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1933: The Forsythe Saga, in 3 volumes, by John Galsworthy
The Forsythe Saga is a three-volume novel series by John Galsworthy, published as part of The Works of John Galsworthy Grove Edition. The first volume, The Man of Property, spans 406 pages and introduces readers to the Forsythe family and their wealth and power struggles. The second volume, Indian Summer of a Forsythe In Chancery, is 425 pages long and includes a 1925 newspaper clipping with a book review by George Sampson. This volume delves deeper into the family’s legal battles and emotional turmoil. The third and final volume, Awakening to Let, is 363 pages and concludes the saga with the next generation of Forsythes and their own struggles with love and money.
All three volumes are bound in green hardcovers with gilt lettering and ornamentation, and are in very good condition with no writing or other markings. The faded old ink signature on the inside cover adds to the vintage charm of this classic novel series.
The Forsythe Saga is a timeless tale of family, power, and love that has captivated readers for generations.
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1957: Pygmalion, a romance in five acts, by Bernard Shaw
Pygmalion is a play written by Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913. The story follows the transformation of a Cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle into a refined and elegant lady through the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins. The play explores themes of class, gender, and identity, as Eliza struggles to navigate her new life and the expectations placed upon her. Pygmalion is a witty and insightful commentary on social hierarchy and the power of language to shape our perceptions of ourselves and others.
This vintage edition of Pygmalion, published in 1957, features an introduction and notes by A.C. Ward. The green and white hardcover cloth volume is well-preserved, with no markings or writing.
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1981 Set of 2: The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum and Shall We Tell The President? by Jeffrey Archer
This collectible set of two books includes The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum and Shall We Tell The President? by Jeffrey Archer, both published by Heron Books in 1981. The Scarlatti Inheritance is a thriller novel that follows a man named Michael Havelock as he tries to uncover the truth about his father’s death and a mysterious organization called Inver Brass. Meanwhile, Shall We Tell The President? is a political thriller that imagines what would happen if a woman were elected as the first female President of the United States, and then faced an assassination plot.
Both books are hardcover volumes bound in red leatherette, with gilt ornamentation on the cover and spine. While the gilt is intact on the Archer volume, it is partially worn off on the Ludlum volume. Despite this, neither book has been read or fully opened and both are in near mint condition. This set is a wonderful vintage collectible for fans of Ludlum and Archer or collectors of classic thriller novels.
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Grass Beyond the Mountains: Discovering the Last Great Cattle Frontier on the North American Continent, by Richmond Hobson
Grass Beyond the Mountains by Richmond Hobson is a non-fiction book that takes readers on a journey to discover the last great cattle frontier on the North American continent. The author, an adventurer and rancher himself, shares his experiences and insights into the challenges and rewards of cattle ranching in the remote and rugged regions of British Columbia and Alberta. Through vivid descriptions of the landscape, people, and animals, Hobson paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and harsh, where nature and human determination collide.
The book offers a unique perspective on the history and culture of the Canadian West, as well as the challenges and opportunities of ranching in a changing world. It is a tribute to the pioneers who carved out a living in this challenging environment, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
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1950: The Adventures of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Servantes Saavedra – Rare Penguin Paperback
The Adventures of Don Quixote is a classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra that follows the journey of an aging gentleman, Alonso Quixano, who becomes so enamored with tales of chivalry and adventure that he decides to become a knight himself. Donning a suit of armor and taking up a lance, he sets out on a quest to right wrongs and defend the honor of his lady love, Dulcinea. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters and engages in a series of comical and often absurd adventures that test his courage, his wit, and his sanity. The novel is a timeless masterpiece of satire and social commentary, exploring themes of identity, reality, and the power of imagination.
This particular edition of The Adventures of Don Quixote is a rare, vintage paperback published by Penguin Books in 1950.
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1933, H. G. Wells: World of William Glissold (2 volumes), Tono Bungay
The World of William Glissold and Tono Bungay are two books written by H.G. Wells and published in 1933. The World of William Glissold is a two-volume set, totaling 510 pages, while Tono Bungay is a standalone book with 254 pages. Both books are presented in red cloth hardcovers with gilt lettering on the spine and an impression of H.G. Wells’ signature on the front cover. The top edges are painted black, and while there is some foxing to the endpages and fore-edges, the volumes are clean and tightly bound with no markings.
