Photobook auction on 18th May

The popularity of photography books as collectors' items continues apace. Christie's is holding the first proper auction of rare photobooks at Kings Street London on 18th May. Estimates for the books range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds and this event will surely be attracting global interest from avid collectors. A strong representation of Japanese photographers and first editions from old masters is there. I wouldn't be surprised if Martin Parr, the photographer with a keen interest in photographic books (as of 2004 he owned about 7,000 and has published a book on photobooks), will be at the auction to outbid everyone!