NEW YORK, NY.- Bidders competed for scarce livres d’artiste and books illustrated by important artists, as well as sought-after examples of 19th and 20th century literature at Swann Galleries on May 12. Christine von der Linn, Swann’s 19th & 20th Century Literature specialist said, “The success of this sale is reflected in the fact that illustrated books and 19th & 20th century literature were represented in the top three lots, showing a strong selection of material that continued with a run of rare literature and sci-fi classics.” The auction’s top lot was the celebrated collaboration between Jasper Johns and Samuel Beckett, Foirades / Fizzles, which exemplifies the interplay of contemporary art and literature. The work contains 26 lift-ground aquatints and five etchings with mixed media, and is one of only 250 copies signed by Johns and Beckett, Paris and New York, 1976, realized $16,800.* The