The World of William Glissold follows the life of the titular character, a writer and philosopher, as he navigates the political and social landscape of the early 20th century. Tono Bungay, on the other hand, tells the story of a young man who invents a miracle cure-all and rises to fame and fortune, only to have his success unravel due to his own greed and deceit. These books are a must-read for any fan of H.G. Wells’ work and are in excellent condition, making them a great addition to any library.
$140.00 -
1969: Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, International Collectors Library
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott is a historical novel that has become a classic in English literature. The book is set in the 12th century and tells the story of the eponymous hero, a Saxon knight who is caught up in the conflict between the Normans and the Saxons. Ivanhoe is in love with Lady Rowena, but she is betrothed to another man. Meanwhile, the evil Prince John is plotting to take the throne from his brother, King Richard the Lionheart. Ivanhoe must use his courage and wit to fight against Prince John and his allies, including the cruel Templar knight, Brian de Bois-Guilbert. Along the way, Ivanhoe meets a cast of memorable characters, including the wise Jewish moneylender, Isaac of York, and the beautiful and brave Rebecca, who becomes Ivanhoe’s ally and love interest.
This edition of Ivanhoe is a collectible item from the International Collectors Library, with a beautiful binding designed by French master bookbinder Emile Mercier and recreated by contemporary American designer Rafael Palacios. The book has deckled fore-edges and a matching ribbon marker. The replica edition closely follows the conception of Mercier’s design, with a slate blue cover and genuine gold filigree on the front and spine. This edition is new, unopened, and unread, making it a perfect addition to any collector’s library.
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1971 First Edition: Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc, by Felix Topolski
Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc is a collection of caricatures and cartoons by Felix Topolski, first published in 1971. The book features a variety of satirical illustrations that comment on contemporary political and social issues. The title refers to the three sons of Noah in the Bible, and the cartoons in the book often explore themes of race, religion, and power dynamics.
This first edition of Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc is a beautifully preserved hardcover volume, complete with its original dust jacket. The book is a fascinating artifact of its time, capturing the political and cultural climate of the early 1970s through Topolski’s incisive and often humorous illustrations.
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1965: Hakluyt’s Voyages, by Richard Hakluyt, ed. by Irwin R. Blacker
Hakluyt’s Voyages is a comprehensive collection of accounts of English voyages, travels, and discoveries made by sea or overland to the farthest corners of the world within the 1600 years preceding its publication. The book is edited by Irwin R. Blacker and features an introduction that provides readers with context on the life and work of Richard Hakluyt, a preacher and former student of Christ-Church in Oxford. The book is published by The Viking Press and spans 522 pages, with a brown cloth hardcover adorned with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine.
The collection of accounts in the book provides readers with a glimpse into the history of English exploration, trade, and colonization, and offers insights into the motivations and experiences of the individuals who undertook these journeys. Hakluyt’s Voyages is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of exploration and travel.
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Of Human Bondage, by W. Somerset Maugham, Twentieth Century Classics Collectible Edition
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham is a classic novel that follows the life of Philip Carey, a young man who struggles to find his place in the world. The story begins with Philip as a young boy who is orphaned and sent to live with his strict and unloving uncle. As he grows up, Philip becomes interested in art and literature, but his uncle insists that he become a doctor. Philip agrees, but finds that he has no passion for medicine and struggles to succeed in his studies.
Throughout the novel, Philip experiences love, loss, and disappointment as he tries to find his way in life. He falls in love with a woman named Mildred, who treats him poorly and ultimately leaves him for another man. He also struggles with his own physical limitations, as he is born with a clubfoot that causes him pain and embarrassment. Of Human Bondage is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the struggles that we all face in our quest for happiness and fulfillment.
This collectible edition of Of Human Bondage is a beautiful green leatherette hardcover volume with gilt ornamentation on the cover and spine. Although there is slight rubbing along the length of the spine fold and minor overall fading of pages due to age, the book is almost as good as new with no writing or markings. This edition is a wonderful addition to any collection and is sure to be treasured by fans of classic literature.
$350.00 -
1982: Island of Love, by Yuri Nagibin
Island of Love by Yuri Nagibin is a Russian novel published by Progress Publishers in Moscow. The book is a romantic tale that takes place on a remote island in the Black Sea during World War II. The story follows a young soldier named Alyosha who is sent to the island to guard a military base. While there, he meets a beautiful young woman named Nadya and they fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by the war and the fact that Nadya is engaged to another man. The novel explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice as Alyosha and Nadya navigate their feelings for each other in the midst of a tumultuous time.
