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1966 Second Edition: The Exploits of Moominpappa, by Tove Jansson
The Exploits of Moominpappa is a classic children’s literature book written and illustrated by Tove Jansson. The story follows the adventures of Moominpappa, a character from Jansson’s Moomin series, as he recounts his past exploits to his family. The book is translated by Thomas Warburton and was published by Ernest Benn Limited in London. This second edition, published in 1966, features a peach-colored hardcover cloth volume with gilt lettering on the spine and a dust jacket that shows some signs of wear along the edges and spine.
$305.00 -
The Pilgrim’s Progress: From this World to That Which is to Come Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream, by John Bunyan Vintage
The Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic work of Christian literature by John Bunyan. The book is an allegory that tells the story of a man named Christian who sets out on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces various obstacles and temptations, but with the help of other pilgrims and the guidance of the Bible, he perseveres and ultimately reaches his destination. The book is filled with Christian symbolism and teachings, and has been widely read and beloved for centuries.
This particular edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress is an early 20th century printing with illustrations by Harold Copping. The book is in excellent condition, with no markings and a tight binding. The red hardcover cloth volume has some fading and minor wear, but is still a beautiful and valuable addition to any collection. The book also includes a personal inscription from M.B. Logan to Alan G. Gordon, dated July 1935.
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c. 1940s: Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Art-Type Edition
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic adventure novel set in Scotland during the 18th century. The story follows the young protagonist, David Balfour, as he is kidnapped and sold into slavery by his greedy uncle. He manages to escape and meets a rebel named Alan Breck Stewart, who becomes his ally and helps him reclaim his inheritance. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey across the Scottish Highlands, facing various obstacles and enemies along the way.
This vintage edition of Kidnapped, published in the 1940s, features a grey hardcover cloth with printing and lettering on the cover and spine. The book shows signs of wear and fading due to age, but is in good condition overall. It is signed by a previous owner on the inner front cover, dated Christmas 1943, and includes a faded stamp of St. Andrew’s Sunday School.
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1920: La Legende de Guillaume D’Orange, by P. Tuffrau, published by L’Edition D’Art
La Legende de Guillaume D’Orange is a classic work by P. Tuffrau, published by L’Edition D’Art in Paris in 1920. This 27th edition is a beautiful hardcover volume with marbled front and back panels, and a leather spine with gilt ornamentation and lettering. Although there is some wear on the cover due to its age, the book is tightly bound, clean, and in remarkably good shape. The deckled fore-edges and marbled inner cover pages add to the book’s charm.
This book is a legendary tale of Guillaume D’Orange, a knight who fought against the Saracens in the 8th century. The book is signed on the first empty page, with the signature dating back to 1928. This antique copy of the classic work is a true collector’s item and would make a wonderful gift for anyone interested in French literature and history.
$425.00 -
1957: Pygmalion, a romance in five acts, by Bernard Shaw
Pygmalion is a play written by Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1913. The story follows the transformation of a Cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle into a refined and elegant lady through the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins. The play explores themes of class, gender, and identity, as Eliza struggles to navigate her new life and the expectations placed upon her. Pygmalion is a witty and insightful commentary on social hierarchy and the power of language to shape our perceptions of ourselves and others.
This vintage edition of Pygmalion, published in 1957, features an introduction and notes by A.C. Ward. The green and white hardcover cloth volume is well-preserved, with no markings or writing.
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1965: The Works of Lewis Carrol, edited and introduced by Roger Lancelyn Green, illustrations by John Tenniel
Collection of the works of Lewis Carroll, edited and introduced by Roger Lancelyn Green, and illustrated by John Tenniel. It includes classic tales such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, as well as lesser-known works like Sylvie and Bruno. The volume is a vintage classic, published in 1965 by Paul Hamlyn and printed in Czechoslovakia by Svoboda, Prague. It is a large, green cloth hardcover with lettering on the spine, and comes with a dust jacket that shows signs of wear. The book is signed on the inside cover, indicating it was a Christmas gift in 1967.
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c. 1888: The Black Arrow, A Tale of Two Roses, by Robert Luis Stevenson
The Black Arrow is a historical fiction novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1888. The story is set in the late 15th century during the Wars of the Roses, a period of political turmoil in England. The novel follows the adventures of a young man named Richard Shelton, who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy to overthrow the current ruler, King Edward IV. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Joanna Sedley and must navigate the treacherous political landscape to protect himself and his loved ones. The book is illustrated by J.K. Maxton and is considered a collectible antique due to its soft cover burgundy leather binding with gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine, as well as its almost pristine condition.
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1930: The Dream, by H.G. Wells, the Novel Library Series
The Dream is a novel by H.G. Wells that was published in the Novel Library series in 1930. The story follows a man named William Leadford who falls asleep in 1906 and wakes up in the year 1930. He discovers that the world has undergone significant changes, including the emergence of a world government and the abolition of war. However, he also realizes that society has become more regimented and controlled, and he struggles to adjust to the new way of life.
