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1973 Pentimento: A Book of Portraits, by Lillian Hellman
Pentimento: A Book of Portraits is a collection of memoirs and personal essays that offer a glimpse into the author’s life and the people she encountered throughout her career. The title, Pentimento, refers to the art technique of painting over a previous layer to reveal a hidden image, which is used as a metaphor for the process of remembering and reflecting on one’s past.
The book includes portraits of several notable figures, including Hellman’s former lover, writer Dashiell Hammett, and her friend, the painter Arthur Gold. Hellman also writes about her experiences during the McCarthy era, when she was blacklisted for her political beliefs. Pentimento received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid portrayal of the author’s life and the people who influenced her.
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Margaret Mead: a Life, by Jane Howard, 1984, 1st edition
Margaret Mead: A Life provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the life and work of the renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead. The book covers Mead’s childhood, education, and her groundbreaking research on sexuality, gender, and culture. Howard’s writing style is engaging and informative, and she uses a variety of sources to paint a vivid picture of Mead’s life and the cultural context in which she lived and worked. The book also includes old black and white photographs of Mead, which add to the overall experience of reading about her life.
Overall, Margaret Mead: A Life is a must-read for anyone interested in anthropology, gender studies, or the history of science. It provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most influential anthropologists of the 20th century and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by women in academia during that time. Howard’s book is well-researched, well-written, and provides a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology.
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1987 First edition – Little Wilson and Big God: Being the First Part of Confessions of Anthony Burgess
Little Wilson and Big God: Being the First Part of Confessions of Anthony Burgess is a memoir by the renowned author Anthony Burgess. The book is a candid account of Burgess’s early life, including his childhood in Manchester, his time at university, and his experiences in the British Army during World War II. Burgess also discusses his early writing career, including his struggles to get published and his eventual success as a novelist. Throughout the book, Burgess reflects on his Catholic faith and its influence on his life and work.
The book provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most important writers of the 20th century. Burgess’s writing is witty, engaging, and often deeply personal, making this memoir a must-read for fans of his work. The book also offers a unique perspective on the cultural and political landscape of post-war Britain, as Burgess reflects on the social and intellectual trends of the time.
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1982: Classic Chinese Cuisine, by Nina Simonds
Classic Chinese Cuisine by Nina Simonds serves as a comprehensive guide to Chinese cooking. The book covers all the essential techniques of Chinese cooking and includes over 200 recipes, each accompanied by photographs and illustrations. The book has been singled out as one of the all-time cookbook bibles and is considered a must-have for anyone interested in Chinese cuisine.
The softcover volume, published in 1982 by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, is an early edition of the book, likely a second or third printing. Despite some expected wear marks on the cover, the book is in excellent condition.
$140.00 -
SIGNED: Andrew Connington, by Grace Irwin, 1995
This volume of Andrew Connington is a reprint of Grace Irwin’s 1953 novel, which tells the story of a young man named Andrew Connington who is struggling to find his place in the world. The novel is set in Toronto and explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery. The book is signed by the author and is in excellent condition, with only minor wear on the cover.
Andrew Connington is a compelling work of fiction that is sure to resonate with readers who are interested in coming-of-age stories and exploring the complexities of human relationships. Irwin’s writing is engaging and insightful, and her characters are well-developed and relatable.
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1980 Hope Against Hope: A Memoir, by Nadezhda Mandelstam, Atheneum, New York
Hope Against Hope: A Memoir is a powerful and moving account of life in Stalinist Russia. Written by Nadezhda Mandelstam, the wife of the famous poet Osip Mandelstam, the book chronicles the couple’s struggle to survive under the brutal regime of Joseph Stalin. Mandelstam’s memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and persecution. It is a deeply personal and emotional account of one woman’s fight for survival, and a vivid portrayal of life in one of the darkest periods of Russian history.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, as well as for those who are interested in the human experience of living under a totalitarian regime. Mandelstam’s writing is powerful and evocative, and her memoir is a testament to the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. This book is a classic of Russian literature, and a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and human dignity.
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1950: Women in Love, by D. H. Lawrence
Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence is a classic novel that was re-issued in 1950. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Ursula and Gudrun, as they navigate love, relationships, and societal expectations in early 20th century England. The novel explores themes of sexuality, gender roles, and the struggle for personal freedom and fulfillment. Lawrence’s writing style is known for its poetic and philosophical nature, and Women in Love is no exception. The book is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its vivid characters and thought-provoking themes.
This particular edition of Women in Love is a collectible item, with an immaculate green hardcover cloth volume and gilt ornamentation on the cover. The book is in very fine condition, as good as new, and features deckled edges.
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1969 Unveiling Man’s Origins: Ten Decades of Thought About Human Evolution, by L.S.B. Leakey and Vanne Morris Goodal
Unveiling Man’s Origins is a non-fiction book co-authored by L.S.B. Leakey and Vanne Morris Goodall. The book explores the history of human evolution and the various theories and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of our origins. The book covers ten decades of thought about human evolution, starting from the 1860s and the publication of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, up to the 1960s when the book was published.
The book is divided into chapters that cover different periods of time and different aspects of human evolution. It includes photographs and illustrations to help readers visualize the discoveries and theories discussed in the book. Unveiling Man’s Origins is a comprehensive and informative book that provides readers with a detailed understanding of the history of human evolution and the various scientific discoveries that have contributed to our knowledge of our origins.
