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Set of Two Detective Book Club volumes: Eberhart, James, Allbeury, Johnston, Ferrars, Simenon
$80.00The Detective Book Club, produced by Walter J. Black, Inc., was a popular series that provided readers with a steady supply of mystery and detective novels. Launched in the 1940s, this book club was known for publishing condensed versions of three mystery novels in a single volume, offering readers a variety of crime and detective stories in a convenient format. These compilations were typically hardcover books, making them durable and collectible.
Walter J. Black, Inc. was a publishing firm that specialized in producing book series and book club editions, and the Detective Book Club was one of their most popular offerings. The club operated similarly to other book clubs of the time, where subscribers would receive new books periodically. This model of distribution was particularly appealing to avid readers of mystery and detective genres, as it ensured a regular and diverse stream of content.
The books selected for the Detective Book Club covered a broad range of mystery and detective stories, from classic whodunits and police procedurals to thrillers and noir fiction. These selections often included works by well-known authors in the genre, as well as introducing readers to emerging writers. The club played a significant role in popularizing mystery and detective novels among the American reading public.
While the Detective Book Club is no longer active, its publications are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of the genre. The club’s format of combining multiple novels in one volume was innovative for its time and provided a unique way for readers to discover a wide array of mystery and detective stories. The Detective Book Club series remains a notable part of the history of mystery literature publishing.
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1969: A Pocketful of Rye, by A. J. Cronin
$25.00“A Pocketful of Rye” by A. J. Cronin, published in 1969, delves into the complexities of human nature and societal issues. A. J. Cronin, a Scottish physician-turned-author, gained fame for his novels that often combined elements of drama, romance, and social commentary. His works typically explore the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals against the backdrop of larger societal issues.
In “A Pocketful of Rye,” Cronin weaves a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, focusing on individual characters’ lives while also addressing broader themes such as class, social injustice, and the human condition. The novel, like many of Cronin’s works, is known for its compelling character development and intricate plot, drawing readers into a world where personal and societal conflicts intersect. The title, a reference to the well-known nursery rhyme, hints at the underlying themes of innocence, loss, and the complexities of adult life.
Cronin’s writing is often praised for its vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and the ability to capture the essence of the human spirit in its struggle against various odds. “A Pocketful of Rye,” with its engaging storyline and richly drawn characters, is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his understanding of the human psyche. The novel remains a significant work for those interested in mid-20th-century literature and continues to be appreciated for its narrative craft and exploration of enduring themes.
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1962: Maigret Takes a Room, Sunday by George Simenon
$30.00Maigret 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.
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1982: Adventures in Immortality: A Look Beyond the Threshold of Death
$15.00Adventures 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.
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1968: Treasury of Atrocious Puns, by Bennett Cerf
$30.00The Treasury of Atrocious Puns by Bennett Cerf is a collection of witty and humorous puns published by Harper & Row in New York in 1968. This 125-page red hardcover volume features a book block in excellent condition with a deckled fore-edge, while the dust jacket shows minor signs of wear with some tearing and rubbing along the edges and spine. The book is a delightful and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys wordplay and clever jokes. With its well-preserved condition, this vintage edition would make a valuable addition to any humor or literature collection.
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1953: More Than Human, by Theodore Sturgeon
$45.00More Than Human, written by Theodore Sturgeon and published by Farrar Straus & Giroux in New York in 1953, is a classic science fiction novel that explores the concept of human evolution and the potential of collective consciousness. This book club edition, numbered 2155 on the back of the dustjacket, spans 186 pages and is presented in a hardcover volume in fine condition, almost as good as new. The dustjacket shows minor tears along the top and a small spot from a price sticker in the top right corner.
With its thought-provoking plot and exploration of key themes such as identity, connection, and the nature of humanity, More Than Human is a must-read for fans of contemporary science fiction.
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1965: Prime Minister’s Daughter, by Maurice Edelman
$25.00Prime Minister’s Daughter by Maurice Edelman is a thought-provoking political novel set in 1960s England. Published by Random House in New York in 1965, this 246-page book offers readers an insightful exploration of power, family dynamics, and the complexities of political life.
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1947: Deeper the Heritage, by Muriel Elwood
$50.00Deeper 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.
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1964: You Only Live Twice, by Ian Fleming – James Bond Novel
$47.00You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming is a classic James Bond novel that was published in 1964. This book club edition is a hardcover volume with lettering on the spine. The book has three stamps belonging to the Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council in Michigan, and what appears to be three tiny bullet holes going through the front cover. Despite the bullet holes and stamps, the book is in fine condition with no other marks and tightly bound. The dust jacket is present but has moderate signs of wear.
The story follows James Bond as he travels to Japan to investigate the disappearance of a spacecraft and uncovers a sinister plot by the criminal organization SPECTRE.
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1969: Maigret and the Killer, by Georges Simenon
$45.00Maigret and the Killer is a crime fiction novel by Georges Simenon, first published in 1969. The book follows the story of Chief Inspector Maigret, who is tasked with investigating a series of murders in Paris. As he delves deeper into the case, Maigret finds himself drawn into a web of deceit and betrayal, and must use all his skills to uncover the truth behind the killings.
Simenon’s writing is known for its atmospheric descriptions of Paris, and Maigret and the Killer is no exception. The book captures the gritty, noirish feel of the city in the late 1960s, and is full of vivid characters and unexpected twists. Fans of classic crime fiction will enjoy this gripping tale of murder and intrigue, which is sure to keep them guessing until the very end.
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1961 set of 2: The Outline of History The Whole Story of Man, H.G. Wells, 200 maps and illustrations
$75.00The Outline of History: The Whole Story of Man is a two-volume account written by H.G. Wells, revised and updated by Raymond Postgate. The book covers the entirety of human history, from the earliest civilizations to the present day, and is accompanied by 200 maps and illustrations. The set was published in 1961 by Garden City Books and is a Book Club Edition.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of human history, including the rise and fall of empires, major world events, and the development of science and technology. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in history, and the inclusion of maps and illustrations helps to bring the content to life. The set is in near mint condition, with only slight wear on the dust jackets.
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1953: The Complete Book of Bulbs, by F.F. Rockwell & Esther C. Grayson
$35.00The Complete Book of Bulbs is a comprehensive guide to growing and caring for bulbs, written by F.F. Rockwell and Esther C. Grayson. The book features 31 color photographs by the authors, as well as more than 100 halftones and diagrams, making it an invaluable resource for any gardener. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of bulbs, how to choose the right bulbs for your garden, planting and care instructions, and tips for forcing bulbs indoors.
Despite being published over 60 years ago, the book remains a valuable reference for gardeners today. The hardcover volume is in good condition, with a dustjacket that shows some wear along the edges and spine. The book itself is tightly bound and very clean, with no markings or writing of any kind. While there is some fading to the pages due to the age of the book, it has clearly been well-studied and is ready to be enjoyed again by anyone looking to expand their knowledge of bulbs and gardening.
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1969: The House on the Strand, by Daphne du Maurier (first ed, book club edition)
$39.00The 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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1967 The Naked Ape: A Zoologists Study of the Human Animal, by Desmond Morris, McGrawHill
$55.00The 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.
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1978 People of the Lake: Mankind and its Beginnings, Richard E. Leakey, Roger Lewin
$65.00People 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.
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1969: The Fire-Dwellers, by Margaret Laurence
$35.00The 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.