The Vintage Edition of The Dream is a compact blue hardcover volume with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine. Despite some wear on the cover and spine, the book is in good condition with no writing or markings. However, there is some yellowing and foxing to the pages due to age.
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1950: The Adventures of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Servantes Saavedra – Rare Penguin Paperback
The Adventures of Don Quixote is a classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra that follows the journey of an aging gentleman, Alonso Quixano, who becomes so enamored with tales of chivalry and adventure that he decides to become a knight himself. Donning a suit of armor and taking up a lance, he sets out on a quest to right wrongs and defend the honor of his lady love, Dulcinea. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters and engages in a series of comical and often absurd adventures that test his courage, his wit, and his sanity. The novel is a timeless masterpiece of satire and social commentary, exploring themes of identity, reality, and the power of imagination.
This particular edition of The Adventures of Don Quixote is a rare, vintage paperback published by Penguin Books in 1950.
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1880s: The Complete Works of Henry Fielding, in 3 volumes, with Thomas Roscoe and George Cruikshank
This three-volume set of “The Complete Works of Henry Fielding” includes all of the author’s novels, plays, and miscellaneous writings, as well as a memoir of the author by Thomas Roscoe. The set is illustrated with twenty etchings of steel by George Cruikshank and was published by Bell and Daldy in London in the midto late 1800s. The volumes are bound in brown leather with five raised bands on the spine and gilt lettering on paper inserts (missing from volume III). The set is in very good condition, with marbled endpapers and some foxing on the endpapers. The edges are gilt on top, with deckles fore edges and untrimmed bottom edges. There is some rubbing and wear around the edges of the cover boards and spine folds, but no writing or other markings in the book.
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1967: Poems of Byron, Keats, and Shelley, selected and edited by Elliott Coleman, International Collectors Library
The 1967 edition of “Poems of Byron, Keats, and Shelley” is a collection of selected works from three of the most renowned poets of the Romantic era. Edited by Elliott Coleman, the volume includes complete shorter works and skillfully excerpted long poems, such as “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” “Prometheus Unbound,” and “To a Skylark.” The book is part of “The World’s Great Poetry” series of the International Collectors Library and is bound in a soft tan Marie Antoinette replica binding with 24K gold decoration, top edges coated with real gold, and a matching ribbon marker.
The original binding of the volume, on which this replica was based, encased a copy of the Iliad bound by Derome the Younger for Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France. The design of Derome’s binding was adapted by American artist Rafael Palacios for this Collectors Library volume, retaining much of the decoration intact. The book is a collectible item, unopened and unread, and includes the original inlay from ICL with the presentation of the work and the Marie Antoinette binding.
$210.00 -
1969: Doctor Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak, International Collectors Library
Doctor Zhivago is a classic Russian novel by Boris Pasternak set during the tumultuous times of 1903 to 1943 in Russia. The novel follows the life of Dr. Zhivago as he tries to maintain his humanity and spiritual integrity in a society that is divided by class, family, love, and ultimately, man’s own inner struggles. Pasternak’s portrayal of the social and moral dilemma faced by the characters is both convincing and brilliant.
This edition of Doctor Zhivago is part of the Classical Russian Novels series of the International Collectors Library. The book is beautifully bound in wine red and stamped with handsome gilt foil, replicating the design found on a rare old volume in the library of Czar Alexander II. The binding was executed by the distinguished American artist Rafael Palacios and includes a matching ribbon marker. This collectible edition is new and unread, with only a minor bent on the top cover corner. The deckled fore-edges and original inlay from ICL with presentation of the work and its binding make this edition a must-have for any collector of classic literature.
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1969: Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, International Collectors Library
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott is a historical novel that has become a classic in English literature. The book is set in the 12th century and tells the story of the eponymous hero, a Saxon knight who is caught up in the conflict between the Normans and the Saxons. Ivanhoe is in love with Lady Rowena, but she is betrothed to another man. Meanwhile, the evil Prince John is plotting to take the throne from his brother, King Richard the Lionheart. Ivanhoe must use his courage and wit to fight against Prince John and his allies, including the cruel Templar knight, Brian de Bois-Guilbert. Along the way, Ivanhoe meets a cast of memorable characters, including the wise Jewish moneylender, Isaac of York, and the beautiful and brave Rebecca, who becomes Ivanhoe’s ally and love interest.
This edition of Ivanhoe is a collectible item from the International Collectors Library, with a beautiful binding designed by French master bookbinder Emile Mercier and recreated by contemporary American designer Rafael Palacios. The book has deckled fore-edges and a matching ribbon marker. The replica edition closely follows the conception of Mercier’s design, with a slate blue cover and genuine gold filigree on the front and spine. This edition is new, unopened, and unread, making it a perfect addition to any collector’s library.
