SLICES of literary history from the former home of novelist Iris Murdoch went up for sale at a book fair.

A collection of personal belongings, books and photos was left behind by the novelist and her husband John Bayley when they sold their home in Steeple Aston, near Bicester, in the mid-1980s. The author died from Alzheimer’s disease in Oxford in February 1999, aged 79.

The unusual collection of personal belongings, including the writer’s typescripts and photographs, was found by the family who bought Miss Murdoch’s former home in Steeple Aston.

Bookseller Christian White bought them last year and put them up for sale again at the Oxford Book Fair at Oxford Brookes University on Saturday.

Mr White said: “It’s just incredible what they chose to leave behind. There are dozens of photographs, typescripts, even Iris’s ice-skates and her typewriter.

“Perhaps the most memorable item is a photograph of Iris’ tragic first love, Frank Thompson. Thompson’s murder by the Nazis in stayed with Iris Murdoch for the rest of her life.”

Mr White added: “It’s a fantastic collection. The photos of Iris Murdoch have all been bought by a London dealer but I don’t want to disclose the price.”