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1954: Youth and Gaspar Ruiz, by Joseph Conrad
Youth and Gaspar Ruiz is a collection of two novellas written by Joseph Conrad. The book features two distinct stories that explore the themes of youth, adventure, and the complexities of human nature. In Youth, Conrad takes readers on a gripping journey as he narrates the experiences of Marlow, a young seaman, who embarks on a treacherous voyage to the East. The story delves into the challenges and trials faced by Marlow, offering a profound reflection on the passage from youth to maturity. In Gaspar Ruiz, Conrad presents a tale of revolution and its aftermath, set in South America. The novella delves into the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Gaspar Ruiz, as he navigates the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and identity. With its vivid storytelling and exploration of human psyche, Youth and Gaspar Ruiz stand as a significant addition to Conrad’s body of work.
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1975: The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling
The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling, is a classic adventure novel set in the Indian jungle. The story follows the story of Mowgli, a young boy who is raised by wolves and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As he navigates the dangers of the wild, Mowgli encounters various animal characters, including the wise panther Bagheera and the cunning tiger Shere Khan. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Kipling explores themes of identity, belonging, and the delicate balance between humans and nature. With its timeless appeal and rich narrative, The Jungle Book remains a significant work in children’s literature, captivating readers of all ages.
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a classic coming-of-age novel set in the mid-19th century. The story follows the mischievous and imaginative Tom Sawyer as he navigates through various escapades in the small town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. From playing pirates on a deserted island to witnessing a murder, Tom’s adventures are filled with humor, excitement, and a touch of danger. This first edition book showcases Twain’s masterful storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of childhood and the complexities of growing up. With its timeless themes of friendship, freedom, and the power of imagination, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer continues to be a beloved literary work that appeals to readers of all ages.
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1968: Sacred and Profane: A Novel of the Life and Times of Mozart, by David Weiss
Sacred and Profane is a historical novel by David Weiss that delves into the life and times of the famous composer, Mozart. The book offers a unique perspective on Mozart’s life, exploring both his sacred and profane sides. Through vivid descriptions and well-researched historical details, Weiss takes readers on a journey through 18th century Europe, where Mozart’s music was both celebrated and controversial. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in classical music and the life of one of its greatest composers.
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1980: The Stone Angel, by Margaret Laurence
The 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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1961: Adam Bede, by George Eliot
Adam Bede is a classic novel written by George Eliot and published in 1961. Set in rural England during the early 19th century, the story revolves around the lives of Adam Bede, a hardworking carpenter, and Hetty Sorrel, a beautiful but naive young woman. As their paths intertwine, a tragic love triangle unfolds, testing the characters’ morals and values. Eliot’s insightful exploration of human nature, societal expectations, and the consequences of one’s actions make Adam Bede a thought-provoking and timeless work of literature.
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1948: Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson
Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, is a classic adventure novel set in 18th century Scotland. The story follows the young protagonist, David Balfour, as he is kidnapped and sold into slavery, and his subsequent journey to reclaim his inheritance and seek justice. The vintage hardcover edition, published by Grosset and Dunlap in 1948, features beautiful illustrations by Lynd Ward and is in excellent condition with minimal wear.
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1936: Anthony Adverse by Hervey Allen
Anthony Adverse by Hervey Allen is a classic historical novel published by Farrar and Rinehart in New York in 1936. The hardcover volume is bound in silver-colored cloth with dark lettering on the cover and spine. Despite minor wear to the cover, the book is in very good condition, with no markings or writing. The fading to page color and occasional foxing due to the age of the book add to its vintage charm. The deckled fore-edges and grey-colored top edges give the book an elegant touch. Set in the 18th century, the novel follows the life of the eponymous protagonist as he navigates through love, loss, and adventure. With its rich historical detail and compelling characters, Anthony Adverse is a valuable addition to any historical fiction collection.
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1969: Mark Twain’s Best: Eight Great Short Stories by America’s Master Humorist
Mark Twain’s Best: Eight Great Short Stories by America’s Master Humorist is a vintage paperback volume featuring a collection of humorous and thought-provoking short stories. Published by Scholastic Library Editions in 1969, this 250-page book includes classic tales such as “The Story of the Good Little Boy” and “The Diary of Adam and Eve”.
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1955: The Collected Stories, by Isaac Babel
The Collected Stories by Isaac Babel is a compilation of the author’s short stories, showcasing his unique writing style and exploration of themes such as war, violence, and the human condition.