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1956: The Firstborn, a play by Christopher Fry, Second Edition
The Firstborn is a play in three acts written by Christopher Fry and published by Oxford University Press. The second edition, which is a small blue cloth hardcover volume with gilt lettering on the spine, was published in the same year. The play tells the story of the biblical character Moses and his struggles with his family, his people, and his faith. The play explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and redemption, and is known for its poetic language and philosophical depth.
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1925: The Great Pandolfo, by William J. Locke
The Great Pandolfo is a novel by William J. Locke that tells the story of Pandolfo, a talented musician who is forced to leave his home country of Italy and seek refuge in England due to a scandal. In England, Pandolfo struggles to make a living as a musician and ends up working as a waiter in a restaurant. However, his talent is eventually discovered by a wealthy woman named Lady Millingham, who becomes his patron and helps him achieve success as a musician. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.
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1968: Send Him Victorious, by Douglas Hurd and Andrew Osmond
Send Him Victorious is a political thriller novel written by Douglas Hurd and Andrew Osmond. The book is set in 1968, a year of political turmoil and social unrest in Britain. The story revolves around the Prime Minister of Britain, Harry Carrington, who is facing a crisis as the country is on the brink of a revolution. With the help of his loyal aides, Carrington must navigate through the political landscape and make tough decisions to save his government from collapsing.
The authors, both former politicians, use their insider knowledge to create a gripping and realistic portrayal of the political world. The book is filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end.
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1931: The History of Chevalier Des Grieux and of Manon Lescaut, by Abbe Prevost D’Exiles
The History of Chevalier Des Grieux and of Manon Lescaut is a classic French novel by Abbe Prevost D’Exiles, originally published in 1731. The novel tells the tragic love story of Des Grieux, a young nobleman, and Manon Lescaut, a beautiful and charming woman who leads him into a life of debauchery and crime. The novel is renowned for its vivid portrayal of 18th-century French society, its exploration of the themes of love, passion, and morality, and its powerful and emotional ending. This edition of the novel, translated by Helen Waddel and with an introduction by George Saintsbury, was published in London in 1931 and is a beautiful antique volume with a cloth spine, gilt lettering, and deckled fore-edges.
Despite some wear and rubbing around the corners and edges of the faded board covers, the book is in near-immaculate condition, with no writing or markings on the pages. This edition is a wonderful example of a classic French novel and a beautiful addition to any book collection.
$75.00 -
2003, 1st Canadian Edition: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The book follows Harry Potter, now fifteen years old, as he returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his fifth year. However, this year is different as the Ministry of Magic refuses to believe that Lord Voldemort has returned and is actively working against Harry and Dumbledore. Meanwhile, Harry struggles with the emotional aftermath of witnessing Cedric Diggory’s murder and the isolation he feels from his friends.
The book explores themes of power, corruption, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It also introduces new characters such as Dolores Umbridge, a Ministry-appointed teacher who becomes a tyrant at Hogwarts, and members of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society dedicated to fighting Voldemort. With its fast-paced action and emotional depth, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a beloved addition to the series.
$110.00 -
1924: Shirley, a novel by Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte, part XIV of the World’s Classics
Shirley is a novel written by the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, and was published in 1924. The story is set in Yorkshire during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the lives of two young women, Caroline and Shirley. Caroline is a quiet and reserved girl who lives with her uncle, while Shirley is a wealthy heiress who owns a large estate. The two women become friends and their lives become intertwined as they navigate love, politics, and social class in a changing world.
The novel is a classic example of Victorian literature and explores themes of gender roles, class divisions, and the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. The Bronte sisters were known for their strong female characters and Shirley is no exception. The novel is a captivating read that transports the reader to a bygone era and provides a glimpse into the lives of women during a time of great social and political change.
$65.00 -
RARE 1899: The King’s Mirror, by Anthony Hope
The King’s Mirror is a rare first edition novel written by Anthony Hope and published in 1899. The book is a dark green hardcover volume with gilt lettering on the cover and spine, and deckled bottom edges. It has a pencil owner signature on the front end-page, but no other writing or markings in the book. Despite some minor foxing on the fore-edges, the book is in fine condition.
The novel follows the story of a young man named Rupert of Hentzau, who becomes involved in a plot to overthrow the king of Ruritania. The book is a sequel to Hope’s earlier novel, The Prisoner of Zenda, and features many of the same characters. The King’s Mirror is a thrilling adventure story filled with political intrigue, romance, and betrayal.
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1834 Parecbolae sive excerpta e corpore statutorum Universitatis Oxoniensis
The 1834 Parecbolae sive excerpta e corpore statutorum Universitatis Oxoniensis is a book that contains a collection of statutes and articles of religion from the University of Oxford. The book is intended for academic youth and was published in 1834. It includes the XXXIX articles of religion in the Anglican Church, as well as oaths of fidelity and supremacy. The book is bound in a light tanned leather hardcover with gilt ornamentation on the spine and cover. The inside cover and all edges are marbled. Although there is some expected rubbing and minor wear on the cover, there is no writing or markings in the book. There is some minor foxing on end pages, and occasional fading on pages throughout the book. Overall, the book is in very good condition, well-bound, clean, and ready for a new owner.