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1991: A History of the Arab Peoples, by Albert Hourani
“A History of the Arab Peoples”, by Albert Hourani, is a comprehensive account of the Arab world from the rise of Islam to the late 20th Century. This presumed first edition, published by the Belcap Press of the Harvard University Press in Cambridge in 1991, spans 551 pages and provides a detailed exploration of the region’s political, social, and cultural history. Although some pre-Islamic history is included, the book primarily focuses on the impact of Islam on the Arab world and the subsequent developments that have shaped the region.
he book is new and has never been fully opened or read; there is slight foxing on the top page edges and fore-edges. -
1991: Dreyfus, a Family Affair 1789-1945, by Michael Burns
“Dreyfus, a Family Affair 1789-1945” by Michael Burns is a comprehensive historical account that delves into the complex and controversial story of the Dreyfus family. The book explores the tumultuous period from 1789 to 1945, shedding light on the family’s experiences and their impact on French society.
Published by Harper Collins in New York in 1991, the present copy is first edition, first printing with full number line. The dust jacket is in pristine condition, not price clipped, and the book bears the owner’s signature on the pre-titular page, potentially removable. This copy is as good as new.
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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.
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Typhoon and Other Stories, by Joseph Conrad
Vintage school edition of “Typhoon and Other Stories”, by Joseph Conrad. Red cloth hardcover volume, published by The Copp Clarke Company in Toronto. Gilt lettering on the cover and spine. Coverboards and spine show minor wear. Inside front and back covers are adorned with old reader notes, made in (now) faded ink, adding to the book’s historical appeal. Occasional pencil markings can be found throughout the book – the volume has been thoroughly read and studied. Although some pages have separated from the spine, they are still present. Back end paper is missing.
Joseph Conrad’s “Typhoon and Other Stories” is a collection of captivating tales that explore the themes of human nature and the power of nature itself. The book takes readers on a journey through the treacherous seas, delving into the lives of sailors and the challenges they face. With Conrad’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions, readers are transported to a world of adventure and danger.
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Precious Bane, by Mary Webb
Precious Bane, written by Mary Webb. The present copy was published by The Modern Library in New York. Undated.
Precious Bane is a poignant tale set in the early 1800s in the West Midlands of England. The story follows the journey of Prue Sarn, a young woman born with a cleft lip, as she navigates the challenges of her affliction and societal prejudice. Despite being told she will never find love or have children, Prue’s determination and inner strength shine through as she discovers her own worth and fights for her dreams. With its beautifully crafted narrative, Precious Bane explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and resilience.
This vintage hardcover edition is in very good condition, features a green cloth cover with slight rubbing on the front and a slight forward tilt to the spine. The book is clean and free of any writing or markings.
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1988: Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls: True Stories of Castaways and Other Survivors, by Edward E. Leslie
“Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls: True Stories of Castaways and Other Survivors”, written by Edward E. Leslie, this copy was published by Houghton Mifflin in Boston in 1988. A meticulously researched and compelling collection of true stories. The volume is in near mint condition, with only slight rubbing on the cover. The book is very well bound, clean, and free from any markings or writing.
In “Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls”, Edward E. Leslie delves into the extraordinary tales of castaways and other survivors, offering a gripping exploration of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. From shipwrecks to plane crashes, the book recounts real-life stories of individuals who found themselves stranded in remote and hostile environments, fighting for their survival against all odds. With meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of the human experience, Leslie brings these harrowing accounts to life, shedding light on the profound courage and determination exhibited by these individuals.
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1929: The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind, by H. G. Wells
“The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind” by H. G. Wells, published by Doubleday, Doran and Gundy in Toronto in 1929.
Spanning 1171 pages, this single-volume edition includes a wide range of necessary maps, charts, illustrations, and diagrams. The black hardcover volume with red ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine showcases moderate wear and rubbing, while the inside front cover bears the owner’s name inscription. Despite its age, the book remains well bound, clean, and free from any additional writing or markings. The pages have moderately toned due to time, but this does not hinder the overall readability.
This historical masterpiece offers a detailed exploration of the evolution of life and mankind, providing valuable insights into key events and themes that have shaped our world.
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1955: The Patriots: A Canadian Historical Play in Three Acts, by E. W. Cross
“The Patriots: A Canadian Historical Play in Three Acts” by E. W. Cross. Published by Ryerson Press in Toronto in 1955, this softcover volume spans 106 pages. Slight discoloration on cover boards, but the volume is in very good+ condition overall. It is inscribed with the owner’s name on the pre-titular page, but no other writing or markings can be found within its pages. Tightly bound.
This historical play offers readers a captivating insight into Canadian history and patriotism. Set in three acts, it explores key themes of national identity, loyalty, and the struggle for independence.
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1958 First Edition: The Pageant of England: the Three Edwards, by Thomas B. Costain
First edition of “The Pageant of England: The Three Edwards”, published in 1958 by Doubleday & Company. The blue hardcover volume features lettering on the spine and shows slight wear on the bottom of the spine. While the dust jacket is not present, the book is well bound and in almost new condition. Inside the front cover, there are small stickers with the owner’s name, but no other writing or markings are found within the book.
In this comprehensive historical account, Costain explores the reigns of three English kings: Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III. The book delves into the political, social, and cultural aspects of medieval England, providing readers with a deep understanding of this fascinating period. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Costain brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of these influential monarchs. The Three Edwards is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in English history.