Published by Meridian Fiction in 1955, this 381-page paperback volume features a pictorial cover and shows slight fading and minor wear consistent with its age. The stories within this collection offer a poignant and thought-provoking look at the complexities of human nature, making it a valuable addition to any literature lover’s collection. With no writing or markings and a tightly bound volume, this book is in good condition for its age, with only a few fold creases and minor rubbing on the cover and page edges.
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1925: Gerald Cranston’s Lady, a romance by Gilbert Frankau
This listing is for a hardcover edition of “Gerald Cranston’s Lady” by Gilbert Frankau, published in 1925. The book is a romance novel set in London and spans 370 pages. The volume features a cloth-bound cover with some wear and discoloration consistent with its age, as well as fading on the spine and a damp stain on the lower portion of the spine and back cover. Despite these signs of wear, the book remains well bound and is inscribed in pencil on the inside front cover, dated to Aug. 1926. The pages show slight yellowing and occasional foxing. Overall, this vintage edition of Gerald Cranston’s Lady offers a glimpse into a bygone era and would make a valuable addition to any collection of classic romance novels.
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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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1946: The Valley of Decision, by Marcia Davenport
The Valley of Decision, written by Marcia Davenport and published in 1946, is a 640-page historical novel set in Pittsburgh during the 19th century. The story follows the Scott family and their struggles during the rise of the steel industry, touching on themes of love, ambition, and social class. This black hardcover volume is in good condition, with slight wear on the front cover and clean pages. The deckled fore-edges add to the vintage charm of the book, making it a valuable addition to any historical fiction collection.
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1949: A Rage to Live, by John O’Hara
A Rage to Live is a classic novel by John O’Hara, originally published by Random House in New York in 1949. The black hardcover volume features impressed ornamentation and gilt lettering on the cover and spine, with some lettering partially rubbed off on the spine. Despite its age, the book is well-bound and in very good condition, with only a little yellowing on the pages.
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1945 First Edition: Mine Own Executioner, by Nigel Balchin
Mine Own Executioner is a psychological thriller written by Nigel Balchin. Originally published in 1945, this dark and gripping novel explores the complexities of the human mind and the consequences of one’s actions. Set in post-World War II London, the story follows Felix Milne, a psychologist who is assigned to treat a traumatized pilot suffering from amnesia. As Milne delves deeper into the pilot’s psyche, he uncovers a web of secrets and dark desires that threaten to consume them both. With its thought-provoking exploration of guilt, identity, and the limits of sanity, “Mine Own Executioner” is a must-read for fans of psychological suspense.
Despite its age, this hardcover volume is in good condition, with some wear and tear on the dust jacket. The book itself is clean and tightly bound, and it even includes original newspaper clippings from 1946 that provide historical context to its publication. A true gem for collectors and enthusiasts of classic psychological fiction.
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1995 First Edition – The Adventures of Maqroll: Four Novellas, by Alvaro Mutis
The Adventures of Maqroll: Four Novellas is a collection of interconnected stories written by Alvaro Mutis. Published by HarperCollins in 1995, this first edition, first printing book spans 369 pages and is in brand new, fine condition. With a full number line and an intact dust jacket, this book is a valuable addition to any literary collection.
The novellas follow the adventures of the enigmatic Maqroll, a wandering sailor who embarks on various journeys across different landscapes, encountering diverse characters and exploring themes of love, friendship, and the search for meaning. Mutis’ exquisite storytelling and vivid imagery make this contemporary novel a must-read for fans of adventure and introspection.
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1980: World of Wonders, by Robertson Davies
World of Wonders is a thought-provoking novel written by Robertson Davies and published by Penguin Books in Canada in 1980. This vintage paperback edition, spanning 315 pages, is a pristine copy that has never been fully opened, making it a true gem for collectors and avid readers. Set in a small Canadian town, the story follows the life of Magnus Eisengrim, a renowned illusionist, as he unveils the secrets of his extraordinary career. Exploring themes of identity, illusion, and the power of storytelling, this contemporary novel offers readers a captivating journey into the world of magic and self-discovery.
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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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1899: A Monk of Cruta, by E. Phillips Oppenheim
A Monk of Cruta is a historical novel written by E. Phillips Oppenheim and published by Ward, Lock & Co in London in 1899. This 317-page hardcover volume is bound in burgundy cloth, featuring elegant gilt lettering on the cover and spine. Although the book shows minor staining and wear on the cover and spine, these blemishes are consistent with its age and add to its vintage charm. The book is tightly bound, and while there is some fading to the pages due to the passage of time, it remains in very good condition overall.
Set in a captivating historical backdrop, the plot follows the journey of a monk who finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal dilemmas.