Hot times at Sotheby's as the Robert Pirie book sale looses thousands of rare books into the market.

The Pirie Collection goes on the block this week. He was not a sentimental sort:

Nicholas Poole-Wilson, a now-retired dealer who is among those who helped Mr. Pirie build his collection, met Mr. Pirie in the late ’60s and spoke with him several times a week for decades. He recalled Mr. Pirie’s discerning eye and relentless pursuit: “Somebody dies and he says, ‘What’s happening to the books?’”

And now his friends in the exclusive Roxburghe Club will have a go at his.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/sothebys-spotlights-rare-books-1449077210