The John Anscombe Library (Part I)
Tuesday, 26 November - Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Johns library is one of the largest and most eclectic collections in New Zealand, and will be offered in several auctions through Dunbar Sloane over the next 2-3 years. Part I focuses on NZ History, Maori History, Folklore, NZ Topography, Travel & Exploration, Classical Children's & Illustrated Volumes John W .Anscombe Husband, proud father and grandfather, manager, bookshop owner and lover of books. John's family tree includes early NZ settlers in Canterbury and following the Boer war, the King country. John's mother was the first pakeha baby born in the tiny village of Piopio. Her red hair made her an instant hit. His father's family arrived from London to be part of the gang building the Whangamomona railway. John was proud of the role his forebears played in exploration and sheer axe and spade wielding labour in early NZ. As a young adult his interest in history was ignited by a display in a Nelson bookshop. Two maps were displayed, both titled, Sketch Map of the North Is of NZ.1869 One subtitled Native tribal Boundaries, the other Confiscated land. Flashbacks to his childhood holidays and his Grandparents shared memories.. The shop owner kindly offered to frame the maps then showed John his extensive selection of rare and elderly books that were written in the 1800s John was hooked. So began the gradual accumulation from bookshops, bookfairs, garage sales and auctions relating the stories of missionaries, explorers, adventurers, charlatans written at the time those maps were drawn. The trickle of books became a torrent. On retirement from the bank, John bought a second-hand bookshop, more opportunities for new contacts , discussions, and books. A surprise bequest from a customer created a literary tsunami. Enough. The bookshop sold and a move to a larger home. Instantly it became a library with facilities. The sorting now began. The NZ material was the first he tackled and these books are the first to be offered for auction. They embody, John's love of books and the stories they preserve. The maps still hang in the hallway. as written by John's wife Denise Enquiries Anthony Gallagher

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