Sotheby's is the world's second oldest international auction house in continuous operation. It was founded in London, England on 11 March 1744 when Samuel Baker presided over the disposal of "several hundred scarce and valuable" books from the library of a certain Rt. Hon. Sir John Stanley.

Today, the firm has an annual turnover of approximately US$2bn, and offices on London's New Bond Street and Manhattan's York Avenue. This dominant position has been achieved through natural growth, acquisitions (most notably the 1964 purchase of the United States' largest auctioneer of fine art, Parke-Bernet), and smart management during the cyclical "art recessions" of the past century.

The company was purchased in 1983 by US millionaire A. Alfred Taubman, who took it public in 1998.

Sotheby's has an intense rivalry with Christie's for the position of the world's preeminent fine art auctioneer.

..J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter Author...

On December 15, 2007, Sotheby's auctioned off a very limited copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, written by J.K. Rowling. Although it was expected to make just $98,350 the book was purchased for a hammer price of $3,835,980 by London fine art dealers Hazlitt Gooden and Fox on behalf of Amazon.com. The story behind the book is originally, the novel was mentioned in the Harry Potter novel series which contained children's stories. J.K. Rowling finished the real version in late 2007. There are only 7 copies in existence, each version unique by its' cover. Six were given away as gifts to those close to her, while the last "The moonstone edition" was up for auction with proceeds going to the The Children's Voice charity. Each leather bound copy was hand written and illustrated by J.K. Rowling.



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