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1918: Romola, vol. IV, by George Eliot
Romola, vol. IV, by George Eliot is a classic work of literature that was published in 1918. The book is a beautifully preserved leather softback volume with gilt stamped ornamentation on the cover and decoration and lettering on the spine. The book contains 891 pages with all page edges gilt in the original rose gold. The inside covers are made of green marbled paper, and there are occasional folded page corners throughout the book.
The book contains a pen inscription on one of the blank front end papers, stating that the book belongs to Bernice Thronson Fjoslien, and that the inscription was made by her mother on August 23, 1954, at Erdahl Manor. Additionally, there is a poem inscribed in faded ink on the next black page, and the half title pages contain a few accidental lines of black ink.
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1957: Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out, a sequel to “Little Men”, by Louisa May Alcott
Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out is a sequel to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men. The book follows the lives of the boys from the original story as they grow up and face the challenges of adulthood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of education. The book is illustrated by Ruth Ives and was published by Nelson Doubleday Inc in 1957. The volume is a beautiful leather hardcover with green and beige coloring, stamped ornamentation on the cover, and silver and black stamped lettering and decoration on the spine. Despite a small scratch on the cover and slight foxing on the top page edges, the book is remarkably preserved and has no writing or markings of any kind.
$80.00 -
1941: Ten Famous Plays, by John Galsworthy: Silver Fox, Joy, Strife, Justice, The Skin Game, Loyalties, Windows, Old English, Escape
Ten Famous Plays is a collection of plays written by John Galsworthy and published in 1941. The volume contains ten plays, including The Silver Fox, Strife, Justice, The Skin Game, Loyalties, Windows, Old English, Escape, and The Roof. The book is bound in blue leather with gilt lettering and an emblem of Sir John Deane’s Grammar School on the front cover. Despite some wear and rubbing around the edges and corners, the book is well-bound and in good condition, with no writing or markings inside.
The book is a testament to the enduring popularity of Galsworthy’s plays, which deal with themes such as social justice, loyalty, and escape. The plays are set in various time periods and locations, from medieval England to contemporary society, and explore the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for power and control. Ten Famous Plays is a valuable addition to any theatre lover’s collection and a fascinating glimpse into the work of one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 20th century.
$65.00 -
1926: Perella, by William Locke
Perella is a classic novel written by William Locke and published by Dodd, Mead and Company in 1926. The book is a red hardcover volume with impressed lettering on the cover and black lettering on the spine. It has slight rubbing and wear on the cover and spine, mostly around the edges, and deckled fore edges. The book has been carefully mended at the title page, where the block was beginning to separate from the spine. Despite its age, the book is very clean, with no writing or markings.
The novel tells the story of Perella, a young woman who is forced to leave her home in Italy and move to England with her father. In England, Perella falls in love with a young man named Francis Sales, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Francis is engaged to another woman. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of navigating cultural differences.
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1956: The Tribe that Lost Its Head, by Nicholas Montsarrat, Fourth Printing
The Tribe that Lost Its Head by Nicholas Montsarrat is a novel that explores the conflict between colonialism and traditional ways of life in Africa. The story takes place in the fictional African country of Northlandia, where a tribe called the Wariri is facing the threat of losing their land to a British mining company. The novel follows the story of John Denson, a British administrator who is sent to Northlandia to negotiate with the Wariri and convince them to sell their land. However, Denson soon realizes that the Wariri are not willing to give up their land and their way of life without a fight. As tensions rise between the British and the Wariri, Denson must navigate a complex web of cultural differences, political intrigue, and personal relationships to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Montsarrat’s novel is a powerful commentary on the destructive impact of colonialism on traditional societies and the struggle for independence that characterized many African countries in the mid-twentieth century. Through vivid descriptions of the Wariri’s customs and beliefs, Montsarrat shows the reader the richness and complexity of African cultures that were often overlooked or dismissed by colonial powers.
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1930: The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp, by W.H .Davies, preface by G. Bernard Shaw
The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp is a memoir by W.H. Davies, with a preface by G. Bernard Shaw. The book is part of The Travellers’ Library series and was published by Jonathan Cape in London. The memoir chronicles Davies’ life as a tramp and his experiences traveling throughout the United Kingdom and the United States in the early 20th century. Davies’ writing style is straightforward and honest, and he provides vivid descriptions of the people and places he encounters on his travels. The book offers a unique perspective on the life of a tramp during a time of great social and economic upheaval.
The hardcover edition of the book is in very good condition, with a blue cover and gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine. There is a slight forward tilt to the spine, but otherwise the book is in excellent shape. The inside cover features an old faded signature from a previous owner, as well as a paper cutout with a 1920 portrait print of Davies by Laura Knight.
