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1975: A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, The John Player Special Collection
A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, is a classic novel set during World War I. The story follows an American ambulance driver named Frederic Henry, who falls in love with a British nurse named Catherine Barkley. As the war rages on, Frederic and Catherine struggle to maintain their relationship amidst the chaos and destruction around them. The novel explores themes of love, war, and the human condition, and is considered one of Hemingway’s greatest works.
The John Player Special Collection edition of A Farewell to Arms, published in 1975, features a black hardcover volume with silver lettering on the cover and spine. The book is in very good condition, with only slight wear on the dustjacket around the edges and corners. The pages have yellowed over time, but the volume is tightly bound and contains no writing or markings.
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1953 1st ed.: The Scribner Treasury, 22 Classic Tales
The Scribner Treasury, 22 Classic Tales is a vintage storybook published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1953. The book includes 22 classic tales that were first published by Scribner between the 1880s and 1931. The volume is introduced and noted by J.G.E. Hopkins and features works by renowned authors such as Sir James Barrie, George W. Cable, John Galsworthy, and Robert Herrick, among others. The blue hardcover cloth volume has gilt lettering and red ornamentation on the spine, and the fore edges are beautifully deckled. Although there is some scratching on the cover and minor staining on the inside cover, there are no writing or similar markings in the book.
$75.00 -
1924: Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates, by Mary Mapes Dodge
Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates is a classic children’s novel by Mary Mapes Dodge, first published in 1865. The story is set in the Netherlands and follows the adventures of Hans Brinker, a young boy who dreams of winning a pair of silver skates in a local skating race. Along the way, Hans and his family face many challenges, including poverty, illness, and the loss of a loved one. Despite these obstacles, Hans remains determined to achieve his goal and help his family. The novel is a heartwarming tale of perseverance, family, and the power of hope.
This early edition of Hans Brinker features many drawings by Louis Rhead and is in a very good condition for its age. The cloth hardcover volume has a paper illustration on the cover, and while there is some wear and rubbing present on the cover, including the corners, there is no writing in the book. Some minor foxing, as well as fading/yellowing to pages due to age is present, as well occasional vintage fingerprints throughout the book. The thick, quality paper and top edges painted yellow add to the charm of this classic novel.
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1945: A Lion Is in the Streets, by Adria Locke Langley
A Lion Is in the Streets, written by Adria Locke Langley, is a political fiction novel set in the year 1945. The story follows the rise of a charismatic politician named Hank Martin, who uses his charm and cunning to become the governor of Louisiana. However, as he gains more power and influence, Martin’s true nature is revealed, and he becomes a corrupt and dangerous leader. The novel explores themes of ambition, power, and the corrupting influence of politics, as well as the impact of World War II on American society.
This early printing of the novel features a green hardcover with gilt lettering on the spine. Despite some wear and fading due to age, the book is in good condition and contains no writing or markings. The deckled fore-edges add to the vintage charm of the book.
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1824: De La Philosophie Morale, ou Des Differens Systemes sur la Science de la Vie, par Joseph Droz, seconde edition
De La Philosophie Morale, ou Des Differens Systemes sur la Science de la Vie is an iconic work by Joseph Droz, a French philosopher who lived during the French Revolution. The book argues that society can only be in a proper state if individuals are educated to prioritize their duties over their rights. This doctrine earned Droz the Montyon Prize in 1823 and admission to the Académie française. The second edition of the book, published in 1924, is a hardcover volume with marbled boards and brown leather spine and edges. Despite some rubbing and wear to the corners, the book is in very good condition for its age, with little overall fading or yellowing to the pages.
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1900s: A Gypsy Against Her Will, or Worth Her Weight in Gold, by Emma Leslie
A Gypsy Against Her Will, or Worth Her Weight in Gold is a children’s book written by Emma Leslie and published by Blackie and Son Limited in the early 1900s. The book tells the story of a young gypsy girl who is taken against her will and sold into slavery. The protagonist, named Zillah, is forced to work in a circus and endure mistreatment from her captors. However, she remains resilient and determined to escape and return to her family.
The book is a classic tale of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. It also sheds light on the mistreatment of gypsies and the prevalence of slavery during the early 1900s.
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1899: A Child’s Garden of Verses, by R. L. Stevenson
A Child’s Garden of Verses by R.L. Stevenson is a classic children’s book that has been enjoyed by generations of young readers. This early rare edition, stated as the fifth, is beautifully illustrated by Charles Robinson and published by John Lane in London. The green cloth hardcover volume features gilt stamped ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, with some wear and rubbing around the edges and corners. The gilt is partially rubbed off on the spine, and there is wear on the back cover, especially around the bottom. The end papers show foxing and a thin tear where the front and back end papers attach to the spine. The top, bottom, and fore edges are gilt, and there are no writing or similar markings anywhere in the book. However, there are several instances of age and “finger print” type stains, mostly in the margins, and several pages are separating from the spine. Despite these minor flaws, the overall condition of the book is good.
