-
1964: Shakespeare for Young Players, by Robertson Davies
$25.00“Shakespeare for Young Players,” penned by esteemed Canadian author Robertson Davies in 1964, serves as an engaging and accessible introduction to the works of William Shakespeare for younger audiences. Davies, known for his profound contributions to literature and theater, utilizes his expertise to adapt Shakespeare’s complex plays into a format that is more digestible and appealing for children and teenagers. His approach involves simplifying the Bard’s intricate language and themes while preserving the essence of the original works. This book likely offers either adapted narratives or insightful analyses of Shakespeare’s plays, aimed at demystifying the renowned playwright’s content for a younger demographic.
-
Youth: A Narrative, by Joseph Conrad, with notes by Ethel M. Sealey
$25.00“Youth: A Narrative” is a short story by Joseph Conrad, first published in 1898. It is often regarded as a semi-autobiographical work that delves into themes of adventure, youthful optimism, and the harsh realities of life at sea, which were familiar to Conrad from his own experiences. The story is narrated by Charles Marlow, a character who appears in several of Conrad’s other works, most notably in “Heart of Darkness” and “Lord Jim.”
The narrative of “Youth” centers around Marlow recounting his first voyage to the East as a young man aboard the Judea, a ship destined for Bangkok. The journey is beset with misfortunes: from carrying a seemingly cursed cargo of coal to encountering disastrous weather conditions, the voyage epitomizes the challenges and unpredictability of life at sea. Despite these hardships, the story is imbued with a sense of excitement and invincibility that often accompanies youth. Marlow reflects on these experiences with a sense of nostalgia and longing for the days of his youth, marked by an unshakeable belief in the future and a readiness to face the unknown.
Conrad’s narrative style in “Youth” is notable for its vivid descriptions and profound reflections. The story, while straightforward in its recounting of a sea voyage, is layered with deeper meanings about the passage of time, the loss of youthful idealism, and the coming to terms with one’s place in the world. Conrad’s own experiences as a sailor lend authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling and realistic portrayal of maritime adventure.
-
1929: Caught Short! A Saga of Wailing Wall Street, by Eddie Cantor
$60.00“Caught Short! A Saga of Wailing Wall Street” by Eddie Cantor is a humorous and insightful reflection on the Wall Street stock market crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression. Eddie Cantor, a renowned comedian and entertainer of the era, uses his sharp wit and personal experiences to provide a candid, satirical commentary on the financial chaos and its impact on both Wall Street and the average American.
Illustrated by Sid L. Hydeman, this book is not just a mere recounting of historical events, but a lively narrative filled with humor and a unique perspective on one of the most tumultuous periods in American financial history.
-
1992: A Canadian Millionaire: The Life and Business Times of Sir Joseph Flavelle, Bart. 1858-1939, by Michael Bliss
$60.00“A Canadian Millionaire: The Life and Business Times of Sir Joseph Flavelle, Bart. 1858-1939” by Michael Bliss is a comprehensive biography that delves into the remarkable life and achievements of Sir Joseph Flavelle, a prominent Canadian millionaire. Published by the University of Toronto Press in 1992, this first paperback edition is a reprint of the original issue published in 1998 by Macmillan of Canada.
With 562 pages, the book provides a detailed account of Flavelle’s life, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a successful businessman. The book is in excellent condition, with no writing or markings, and is very well bound. Although it shows a slight fold crease along the spine, indicating the book had been opened, it remains in near-new condition. There is minimal rubbing or wear on the cover.
This biography offers valuable insights into the life of a significant figure in Canadian history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in business, entrepreneurship, and the development of Canada in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
-
1980: The Little Immigrants: The Orphans Who Came to Canada, by Kenneth Bagnell
$55.00“The Little Immigrants: The Orphans Who Came to Canada” by Kenneth Bagnell is a historical non-fiction work, the present copy of which was published by Macmillan of Canada in Toronto in 1980. Hardcover volume bound in brown cloth with gilt lettering on the spine.
The book tells the story of the thousands of British children who were sent to Canada between 1869 and 1939 as part of a child migration scheme. Bagnell provides a detailed account of their journey, the conditions they faced, and the impact it had on their lives. The book is in very good+ condition with minor wear to the dust jacket and bears an owner’s inscription on the front endpaper. The work is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Canadian history and the experiences of child migrants.
-
Typhoon and Other Stories, by Joseph Conrad
$20.00Vintage 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.
-
1929: The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind, by H. G. Wells
$20.00“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.
-
1955: The Patriots: A Canadian Historical Play in Three Acts, by E. W. Cross
$65.00“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.
-
1923: Never the Twain Shall Meet, by Peter B. Kyne
$40.00Never the Twain Shall Meet, by Peter B. Kyne, published by The Copp Clarke Co. in Toronto in 1923. 375 pages.
Olive green hardcover volume. Minimal wear to cover and spine. Inside front cover top corner had a stamp reading “green”. Front free end paper is missing. Pre-titular page – top corner clipped, Has a mild forward tilt. Book title and author written in pencil on back inside cover. No other writing on markings in the book. Some occasional foxing present. Very good condition for its age. -
1980: The Stone Angel, by Margaret Laurence
$45.00The Stone Angel is a classic Canadian novel that explores themes of aging, regret, and the search for identity. Set in the fictional town of Manawaka, the story follows the life of Hagar Shipley, an independent and stubborn woman in her nineties. As she reflects on her past and confronts her own mortality, Hagar’s journey becomes a poignant examination of the human spirit. With its lyrical prose and rich characterization, The Stone Angel is a timeless literary masterpiece that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the universal struggle to find meaning in one’s life.
