, including Charles Darwin.
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The 23rd annual UQ Alumni Book Fair is Brisbane's longest running book fair.
Alumni Friends President Dr Catherine Lawrence said the team of volunteers had done an excellent job identifying each book for its rarity, historical significance, and printing and binding quality.
"Being able to breathe new life into these recycled books is special, and one of the ways we have been able to support students, researchers and educators," Dr Lawrence said.
"Since 1967, Alumni Friends has donated more than $11 million to support important causes at UQ, including student scholarships and research grants.
"Last year more than 4,000 people came through the doors and we raised nearly $130,000, so I hope we can break records in 2023."
Around 110,000 items, will be for sale including books, magazines, sheet music, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and jigsaw puzzles.
The UQ Alumni Book Fair is open to the public at the UQ Centre, St Lucia.
Opening hours are:
Friday 28 April: 9am-9pm
Saturday 29 April: 9am-5pm
Sunday 30 April: 9am-5pm
Monday 1 May: 9am-3pm
The Rare Book Auction will take place on Friday 28 April from 6.30pm, with bidders encouraged to inspect the lots between 3:30pm - 6pm.
The full catalogue is available here, with absentee bids accepted until 1pm on auction day.
Images available via Dropbox here.
