A reference library used by the Lovejoy author to research his novels is going under the hammer.

East Anglian Daily Times: A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction Ben Johnson The Works, estimated to fetch £600-800.A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction Ben Johnson The Works, estimated to fetch £600-800. (Image: Archant)

Colchester pathologist Dr John Grant’s collection is expected to reach up to £15,000 when it is sold by Bonhams auctioneers in Oxford on Tuesday September 16.

Dr Grant, who used the penname John Gash, began writing the 24 Lovejoy novels during his commute to London when he was at the University of London’s School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene between 1971 and 1988.

The collection of several hundred volumes including historical encyclopedias and dictionaries will be sold as 27 lots.

A Bonhams spokesman said: “We’re very pleased to be chosen to sell Dr Grant’s reference library. So many people remember the books and TV series with great affection and it’s fascinating to see some of the raw material he drew on to create his memorable and much-loved characters.”

East Anglian Daily Times: A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction. A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, estimated to fetch £400-600A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction. A Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, estimated to fetch £400-600 (Image: Archant)

The leather jacket worn by Ian McShane in the TV series is being auctioned tomorrowat Mander Auctioneers in Newton, near Sudbury.

East Anglian Daily Times: A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction The New Royal Encyclopaedia, estimated to fetch £400-600A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction The New Royal Encyclopaedia, estimated to fetch £400-600 (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction. Tha Laboratory of School of Arts, estimated to fetch £400-600A library collection of Lovejoy author Dr John Grant, from Colchester, is being sold at auction. Tha Laboratory of School of Arts, estimated to fetch £400-600 (Image: Archant)