The book is beautifully written and filled with vivid descriptions of the island and its inhabitants. The characters are well-developed and the reader is drawn into their world, feeling their joys and sorrows as they struggle to make sense of their feelings and the world around them.
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Set of 2: Show Boat, and Cimarron, by Edna Ferber International Collectors Library
Show Boat, by Edna Ferber, is a classic novel that tells the story of the lives of performers on a Mississippi River show boat. The novel explores themes of love, race, and the changing times of the early 20th century. The story follows the lives of the performers, including Magnolia, the daughter of the boat’s owner, and her romance with a gambler named Gaylord Ravenal. The novel also delves into the lives of the African American performers on the boat, and the challenges they face in a society that is still grappling with issues of race and equality. Show Boat is a timeless tale that has been adapted into a successful Broadway musical and several films.
Cimarron, also by Edna Ferber, is a sweeping historical novel that tells the story of the settling of Oklahoma in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The novel follows the life of Yancey Cravat, a newspaper editor and lawyer who moves to Oklahoma with his wife, Sabra, to start a new life. The novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the clash of cultures as the settlers of Oklahoma try to build a new society. Cimarron is a powerful novel that offers a vivid portrait of a time and place in American history, and is considered one of Ferber’s greatest works.
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1950: Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, International Collectors Library
Belles on Their Toes is a memoir written by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, the children of efficiency experts Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, who were the subjects of the previous book in the series, Cheaper by the Dozen. The book follows the Gilbreth family as they navigate the challenges of life after their father’s sudden death, including running the family business and raising their younger siblings. The memoir is filled with humorous anecdotes and heartwarming moments as the siblings work together to keep their family and business afloat.
This edition of Belles on Their Toes is a beautiful collector’s item, with a black hardcover leatherette volume adorned with gilt and impressed ornamentation and lettering on the front and spine.
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1883: The Virginians, by William Makepeace Thackeray, volume V of 12 volumes of The Works
The Virginians is a classic work of literature by William Makepeace Thackeray, published as the fifth volume in a collection of 12 volumes known as The Works. The novel follows the lives of two brothers, George and Henry Warrington, who are born and raised in Virginia during the 18th century. The story explores their experiences during the American Revolution, as well as their relationships with family members, friends, and romantic interests. Thackeray’s writing style is characterized by his use of satire and wit, as well as his commentary on social class and morality.
$135.00 -
1977 First Edition: Magical and Mystical Site Europe and the British Isles, by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock
Magical and Mystical Site: Europe and the British Isles is a non-fiction book written by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock. The book explores the magical and mystical sites in Europe and the British Isles, providing readers with a comprehensive guide to these locations.
The hardcover volume comes with a dust jacket that is unclipped and in protective film cover. The book is in near mint condition, with the only issue being some mild staining on the top edges. This first edition is numbered on the dust jacket flap.
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1970s: Barchester Towers, by Anthony Trollope, International Collectors Library
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope is a classic novel that has been beautifully reproduced in a vintage edition by the International Collectors Library. The book features drawings by Donald McKay and is bound in dark green leatherette with rich gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine. The deckled edges and top edges gilt add to the vintage charm of the book. The replica edition closely follows the original design by French master bookbinder Emile Mercier, with an all-over pattern of squares running diagonally and rosettes at each corner. The spine bears raised bands and is divided into six panels with a gold pointelle ornament. The slate blue cover has genuine gold on the filigreed front cover and panelled spine, and there is a matching ribbon marker. This collectible edition of Barchester Towers is part of the Great English Novels of the 19th Century series and would make a wonderful gift for any lover of classic literature.
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1969: Arundel, by Kenneth Roberts, International Collectors Library
Arundel by Kenneth Roberts is a historical fiction novel set during the early days of the American Revolution. The story follows Benedict Arnold and his army of colonials as they make their way through the Maine wilderness towards Quebec. The author’s meticulous attention to historical detail is evident in his descriptions of the exact locations of barricades, defending forces, and houses in old Quebec at the time of Arnold’s attack. The novel is not only an engaging story but also a fresh and shrewd approach to pre-Revolutionary American history.
The International Collectors Library edition of Arundel is bound in wine red with a pronounced grain and features a cover design by celebrated American artist and designer Rafael Palacios. The design includes original arrangements of lines and geometric forms that reflect the dynamic impact of twentieth-century literature upon the culture and thinking of our times. The volume is stamped in genuine 24K gold on the cover and spine and features coated gold top edges and a matching ribbon marker. The clean, uncluttered design and attention to detail make this edition a beautiful addition to any collection.