-
Macpherson World Events, Reportage Drawings, The Editorial Cartoon, 1966 Cartoons: A Canadian Cartoonist’s Review of Politics from Sputnik to Separatism, text by John Brehl
$65.00Macpherson World Events is a collection of reportage drawings and editorial cartoons by Canadian cartoonist Duncan Macpherson, originally published in 1966. The book offers a unique perspective on the political landscape from the era of Sputnik to the rise of separatism in Canada. The hardcover volume is in like-new condition, with only minor tear at the bottom of the dust jacket and small discoloration spots inside cover. This collectible copy is a valuable addition to any art or history enthusiast’s library, offering a glimpse into the political climate of the 1960s through the lens of a talented cartoonist.
The book features a comprehensive review of politics and world events during the 1960s, as seen through the eyes of a Canadian cartoonist. The reportage drawings and editorial cartoons provide a visual commentary on key themes and events of the time, making it a valuable historical and artistic resource.
-
1976: Baldoon, by C.H. Cervais and James Reaney
$30.00Baldoon, by C.H. Cervais and James Reaney, is a first edition play published by Porcupine Quill in Toronto (Oakville) in 1976. The play was first performed in the same year as the book’s publication. The story revolves around the historical events of the Baldoon Mystery, a series of supernatural occurrences that took place in the early 19th century in Ontario, Canada. The play is a unique blend of mystery, historical fiction, and drama, exploring themes of the supernatural, human nature, and the power of belief.
This brand new, beautiful paperback volume is in excellent condition, with only slight wear at the bottom edges of the cover.
-
1926 First Edition: Labels, by A. Hamilton Gibbs
$25.00Labels by A. Hamilton Gibbs is a first edition published by McClelland and Stewart in 1926. This 295-page black hardcover volume with red lettering on the cover and spine shows moderate wear, with the top of the spine missing and a moderate forward tilt. The inside front cover contains two inserts – instructions for borrowing the book from Burton’s Limited circulation library and a newspaper clipping about Major Gibbs, dated 1958 and marked by Wallace Library, Booth No. 9. The back inside cover contains nearly 60 library borrowing stamps from October 1926 to May 1927. This historical fiction novel is a valuable addition to any collection and provides a glimpse into the popularity of literature in the early 20th century. The book’s condition is accurately depicted in the provided photos.
-
1922: Journeys Through Bookland: A New and Original Plan for Reading Applied to The World’s Best Literature for Children, by Charles H. Sylvester, volume 5
$25.00Journeys Through Bookland: A New and Original Plan for Reading Applied to The World’s Best Literature for Children is a classic work by Charles H. Sylvester, offering a unique approach to introducing children to the world of literature. This black hardcover edition, adorned with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, is a valuable addition to any collection. Despite its age, the book remains in very good condition, with only slight rubbing and wear on the cover and bottom spine. While there is minor fading to the pages, the overall quality is impressive. It is important to note a slight damp stain on some pages at the bottom of the book, but this does not significantly detract from the reading experience.
-
1922: Journeys Through Bookland: A New and Original Plan for Reading Applied to The World’s Best Literature for Children, by Charles H. Sylvester, volume 3
$25.001922: Journeys Through Bookland: A New and Original Plan for Reading Applied to The World’s Best Literature for Children, volume 3 by Charles H. Sylvester is a valuable addition to any children’s literature collection. This black hardcover volume features beautiful gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, adding an elegant touch. Although there is slight rubbing and wear on the cover and bottom spine due to its age, the book remains in very good condition overall. Readers may notice minor fading to the pages, but this does not detract from the readability of the text. Additionally, there is a slight forward tilt to the book. Notably, there is a slight damp stain on some pages at the bottom, which can be confirmed by referring to the provided photos. However, this does not affect the legibility of the text. With no writing or other marks, this book is a treasure for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
-
1917: Kitchener and Other Poems, by Robert J.C. Stead
$65.00Kitchener and Other Poems, written by Robert J.C. Stead and published by The Musson Book Company in Toronto in 1917, is a second edition collection of poetry. This burgundy leatherette softcover volume features gilt lettering on the cover and spine, adding an elegant touch to the book. Although there is some rubbing and wear to the cover, as well as a small tear on the bottom of the spine, the book remains in very good condition considering its age. Inside the front cover, there is an ink signature from Christmas 1918.
Despite some fading and foxing due to age, this book remains a valuable addition to any poetry lover’s collection. -
1992 First Edition – Possible Worlds & A Short History of Night, by John Mighton
$25.00Possible Worlds & A Short History of Night is a thought-provoking collection of two plays written by John Mighton. First edition, published by Playwrights Canada Press in 1992.
The plays offer readers a unique exploration of human relationships, identity, and the nature of reality. With its engaging plotlines and insightful themes, this contemporary play collection is a valuable addition to any theater enthusiast’s library.