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1980s set of 3: H.G. Wells Science Fiction Treasury, Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain – Chatham River Press
This set of three publications by Chatham River Press includes the works of three classic authors: Edgar Allan Poe, H.G. Wells, and Mark Twain. The Edgar Allan Poe volume contains all of his short stories, a complete novel, and several poems, while the H.G. Wells volume features six of his most famous science fiction works. The Mark Twain volume includes some of his most beloved novels, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. All three volumes are bound in red leatherette with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, and all page edges are gilt. Despite slight fading due to age, the volumes are in excellent condition and appear unread, making them a beautiful collectible set that would make a wonderful gift.
This set is part of the Greenwich Unabridged Library Classics Series and is a great addition to any classic literature collection.
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Early 1900s: The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan – Religious Tract Society
This book is a reprint of the classic religious allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, written by John Bunyan in the 17th century. The story follows the journey of Christian, a man who sets out from his hometown, the City of Destruction, to reach the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces various obstacles and temptations, but ultimately perseveres with the help of fellow pilgrims and divine intervention. The book is presented in the form of a dream, and is meant to convey spiritual truths and lessons to the reader.
This particular edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress was published by The Religious Tract Society in London, and features eight original illustrations by Harold Copping. The book is housed in a red cloth hardcover with some wear and staining on the front and back cover, and a prize plate on the inside opposite cover dated April 10th, 1931. Despite its age, the book is well bound and has no markings or writing inside.
$95.00 -
1940 First Edition: Oliver Wiswell, by Kenneth Roberts
Oliver Wiswell is a historical novel written by Kenneth Roberts and published in 1940. The book tells the story of Oliver Wiswell, a young man from Massachusetts who joins the British army during the American Revolution. As the war progresses, Wiswell becomes disillusioned with the British cause and begins to sympathize with the American rebels. He eventually defects to the American side and becomes a spy for the Continental Army.
The novel is known for its detailed portrayal of the American Revolution from the perspective of a loyalist. Roberts, who was known for his meticulous research, used primary sources to create a historically accurate account of the war. The book was well-received upon its release and was praised for its vivid characters and realistic depiction of the era. Today, Oliver Wiswell is considered a classic of historical fiction and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the American Revolution.
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1917 Set of 5: Copp Clarke Literature Series Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Tempest, Nine Poems, Four Poems, Goldsmith & Longfellow
This is a set of 5 volumes from The Copp Clarke Literature Series, edited by O.J. Stevenson, M.A., D. Paed. The first volume, “Four Poems,” includes works by Goldsmith, Tennyson, Wordsworth, and Gray. There are written ink and pencil annotations throughout the book and back inside cover. The second volume, “Selections from Goldsmith and Longfellow,” is signed by Karen Dempsey and Caldwater P School on the insider front cover. The third and fourth volumes are both from the Canadian School Shakespeare series, with “The Tempest” and “A Midsummer-night’s Dream” respectively. The former is almost as good as new, while the latter has some pencil underlining and annotations throughout. Both volumes are signed by previous owners on the inside front cover. The last volume, “Nine Poems from Goldsmith, Browning, Tennyson, Arnold,” is heavily annotated throughout and has minor dog bite markings. It is signed by several people on the inside front cover, and contains several added sheets of class notes and tests by Harold Dempsey and Myrtle Olafson.
$75.00 -
Of Human Bondage, by W. Somerset Maugham, Twentieth Century Classics Collectible Edition
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham is a classic novel that follows the life of Philip Carey, a young man who struggles to find his place in the world. The story begins with Philip as a young boy who is orphaned and sent to live with his strict and unloving uncle. As he grows up, Philip becomes interested in art and literature, but his uncle insists that he become a doctor. Philip agrees, but finds that he has no passion for medicine and struggles to succeed in his studies.
Throughout the novel, Philip experiences love, loss, and disappointment as he tries to find his way in life. He falls in love with a woman named Mildred, who treats him poorly and ultimately leaves him for another man. He also struggles with his own physical limitations, as he is born with a clubfoot that causes him pain and embarrassment. Of Human Bondage is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the struggles that we all face in our quest for happiness and fulfillment.
This collectible edition of Of Human Bondage is a beautiful green leatherette hardcover volume with gilt ornamentation on the cover and spine. Although there is slight rubbing along the length of the spine fold and minor overall fading of pages due to age, the book is almost as good as new with no writing or markings. This edition is a wonderful addition to any collection and is sure to be treasured by fans of classic literature.
$350.00 -
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 -
1955: The Adventures of Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi, illustrated by Roberta MacDonald
The Adventures of Pinocchio is a classic children’s book written by Carlo Collodi and illustrated by Roberta MacDonald. The story follows the adventures of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio who dreams of becoming a real boy. Along the way, Pinocchio encounters a host of characters, including a talking cricket, a sly fox, and a kind fairy. However, his mischievous nature and tendency to tell lies often land him in trouble.
This vintage edition of the book, published in 1955, features beautiful illustrations by MacDonald and is in near fine condition, with only moderate wear to the dust jacket.
$65.00