An auction with nearly everything you need

In our contemporary world, no substitute exists for the quiet, understated comfort of the library

A pair of Regency wingback armchairs at the James Adam library sale next Wednesday.

Cicero wrote that if you have a garden and a library you have everything you need. Many readers will find the words penned by the Roman statesman and philosopher as apposite today as when they were first written more than 2000 years ago.

The concept of a sale devoted to furniture and collectibles associated with the libraries of grand houses in Ireland is seductive. Some pleasing and unique treasures that lie hidden within will emerge at the James Adam library sale next Wednesday (April 26).