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1927: Our Village, by Mary Russell Mitford, with intro by Anne Thackeray Ritchie
Our Village is a collection of short stories by Mary Russell Mitford, originally published in the early 19th century. The stories are set in a fictional English village and depict the daily lives and struggles of its inhabitants. The book is introduced by Anne Thackeray Ritchie, who provides context and insight into Mitford’s life and work. The edition is illustrated by Hugh Thomson, adding a visual element to the charming and nostalgic tales.
The red cloth hardcover with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the spine gives the book an elegant and classic look. Despite some fading to the spine and slight wear to the cover, the book is in very good condition with no markings. The signature in old faded ink on the inside cover adds a personal touch and a sense of history to the book.
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1941: Ashenden or the British Agent, by W. Somerset Maugham
Ashenden or the British Agent is a classic novel written by W. Somerset Maugham. It follows the story of Ashenden, a British agent during World War I, as he goes on various missions to gather intelligence and thwart enemy plans. The novel is based on Maugham’s own experiences as a British agent during the war, giving it a sense of authenticity and realism.
The novel is divided into several short stories, each one detailing a different mission that Ashenden undertakes. Through these stories, Maugham explores the themes of espionage, betrayal, and loyalty. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful read, with well-developed characters and intricate plot twists. It is a must-read for fans of spy novels and historical fiction.
$300.00 -
1945:Glass Timberlane, by Sinclair Lewis
Glass Timberlane is a classic novel by Sinclair Lewis that was published in 1945. The book is set in the fictional town of Grand Republic, which is based on Lewis’s hometown of Sauk Centre, Minnesota. The story follows the life of a young lawyer named George F. Babbitt, who is struggling to find his place in the world. Babbitt is a man who is torn between his desire for success and his longing for something more meaningful in life. As he navigates the ups and downs of his career and personal life, Babbitt must confront the harsh realities of the world around him and come to terms with his own limitations.
The book is a powerful commentary on the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness in a rapidly changing world. Through Babbitt’s struggles, Lewis exposes the flaws and contradictions of modern society, while also celebrating the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
$120.00 -
1890 RARE: R. Caldecott’s First Collection of Pictures & Songs
R. Caldecott’s First Collection of Pictures & Songs is a rare antique volume published by Frederick Warne & Co in London in 1890. The book contains eight well-known stories that are beautifully illustrated by R. Caldecott. These stories include The Diverting History of John Gilpin, The House that Jack Built, The Babes in the Wood, and The Farmer’s Boy, among others. The book has a grey cloth hardcover with printed decorative illustration and lettering on the cover and spine. It has minimal wear and tear, with some rubbing along the edges and a small surface rip on the bottom of the inside cover. The book is very clean and well-bound, with no writing or markings anywhere in the book.
Despite being over 130 years old, the book is in remarkably good condition and would make a great addition to any collection. The pages have no foxing or yellowing, and although there are a couple of areas where folios began separating from their neighbors, all are attached to the spine, and no pages are missing. This rare volume is a collector’s item and a testament to the enduring appeal of R. Caldecott’s illustrations and stories.
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1942: Good Comrades by Felix Salten, translated by Paul R. Milton
Good Comrades is a novel written by Felix Salten, which tells the story of a group of animals living in a forest during World War II. The animals, including a deer, a rabbit, a fox, and a badger, must band together to survive the dangers of the war and protect their home from destruction. The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of war on innocent creatures.
The novel is a classic example of anthropomorphism, as the animals are given human-like qualities and personalities. Salten’s vivid descriptions of the forest and its inhabitants create a rich and immersive world for readers to explore. The translation by Paul R. Milton captures the essence of Salten’s original work and makes it accessible to English-speaking audiences. Good Comrades is a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale that will appeal to readers of all ages.
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1950 First Edition – Physical Attraction and Your Hormones: A Modern Guide to Beauty, Vitality, and Health by Nina Katherine Lunn
Physical Attraction and Your Hormones by Nina Katherine Lunn serves as a modern guide to beauty, vitality, and health. Published in 1950, the book focuses on the relationship between physical attraction and hormones, providing readers with insights on how to enhance their physical appearance and overall well-being. The book covers a range of topics including skincare, haircare, weight management, and exercise, providing practical tips and advice on how to achieve a healthy and attractive body.
