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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.
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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.
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1947 First Edition: The Tin Flute, by Gabrielle Roy
$35.00First 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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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. -
1969: Just Passing Through, by Philip Roberts
$75.00Just Passing Through, by Philip Roberts, published by Ladypress in Quebec in 1969. Limited ediiton of only 250 copies. 31 pages.
Beautiful vintage softcover issue with a dustjacket. Deckled fore-edges, 11 point Jason type. Tightly bound, no writing or markings. Slight foxing on dustjacket. A collectible edition. -
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.
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1962: Canadian Short Stories, Selected and with an Introduction by Robert Weaver
$15.00Canadian Short Stories is a curated collection of short stories from Canada, selected and introduced by Robert Weaver. This anthology showcases the diverse voices and literary talents of Canadian writers during the year 1962. The stories delve into various themes such as identity, cultural clashes, and personal struggles, offering readers a glimpse into the Canadian literary landscape of the time. With its carefully chosen selection, this book serves as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring Canadian literature and gaining insight into the social and cultural fabric of the country.
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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.
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1977: Uphill All the Way: An Autobiography, by Edna Jaques
$30.00Uphill All the Way: An Autobiography, by Edna Jaques, is a 1977 memoir published by Prairie Books in Saskatoon. The 244-page hardcover volume features a clean and tightly bound interior, with occasional notes that do not detract from the reading experience. The former owner, Bob Thompson, has left his mark with insightful notes that draw parallels to his own life. The dust jacket shows moderate signs of wear, including creases, rubbing, and tears along the edges and spine. This autobiography offers a glimpse into the life of Edna Jaques and her experiences, making it a valuable addition to any memoir collection.
The autobiography provides a detailed account of Edna Jaques’ life, offering insights into her personal experiences and observations.
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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.
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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. -
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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1988 First Edition: A Victim Must Be Found, A Benny Cooperman Mystery, by Howard Engel
$135.00A Victim Must Be Found is a gripping mystery novel by Howard Engel featuring his beloved detective Benny Cooperman. Set in Canada, the story follows Benny as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman named Linda. The case becomes increasingly complex as Benny uncovers a web of secrets and lies, and he must use all his skills to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Engel’s writing is masterful, drawing the reader into the story with vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the final reveal. A Victim Must Be Found is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense, and a testament to Engel’s skill as a writer.
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1988 First edition: Waltz for a Pagan Drum, by Munroe Scott
$50.00Waltz for a Pagan Drum, a novel by Munroe Scott, is a gripping tale that takes readers on a journey through the life of a young man named David, who is struggling to find his place in the world. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, as David navigates the complexities of his relationships with family, friends, and lovers. From his idyllic childhood in rural Ontario, to his rebellious teenage years in Toronto, to his travels across Canada and beyond, David’s story is one of adventure, passion, and ultimately, redemption.
With its vivid descriptions of the Canadian landscape, its evocative portrayal of the counterculture of the 1960s, and its compelling characters, Waltz for a Pagan Drum is a must-read for anyone who loves literary fiction.
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1996: Alias Grace, by Margaret Atwood
$65.00Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant who was convicted of murder in Canada in 1843. The novel is based on a true story and explores themes of memory, identity, and the nature of truth. The story is told from the perspectives of Grace and a young doctor who is trying to uncover the truth about the murders. As the doctor delves deeper into Grace’s past, he begins to question whether she is truly guilty or if she has been wrongly accused. The novel is a masterful blend of fact and fiction, and Atwood’s writing is both beautiful and haunting.
This early edition of Alias Grace is in excellent condition, with a beige hardcover and impressed ornamentation. The book is tightly bound and very clean, although the front blank paper is missing.
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1972: Creeps, by David Freeman, part of Canadian Play Series
$45.00Creeps 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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1967, 2nd Printing: Manitoulin Manhunt, by Fred Swayze
$35.00Manitoulin Manhunt, by Fred Swayze, is a Canadian fiction novel published in 1967. The story follows the protagonist, Bill, as he embarks on a manhunt on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. Bill is a conservation officer who is tasked with finding a dangerous criminal who has escaped from prison and is hiding on the island. As Bill navigates the rugged terrain and encounters various obstacles, he must also grapple with his own inner demons and past traumas.
The novel is a thrilling adventure that showcases the beauty and harshness of the Canadian wilderness. Swayze’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters’ actions make for a gripping read. Manitoulin Manhunt also touches on themes of redemption and forgiveness, as Bill confronts his own mistakes and learns to let go of his past.
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1909: The Foreigner, A Tale of Saskatchewan, by Ralph Connor
$55.00The Foreigner, A Tale of Saskatchewan by Ralph Connor, published in 1909 by The Westminster Company in Toronto. The book is set in Saskatchewan and follows the story of a foreigner who comes to settle in the area. The red hardcover cloth volume has some wear, rubbing, and fading due to use and the passage of time. The book contains an old note from D. A. Scott, General Merchant and Produce Dealer, made out to a Mrs. J. Foster by Gladys S. for the purchase of dog bread, brown sugar, and other items. The inside cover is inscribed in black ink “To Grandpa From [?] Hackett, Xmas 1959.”
The book is a classic Canadian novel that provides a glimpse into the early settlement of Saskatchewan. The novel explores themes of immigration, identity, and belonging. The book is a valuable piece of Canadian literature that captures the spirit of the time and provides insight into the experiences of early settlers in Canada.
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1928 – Creative Young Canada: Collection of Verse, Drawings and Musical Compositions by Young Canadians from Seven to Twenty Years of Age
$65.00Creative Young Canada is a collection of poetry, drawings, and musical compositions by young Canadians aged seven to twenty. Edited by Aletta E. Marty and with a foreword by Agnes Delamoure, this book was published by J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd in Toronto in 1928. The hardcover cloth volume features black ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, with some wear and fading present, especially around the spine. The deckled fore-edges and wear throughout the book give it a vintage feel.
This book provides a glimpse into the creative minds of young Canadians in the late 1920s. The collection showcases the talent and imagination of the youth in Canada, with poetry ranging from lighthearted and whimsical to deeply introspective. The drawings and musical compositions add another layer of creativity to the collection, making it a unique and valuable piece of Canadian literary history. The owner signature on the inside cover adds a personal touch and raises questions about the previous owner, Connie Starr, and their connection to the book.
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1977: Tom Penny, by Tony German
$55.00Tom Penny is a thrilling children’s adventure fiction book written by Tony German and illustrated by Diana McElroy. The story follows the adventures of Tom Penny, a young boy who embarks on a journey to find his missing father. Along the way, he encounters a series of challenges and obstacles that test his courage and determination. From facing dangerous animals to navigating treacherous terrain, Tom must use all his wits and skills to survive and succeed in his quest.
Set in Canada, the book offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. With vivid descriptions and engaging characters, Tom Penny is a timeless classic that will appeal to readers of all ages.