Christie’s is delighted to present First Editions, Second Thoughts: An Auction in Support of English PEN.

This landmark philanthropic sale, taking place online from 28 June – 12 July, comprises over 80 modern first editions by the greatest writers and artists of our time, each of which have been uniquely annotated or illustrated by their authors.

Highlights include heavily annotated first editions by Margaret Atwood, Hilary Mantel, Julian Barnes, Monica Ali and Ian McEwan, extra-illustrated books by Quentin Blake, Mark Haddon and Max Porter, a poignant commentary by John le Carré, and extraordinary artworks by Ai Weiwei, Tracey Emin, Anthony Gormley and Anish Kapoor.

A selection of lots from First Editions, Second Thoughts will be on view from 6 - 15 June within The Art of Literature: Auction Highlights Exhibition taking place at Christie’s headquarters in St James’s, London. A full exhibition of all lots will be on show from 8–12 July.

English PEN is one of the world's oldest human rights organisations, championing the freedom to write and the freedom to read around the world.