-
1962: Maigret Takes a Room, Sunday by George Simenon
Maigret Takes a Room, Sunday by George Simenon is a gripping detective novel, and the present copy was published by The Companion Book Club in London in 1962. Set in the atmospheric streets of Paris, the story follows the renowned detective, Maigret, as he investigates a mysterious murder that takes place in a small hotel room. Simenon’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the complex web of clues and suspects alongside the intuitive detective.
The present copy is tightly bound, in very good condition. Dustjacket is not price clipped.
-
1982: Adventures in Immortality: A Look Beyond the Threshold of Death
Adventures in Immortality: A Look Beyond the Threshold of Death is a thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife and the concept of immortality. The present book club edition was published by McGraw-Hill Book Company in New York in 1982, is numbered on the back dust jacket cover as 1504 and spans 182 pages.
The black hardcover volume is in near fine condition, with the book body appearing to have never been read in full. The dust jacket shows some signs of wear, including rubbing and a trace of a price sticker on the back.
The book delves into the mysteries of what lies beyond death, offering a unique perspective on the concept of immortality and the afterlife. It raises thought-provoking questions and explores various philosophical and spiritual ideas surrounding the topic.
-
1947: Deeper the Heritage, by Muriel Elwood
Deeper the Heritage is a vintage children’s book written by Muriel Elwood and published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in New York. The story follows a young girl named Peggy as she discovers her family’s rich heritage and learns about her ancestors’ struggles and triumphs. The book is a heartwarming tale that teaches children the importance of family and history.
This vintage novel is a must-have for any home library. It is well-bound, clean, and has no markings other than the owner’s signature in the top corner of the title page. Although the dust jacket has a chip at the top of the spine, it is still in excellent condition considering its age.
-
1969: The House on the Strand, by Daphne du Maurier (first ed, book club edition)
The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier is a thrilling work of fiction that takes readers on a journey through time. The story follows Richard Young, a man who has been given the opportunity to test a new drug that transports him back to the 14th century. As he becomes more and more engrossed in the past, Richard begins to lose touch with the present and the people around him. He finds himself drawn to the lives of the people he encounters in the past and becomes embroiled in their dramas and conflicts. As the drug’s effects become more intense, Richard must struggle to maintain his grip on reality and find a way back to his own time.
This book is a masterful blend of historical fiction and science fiction, with du Maurier’s signature suspenseful style keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The House on the Strand explores themes of time, identity, and the human desire to escape reality.
-
1967 The Naked Ape: A Zoologists Study of the Human Animal, by Desmond Morris, McGrawHill
The Naked Ape: A Zoologist’s Study of the Human Animal by Desmond Morris, first published in 1967. The book explores human behavior and society from a zoological perspective, examining the ways in which humans are similar to and different from other animals. Morris argues that humans are essentially animals, and that many of our behaviors and social structures can be explained by looking at our evolutionary history.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including human sexuality, aggression, communication, and culture. Morris uses examples from both human and animal behavior to illustrate his points, and he challenges many commonly-held beliefs about human nature. The Naked Ape was a controversial book when it was first published, but it quickly became a best-seller and has since become a classic of popular science writing.
-
1978 People of the Lake: Mankind and its Beginnings, Richard E. Leakey, Roger Lewin
People of the Lake: Mankind and its Beginnings is a non-fiction book written by Richard E. Leakey and Roger Lewin. The book explores the origins of mankind and the evolution of human beings from their earliest beginnings. The authors draw on their extensive knowledge of anthropology and archaeology to present a comprehensive and engaging account of human evolution, from the emergence of the first hominids to the development of modern humans. The book is filled with photographs and illustrations that help to bring the story of human evolution to life.
The book is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of human evolution. The authors discuss the discovery of early hominid fossils, the development of stone tools, the emergence of language, and the spread of human beings across the globe. They also explore the social and cultural aspects of human evolution, including the development of art, religion, and music. Overall, People of the Lake is a fascinating and informative book that provides a detailed and engaging account of the origins of mankind.
-
1969: The Fire-Dwellers, by Margaret Laurence
The Fire-Dwellers, written by Margaret Laurence, is a novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the struggles of a woman trying to find her place in the world. The story follows Stacey MacAindra, a mother of four who is dealing with the challenges of raising a family and maintaining a sense of self. Stacey’s husband, Mac, is a successful businessman who is often away on business trips, leaving Stacey to manage the household and deal with her own feelings of isolation and frustration. As Stacey navigates the ups and downs of family life, she begins to question her own identity and the choices she has made.
Set in the late 1960s, The Fire-Dwellers is a powerful reflection of the social and cultural changes of the time. Through Stacey’s experiences, Laurence explores themes of feminism, motherhood, and the search for personal fulfillment. The novel is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of the Canadian landscape and a deep understanding of human emotions.