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1955: The Collected Stories, by Isaac Babel
$25.00The 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
$25.00This 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
$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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1946: The Valley of Decision, by Marcia Davenport
$25.00The 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
$20.00A 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
$150.00Mine 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
$50.00The 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
$55.00World 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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1899: A Monk of Cruta, by E. Phillips Oppenheim
$95.00A 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.
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1905: A Maker of History, by E. Phillips Oppenheim
$95.00A Maker of History is a historical novel written by E. Phillips Oppenheim and published by Ward, Locke & Co in London in 1905. This second edition, consisting of 315 pages, is a valuable addition to any history enthusiast’s collection. The book features a blue hardcover with color and gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, showcasing its exquisite design.
Although there is minor wear and rubbing on the cover and spine, particularly around the edges, the book remains in very good condition for its age. Inside, the front advertisement page is separated from the spine but is still present. The pages have yellowed and show signs of foxing, which is expected given its age.
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1972: Old Tales Retold, by Lu Hsun
$40.00Old Tales Retold by Lu Hsun, second edition published by Foreign Language Press in Peking in 1972. This compact softcover volume consists of 137 pages and offers a collection of retold tales.
The book explores various themes and provides a fresh perspective on traditional stories.
With minor rubbing, wear, and staining on the cover, the book is in very good condition overall. It is clean, without any writing or markings, and tightly bound. A red stamp belonging to the National Publications Centre can be found on the bottom back cover.
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2010 First Edition: Beatrice & Virgil, by Yann Martel
$55.00Beatrice & Virgil is a contemporary novel written by Yann Martel and published by Alfred Knopf in Canada in 2010. This first edition, first printing with a full number line is a collector’s copy. The book features a pictorial grey hardcover volume and an immaculate dust jacket. With 197 pages, this brand new and unread book is in pristine condition.
The novel delves into the lives of the characters Beatrice and Virgil, exploring their complex relationship and the themes of art, morality, and the Holocaust. Martel weaves a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to contemplate the power of storytelling and the nature of humanity. With its unique blend of fiction and allegory, Beatrice & Virgil offers a profound and introspective reading experience.
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1986 First Edition – Lillian Hellman: The Image, The Woman, by William Wright
$65.00Lillian Hellman: The Image, The Woman by William Wright is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and legacy of the renowned playwright and author, Lillian Hellman. Published by Simon & Schuster in New York in 1986, this first edition, first printing offers readers a deep insight into Hellman’s fascinating journey. Both the book and dust jacket are in mint condition, having never been read. While a tiny black mark is visible at the bottom page edges, it does not detract from the overall pristine quality of this valuable piece.
This biography explores Hellman’s remarkable career, her influential works, and the key themes of truth, justice, and personal integrity that are central to her writings.