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1966 Second Edition: The Exploits of Moominpappa, by Tove Jansson
The Exploits of Moominpappa is a classic children’s literature book written and illustrated by Tove Jansson. The story follows the adventures of Moominpappa, a character from Jansson’s Moomin series, as he recounts his past exploits to his family. The book is translated by Thomas Warburton and was published by Ernest Benn Limited in London. This second edition, published in 1966, features a peach-colored hardcover cloth volume with gilt lettering on the spine and a dust jacket that shows some signs of wear along the edges and spine.
$305.00 -
1945: North America and The Modern World, by Edgar McInnis
North America and The Modern World is a historical textbook written by Edgar McInnis, a professor at the University of Toronto. The book covers the events and changes that occurred in North America during the year 1945, a pivotal time in modern history. It explores the impact of World War II on the continent, including the economic, political, and social changes that took place. McInnis provides a comprehensive analysis of the major events, such as the Yalta Conference and the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan, and their impact on North America and the world. The book also delves into the post-war period, examining the emergence of the United States as a superpower and the beginning of the Cold War.
Despite its age, the book is in very good condition, although it has been well-studied and contains pencil markings throughout. The green hardcover cloth volume has black printing and lettering on the cover and spine, with some wear and fading, as well as tears along the corners.
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1974: The Early Furniture of Ontario & the Atlantic Provinces, by Henry and Barbara Dobson
The Early Furniture of Ontario & the Atlantic Provinces is a non-fiction book written by Henry and Barbara Dobson, published in 1974 by M. F. Feheley Publishers Co. Limited. The book is a comprehensive guide to the early furniture of Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces, covering the period from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. The authors provide detailed descriptions and photographs of the furniture, as well as information on the makers and the historical context in which the pieces were created. The book is a valuable resource for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the history of Canadian furniture.
The book is presented in a softcover green paper volume, with lettering on the cover and spine. It is in excellent condition, with no writings of any kind, making it almost as good as new.
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The Pilgrim’s Progress: From this World to That Which is to Come Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream, by John Bunyan Vintage
The Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic work of Christian literature by John Bunyan. The book is an allegory that tells the story of a man named Christian who sets out on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces various obstacles and temptations, but with the help of other pilgrims and the guidance of the Bible, he perseveres and ultimately reaches his destination. The book is filled with Christian symbolism and teachings, and has been widely read and beloved for centuries.
This particular edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress is an early 20th century printing with illustrations by Harold Copping. The book is in excellent condition, with no markings and a tight binding. The red hardcover cloth volume has some fading and minor wear, but is still a beautiful and valuable addition to any collection. The book also includes a personal inscription from M.B. Logan to Alan G. Gordon, dated July 1935.
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1952 First Edition: The Silver Chalice, by Thomas Costain
The Silver Chalice, written by Thomas Costain, is a historical fiction novel that takes place in the early days of Christianity. The story follows the journey of a young Greek sculptor named Basil who is forced to flee his home after being falsely accused of a crime. Along the way, he meets a group of Christians who are in possession of a silver chalice that is said to have been used by Jesus during the Last Supper. Basil becomes obsessed with creating a new chalice to replace the old one, and his journey takes him across the Mediterranean and into the heart of Rome.
The novel is a captivating tale of adventure, romance, and faith that explores the early days of Christianity and the struggles faced by its followers. Costain’s vivid descriptions of the ancient world bring the story to life, and his characters are richly drawn and complex.
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1980 First Edition: Who’s On First, by William F. Buckley Jr
Who’s On First is a political thriller written by William F. Buckley, Jr. The novel follows the story of Blackford Oakes, a CIA agent who is tasked with preventing a communist takeover of the Dominican Republic. Oakes must navigate through a web of political intrigue and danger as he tries to uncover the truth behind the communist threat and prevent a potential nuclear war. With a cast of complex characters and a fast-paced plot, Who’s On First is a gripping tale of espionage and international politics.
As a renowned conservative commentator and novelist, Buckley brings his expertise in politics and history to this thrilling novel. Who’s On First is a must-read for fans of political thrillers and anyone interested in the Cold War era.
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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.
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c. 1940s: Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Art-Type Edition
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic adventure novel set in Scotland during the 18th century. The story follows the young protagonist, David Balfour, as he is kidnapped and sold into slavery by his greedy uncle. He manages to escape and meets a rebel named Alan Breck Stewart, who becomes his ally and helps him reclaim his inheritance. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey across the Scottish Highlands, facing various obstacles and enemies along the way.
This vintage edition of Kidnapped, published in the 1940s, features a grey hardcover cloth with printing and lettering on the cover and spine. The book shows signs of wear and fading due to age, but is in good condition overall. It is signed by a previous owner on the inner front cover, dated Christmas 1943, and includes a faded stamp of St. Andrew’s Sunday School.