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1947: Lydia Bailey, by Kenneth Roberts
“Lydia Bailey” by Kenneth Roberts is set in the early 19th century, the story revolves around Albion Hamlin, a lawyer who travels to Boston to defend a man accused of breaking the Alien and Sedition Act. After being imprisoned, Hamlin escapes to Haiti in search of his client’s daughter, Lydia Bailey, whom he has fallen in love with through her portrait. The book delves into themes of love, adventure, and political intrigue as Hamlin navigates the tumultuous events of the time.
With its navy blue hardcover and ornate design, this vintage book is in good to very good condition, showing minor wear and rubbing to the cover boards and spine. Although the pages have yellowed due to age, the book remains tightly bound with no writing or markings. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the early years of American history.
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Ethnohistory, The Journal of the American Society for Ethnohistory. Volume 57, Number 4, Fall 2010
Volume 57, Number 4, Fall 2010 of Ethnohistory, academic publication that offers a comprehensive exploration of the field of ethnohistory. Published by Duke University Press, this softcover volume comprises 784 pages of insightful research and analysis.
While the cover shows some signs of wear with fold creases around the corners and a crease along the spine, the book is otherwise in excellent condition, tightly bound, and free from any writing or markings.
This journal is a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and anyone interested in the study of ethnohistory.
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1953 First Edition: The Man Who Never Was, by Ewen Montagu
First edition of “The Man Who Never Was” by Ewen Montagu. The book delves into the fascinating true story of Operation Mincemeat during World War II. Montagu, a key figure in the scheme, provides a comprehensive account of the plan to deceive the Germans about the Allied invasion of Sicily. The book, which served as the basis for a 1956 film of the same name, offers readers a gripping narrative filled with intrigue and strategic military tactics.
The 144-page hardcover volume, bound in violet cloth with lettering on the spine, is in very good condition with slight rubbing and wear on the cover boards and moderate wear and fading on the spine. The book is tightly bound, clean, and free of any writing or markings, with only slight toning to the pages. A valuable addition to any history enthusiast’s collection.
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1947 First Edition: The Tin Flute, by Gabrielle Roy
First edition of The Tin Flute, by Gabrielle Roy, published by Reynal & Hitchcock in New York in 1947. Bound in cloth with gilt impressed ornamentation on the cover and lettering on the spine. The volume is in very good condition. The book block is tightly bound, with slight wear and rubbing on the cover and discoloration on the spine. The pages have discoloration due to age of the book, but there is no writing or markings.
The novel follows the lives of a working-class family in Montreal during the Great Depression, focusing on the struggles and dreams of the main character, Florentine. The book explores themes of poverty, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
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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.
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1956: The Scandinavian Cookbook: 59 Recipes from Norway, Sweden, Denmark
The Scandinavian Cookbook is a vintage culinary gem that takes readers on a gastronomic journey through Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Published by the esteemed Culinary Arts Institute in Chicago, this presumed first edition features 59 authentic recipes that showcase the rich flavors and traditional dishes of Scandinavia.
The cover shows considerable signs of wear, including a mended spine with tape, tears, staining, and general wear, but the book block itself remains in very good condition. This cookbook is a must-have for food enthusiasts and those interested in exploring Scandinavian cuisine.
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1954: Mary Anne, by Daphne Du Maurier
First American edition of “Mary Anne” by Daphne Du Maurier, published by Doubleday & Company in New York in 1954. This hardcover volume is bound in green cloth and spans 351 pages. The book exhibits minor wear on the cover boards and spine, particularly around the corners where the bottom corners are slightly folded inward. The volume is tightly bound, and free from any writing or markings. The pages have a slight toning due to age, the book is in very good+ condition.
Mary Anne is a historical novel based on Du Maurier’s great-great-grandmother, who was the mistress of Fredrick, Duke of York.
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1988: The Materials and Methods of Sculpture, by Jack. C. Rich
“The Materials and Methods of Sculpture” by Jack C. Rich is a comprehensive guide for both aspiring and experienced sculptors. The book covers a wide range of topics, including modeling, carving, casting, and construction methods, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the art of sculpture.
The book is in very good+ condition, with only slight rubbing and fading to the pictorial cover, a crease along the spine, and a barcode and old price sticker on the back. The body is in excellent condition, with no writing or markings.
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1976: Adolf Hitler v. 2, by John Toland
Adolf Hitler by John Toland is a well-researched and comprehensive biography of the infamous dictator. This second volume delves into Hitler’s rise to power, his role in World War II, and the events leading up to his eventual downfall. Toland’s meticulous research and detailed narrative provide a deep insight into the life and actions of one of the most significant figures in modern history.
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1984: Bermuda Journey: A Leisurely Guide Book, by William Zuill
Bermuda Journey: A Leisurely Guide Book, by William Zuill, is a comprehensive travel guide that takes readers on an immersive journey through the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of Bermuda. It offers a detailed exploration of the island’s hidden gems, from its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to its historic landmarks and charming villages. With insightful commentary and practical tips, Zuill provides a captivating glimpse into Bermuda’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and local traditions. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this work is an essential companion for anyone seeking to uncover the true essence of Bermuda.
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1966 First Edition: Two Under the Indian Sun, by Jon and Rumer Godden
Two Under the Indian Sun, written by Jon and Rumer Godden, is a captivating travel memoir that takes readers on a vivid journey through the vibrant landscapes of India. It offers a unique perspective as it follows the experiences of two sisters who share their adventures and encounters while living in the enchanting country. The memoir provides a rich and detailed account of their time in India, immersing readers in the diverse culture, customs, and traditions they encountered. With its evocative descriptions and insightful observations, Two Under the Indian Sun offers a compelling exploration of India’s beauty, challenges, and the transformative power of travel.