$500.00 -
1948: Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol
Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol is a classic novel that tells the story of a man named Chichikov who travels around Russia buying the “dead souls” of serfs who have died but are still listed as alive on the census. Chichikov’s plan is to use these dead souls as collateral to secure a loan, but his scheme is complicated by the corrupt officials and landowners he encounters along the way. The novel is a satirical commentary on the social and political realities of 19th century Russia, and Gogol’s vivid characters and humorous writing style make it a memorable and entertaining read.
This edition of Dead Souls, translated by C.J. Hogarth and published by J.N. Dent & Sons LTD in 1948, includes an introduction by John Cournos and is part of the Everyman’s Library series. The book is in good condition despite its age, with a slightly rubbed and faded red cloth hardcover and no dust jacket.
$75.00 -
1883: The Virginians, by William Makepeace Thackeray, volume V of 12 volumes of The Works
The Virginians is a classic work of literature by William Makepeace Thackeray, published as the fifth volume in a collection of 12 volumes known as The Works. The novel follows the lives of two brothers, George and Henry Warrington, who are born and raised in Virginia during the 18th century. The story explores their experiences during the American Revolution, as well as their relationships with family members, friends, and romantic interests. Thackeray’s writing style is characterized by his use of satire and wit, as well as his commentary on social class and morality.
$135.00 -
1950: Women in Love, by D. H. Lawrence
Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence is a classic novel that was re-issued in 1950. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Ursula and Gudrun, as they navigate love, relationships, and societal expectations in early 20th century England. The novel explores themes of sexuality, gender roles, and the struggle for personal freedom and fulfillment. Lawrence’s writing style is known for its poetic and philosophical nature, and Women in Love is no exception. The book is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its vivid characters and thought-provoking themes.
This particular edition of Women in Love is a collectible item, with an immaculate green hardcover cloth volume and gilt ornamentation on the cover. The book is in very fine condition, as good as new, and features deckled edges.
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1925: The Great Pandolfo, by William J. Locke
The Great Pandolfo is a novel by William J. Locke that tells the story of Pandolfo, a talented musician who is forced to leave his home country of Italy and seek refuge in England due to a scandal. In England, Pandolfo struggles to make a living as a musician and ends up working as a waiter in a restaurant. However, his talent is eventually discovered by a wealthy woman named Lady Millingham, who becomes his patron and helps him achieve success as a musician. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.
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1931: The History of Chevalier Des Grieux and of Manon Lescaut, by Abbe Prevost D’Exiles
The History of Chevalier Des Grieux and of Manon Lescaut is a classic French novel by Abbe Prevost D’Exiles, originally published in 1731. The novel tells the tragic love story of Des Grieux, a young nobleman, and Manon Lescaut, a beautiful and charming woman who leads him into a life of debauchery and crime. The novel is renowned for its vivid portrayal of 18th-century French society, its exploration of the themes of love, passion, and morality, and its powerful and emotional ending. This edition of the novel, translated by Helen Waddel and with an introduction by George Saintsbury, was published in London in 1931 and is a beautiful antique volume with a cloth spine, gilt lettering, and deckled fore-edges.
Despite some wear and rubbing around the corners and edges of the faded board covers, the book is in near-immaculate condition, with no writing or markings on the pages. This edition is a wonderful example of a classic French novel and a beautiful addition to any book collection.
$75.00 -
1924: Shirley, a novel by Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte, part XIV of the World’s Classics
Shirley is a novel written by the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, and was published in 1924. The story is set in Yorkshire during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the lives of two young women, Caroline and Shirley. Caroline is a quiet and reserved girl who lives with her uncle, while Shirley is a wealthy heiress who owns a large estate. The two women become friends and their lives become intertwined as they navigate love, politics, and social class in a changing world.
The novel is a classic example of Victorian literature and explores themes of gender roles, class divisions, and the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. The Bronte sisters were known for their strong female characters and Shirley is no exception. The novel is a captivating read that transports the reader to a bygone era and provides a glimpse into the lives of women during a time of great social and political change.
$65.00 -
1889: Poetical Works by Elizabeth Barret Barret (Mrs. E. B. Browning)
Poetical Works by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a collection of poems by the renowned poet, published by George Routledge and Sons in London. The hardcover volume features a half leather binding with a leather spine and corners, adorned with gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine. The fore-edges are painted in the same color and design as the endpapers and cover. The book is in a fine condition with minimal wear, except for a rip separating the front cover from the spine, which is being held together by thread.
$105.00 -
1970s: Barchester Towers, by Anthony Trollope, International Collectors Library
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope is a classic novel that has been beautifully reproduced in a vintage edition by the International Collectors Library. The book features drawings by Donald McKay and is bound in dark green leatherette with rich gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine. The deckled edges and top edges gilt add to the vintage charm of the book. The replica edition closely follows the original design by French master bookbinder Emile Mercier, with an all-over pattern of squares running diagonally and rosettes at each corner. The spine bears raised bands and is divided into six panels with a gold pointelle ornament. The slate blue cover has genuine gold on the filigreed front cover and panelled spine, and there is a matching ribbon marker. This collectible edition of Barchester Towers is part of the Great English Novels of the 19th Century series and would make a wonderful gift for any lover of classic literature.