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Set of Two Detective Book Club volumes: Eberhart, James, Allbeury, Johnston, Ferrars, Simenon
The 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While the Detective Book Club is no longer active, its publications are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of the genre.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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The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam & Six Plays of Calderon, translated by Edward Fitzgerald
“The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam & Six Plays of Calderon,” translated by Edward Fitzgerald, represents a unique blend of Eastern and Western literary traditions. Fitzgerald, better known for his translation of “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam,” brings a distinctive touch to both works, showcasing his skill in poetic interpretation and translation. -
1981 Second Printing – Bennet #3: People in Glass Houses, by Elliott Lewis
People in Glass Houses by Elliott Lewis, a vintage paperback published by Pinnacle Books in 1981. This second printing edition is in almost new condition, with only a crease along the spine on the front cover. The book is tightly bound and has never been fully opened, indicating that it has never been read.
The plot of the book revolves around the lives of the characters in a glass house, exploring themes of transparency, vulnerability, and the consequences of hidden secrets.
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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
Journeys 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.
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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
1922: 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.
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Ordinance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Bibliographical, and Historical, ed. by Francis H. Groome, volume II
The Ordinance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Bibliographical, and Historical, edited by Francis H. Groome, is a comprehensive reference book that provides a detailed survey of Scotland’s topography, statistics, bibliography, and history.
Published by William Mackenzie in London in 1893, this blue hardcover volume with gilt lettering and ornamentation on the cover and spine is a valuable addition to any collection. Despite some wear to the cover, particularly around the corners and spine, which is consistent with its age, the book is in very good condition. There is minor fading and discoloration due to the passage of time, but no writing or other markings are present.
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Ordinance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Bibliographical, and Historical, ed. by Francis H. Groome, volume III
The Ordinance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Bibliographical, and Historical, edited by Francis H. Groome, is a comprehensive reference book that provides a detailed survey of Scotland’s topography, statistics, bibliography, and history. This particular listing is for volume III of the six-volume set, published by William Mackenzie in London in 1893.
The book features a blue hardcover with elegant gilt lettering and ornamentation on the cover and spine, adding a touch of sophistication to any bookshelf. While there is some wear to the cover, especially around the corners and spine, it is to be expected considering the age of the book. Additionally, there is minor fading and discoloration due to the passage of time. However, the absence of any writing or markings and the tight binding indicate that the volume is in very good condition.
With its wealth of information, this volume serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring Scotland’s geography, statistics, bibliography, and history. It delves into the diverse landscapes, provides statistical data, offers bibliographic references, and presents a historical overview.
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1918: Romola, vol. IV, by George Eliot
Romola, vol. IV, by George Eliot is a classic work of literature that was published in 1918. The book is a beautifully preserved leather softback volume with gilt stamped ornamentation on the cover and decoration and lettering on the spine. The book contains 891 pages with all page edges gilt in the original rose gold. The inside covers are made of green marbled paper, and there are occasional folded page corners throughout the book.
The book contains a pen inscription on one of the blank front end papers, stating that the book belongs to Bernice Thronson Fjoslien, and that the inscription was made by her mother on August 23, 1954, at Erdahl Manor. Additionally, there is a poem inscribed in faded ink on the next black page, and the half title pages contain a few accidental lines of black ink.
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1957: Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out, a sequel to “Little Men”, by Louisa May Alcott
Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out is a sequel to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men. The book follows the lives of the boys from the original story as they grow up and face the challenges of adulthood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of education. The book is illustrated by Ruth Ives and was published by Nelson Doubleday Inc in 1957. The volume is a beautiful leather hardcover with green and beige coloring, stamped ornamentation on the cover, and silver and black stamped lettering and decoration on the spine. Despite a small scratch on the cover and slight foxing on the top page edges, the book is remarkably preserved and has no writing or markings of any kind.
$80.00 -
1972: Creeps, by David Freeman, part of Canadian Play Series
Creeps by David Freeman is a play that explores the lives of four men who reside in a mental institution. The play is set in the 1970s, and it delves into the experiences of the characters as they navigate through their daily lives in the institution. The play is part of the Canadian Play Series and was published by the University of Toronto Press in 1972.
The play’s title, Creeps, refers to the derogatory term used to describe people with mental illnesses during that time. The play is a poignant commentary on the treatment of mental illness in the 1970s and the stigma attached to it. The characters in the play are complex and well-developed, and the play explores their individual struggles and relationships with each other. Creeps is a powerful and thought-provoking play that sheds light on an important issue and is still relevant today.
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1933: The Forsythe Saga, in 3 volumes, by John Galsworthy
The Forsythe Saga is a three-volume novel series by John Galsworthy, published as part of The Works of John Galsworthy Grove Edition. The first volume, The Man of Property, spans 406 pages and introduces readers to the Forsythe family and their wealth and power struggles. The second volume, Indian Summer of a Forsythe In Chancery, is 425 pages long and includes a 1925 newspaper clipping with a book review by George Sampson. This volume delves deeper into the family’s legal battles and emotional turmoil. The third and final volume, Awakening to Let, is 363 pages and concludes the saga with the next generation of Forsythes and their own struggles with love and money.
All three volumes are bound in green hardcovers with gilt lettering and ornamentation, and are in very good condition with no writing or other markings. The faded old ink signature on the inside cover adds to the vintage charm of this classic novel series.
The Forsythe Saga is a timeless tale of family, power, and love that has captivated readers for generations.
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1815 First Edition: Laurence’s Sterne’s Works, volume I
Laurence Sterne’s works, volume one of a four-volume set. The volume includes Sterne’s famous works such as The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gent. and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, as well as sermons, letters, and a life of the author written by himself. The book is beautifully bound in leather with ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, though there is some wear due to its age. The inner cover has been rebound in 1997, and the volume is tightly bound and clean with writing. However, there is some fading and foxing on the pages due to the book’s advanced age. The book also contains beautiful engravings, making it a wonderful addition to any collection of antique books.
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1948: The Jungle Books, by Rudyard Kipling, vol. I, Illustrated by Aldren Watson
The Jungle Books, volume I, by Rudyard Kipling is a classic piece of children’s literature that has been enjoyed for generations. This vintage edition, published in 1948 by Doubleday & Company, Inc., features beautiful illustrations by Aldren Watson and an introduction by Nelson Doubleday. The hardcover volume is in near fine condition, with only slight signs of wear on the dust jacket and a mended spine. The book is tightly bound and free of any owner marks or writing.
The Jungle Books tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy who is raised by wolves in the jungle. Along the way, he meets a variety of animal characters, including Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, who help him navigate the dangers of the jungle and learn important life lessons. The book is a timeless classic that teaches children about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and bravery.
$65.00 -
1883: The Virginians, by William Makepeace Thackeray, volume V of 12 volumes of The Works
The Virginians is a classic work of literature by William Makepeace Thackeray, published as the fifth volume in a collection of 12 volumes known as The Works. The novel follows the lives of two brothers, George and Henry Warrington, who are born and raised in Virginia during the 18th century. The story explores their experiences during the American Revolution, as well as their relationships with family members, friends, and romantic interests. Thackeray’s writing style is characterized by his use of satire and wit, as well as his commentary on social class and morality.
$135.00 -
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