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1870s: Lord Lytton’s Works – 16 Volumes
$1,500.00Bulwer-Lytton’s works are characterized by their richly detailed narratives, exploring themes of love, power, ambition, and societal norms. He was adept at blending elements of the Gothic, historical fiction, and science fiction, which allowed him to reach a broad audience and influence the development of these genres. Notably, he is credited with popularizing the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword” in his play “Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy” (1839).
Among his most celebrated novels are:
- “The Last Days of Pompeii” (1834): Set in the final days of Pompeii before the city is destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, this novel combines historical detail with a compelling narrative of love, betrayal, and fate.
- “Eugene Aram” (1832): A novel based on the true story of an 18th-century English scholar convicted of murder, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the pursuit of knowledge.
- “Paul Clifford” (1830): Famous for its opening line, “It was a dark and stormy night,” this novel delves into the life of its titular character, from his upbringing in the criminal underworld to his eventual reformation.
- “The Last of the Barons” (1843): A historical novel set during the Wars of the Roses, focusing on the power struggle between King Edward IV and the Earl of Warwick.
- “The Coming Race” (1871): An early science fiction novel that explores the concept of a subterranean world inhabited by an advanced society, known as the Vril-ya. This work has been influential in speculative fiction, exploring themes of utopia, technology, and superhuman powers.
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1813: The Works of Robert Burns in 4 Volumes
$1,000.00The Works of Robert Burns; with An Account of His Life, and Criticism of His Writings” is a comprehensive collection that pays homage to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Published in 1813 by T. Cadell and W. Davies in London, this seventh edition spans four volumes, offering an in-depth exploration of Burns’s life, his extensive correspondence, and his celebrated poetry. The set begins with a detailed account of Burns’s life and a critical analysis of his works, providing valuable insights into the man behind the iconic poems. Subsequent volumes compile Burns’s general and specific correspondence, showcasing his thoughts and interactions, along with miscellaneous poetry and pieces that were previously published, plus some notable additions.
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c. 1888: The Black Arrow, A Tale of Two Roses, by Robert Luis Stevenson
$85.00The Black Arrow is a historical fiction novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1888. The story is set in the late 15th century during the Wars of the Roses, a period of political turmoil in England. The novel follows the adventures of a young man named Richard Shelton, who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy to overthrow the current ruler, King Edward IV. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Joanna Sedley and must navigate the treacherous political landscape to protect himself and his loved ones. The book is illustrated by J.K. Maxton and is considered a collectible antique due to its soft cover burgundy leather binding with gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine, as well as its almost pristine condition.