By SHELIA BYRD
Associated Press Writer
OXFORD, Miss. – A rare auction of signed William Faulkner books and personal items has drawn international interest, but few on the town square of the author’s hometown were aware of the bidding set for Tuesday at Christie’s in New York.
It’s not as if Oxford’s famous son is forgotten at home. Inside Off Square Books, a poster of the fiercely private writer hangs on an entrance wall. Down the street is the home where Faulkner’s mother lived and nearby is Rowan Oak, the author’s Greek Revival house owned and operated as a museum by the University of Mississippi. Rowan Oak draws about 26,000 visitors each year.
Bill Griffith, Rowan Oak’s curator, is among those who would love to own Faulkner’s Canadian Royal Air Force Uniform or signed, first editions of some his works. Griffith, however, said tight finances won’t allow him to place a bid.