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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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1976: Baldoon, by C.H. Cervais and James Reaney
Baldoon, 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
Uphill 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
Labels 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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1988 First Edition: A Victim Must Be Found, A Benny Cooperman Mystery, by Howard Engel
A 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
Waltz 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.