Chiswick Auctions is thrilled to offer the library and private estate of one of the greatest storytellers and writers of the 20th century, Paul Gallico (1897-1976). The celebrated American-born novelist, screenwriter and journalist is renowned for the writing of a number of significant works, including his most well-known book, The Snow Goose, a short novel that achieved much acclaim and was later made into a film and broadcast on BBC TV.
The film was created from a screenplay by Gallico and featured Jenny Agutter and Richard Harris. It was so popular that it won a Golden Globe for ‘Best Movie Made for TV’ and was nominated for both a BAFTA and an Emmy, with Agutter winning ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress’. It didn’t end there, as in 1976, Spike Milligan narrated an edited version, with music by Ed Welch, issued on RCA records in 1990 (a copy of which is offered in the sale amongst a collection of First Editions of Gallico’s work Lot 96 Estimate for group lot £200-£300).
Another of his most popular works, The Poseidon Adventure, which was written in 1969, led to a hugely successful film adaptation in 1972 and a TV remake in 2005 and a further adaptation in 2006. Works relating to The Poseidon Adventure are offered in the sale, such as a set of Uncorrected Proof Copies by Gallico (Lot 113 Estimate £250-£350) and a collection of 32 volumes used by Paul Gallico in researching his novels The Poseidon Adventure and Beyond the Poseidon Adventure on topics such as knots, shipping law, diving, sea planes and cooking on ships, occasionally featuring the author’s annotations and labels (Lot 114 Estimate £80-£120). A First Edition of The Poseidon Adventure is included in a collection of Gallico’s First editions (Lot 96 estimate £200-£300) and a collection of original promotional material from 20th Century Fox, for the film of the same name, that was based on Gallico’s book (Lot 115 Estimate £150-£200). The latest film adaptation of one of his books is already being hotly anticipated and will be released this year, based on his book Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to New York (two copies of which are offered in the sale as part of group lots 95 and 96).
Among some hugely exciting pieces in his collection is a fascinating range of Gallico’s own work, as well as personal notes, press cuttings, personal artifacts including his trusty typewriters, his leather Abercrombie & Fitch flying jacket from his time as a war correspondent, a range of his highly popular books and insightful notes that offer us a glimpse into the man behind his writings, as well as some rare First Editions by significant writers and great friends of his. While the sale is primarily an auction of Books and Works on Paper, furniture, original art and posters will also feature. The sale is titled Books & Works on Paper including Contents from the Estate of Paul Gallico and will take place at Chiswick Auctions on Thursday, 27th January 2022.
About Paul Gallico
Paul Gallico (1897-1976) was one of the great storytellers and writers of the 20th century. Journalist, novelist, screenwriter, he was born in New York and died in Monaco, but spent much of his life living in Saltram in Devon, England. Gallico is known for writing a number of major books and films of the mid-20th century and is still highly prized.
