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PAYTON GALL, KSJB LOCAL NEWS –
Bill Strutz, a former attorney from Bismarck, had a noteworthy collection of rare books. Strutz began assembling his collection in the late 1950s. He passed away in January, and his family has been working with Heritage Auctions to assess his massive collection, housed in a two-story library in his home.
His most valuable books were kept in a glass-and-steel cabinet carefully placed beside his reading chair. His collection included some highly sought after volumes, such as the world’s finest inscribed copy of “The Great Gatsby,” which sold for $425,000, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” for $843,000, “The Hobbit” for $300,000, and Thoreau’s “Walden” for $275,000. The rare edition of “Frankenstein” was one of three known pink first editions, and the only one privately owned.
These books were sold as part of an auction in June with a total profit of $5.6 million dollars, and more of Strutz’ collection is currently up for sale until December 11th.
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