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1969: The House on the Strand, by Daphne du Maurier (first ed, book club edition)
$39.00The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier is a thrilling work of fiction that takes readers on a journey through time. The story follows Richard Young, a man who has been given the opportunity to test a new drug that transports him back to the 14th century. As he becomes more and more engrossed in the past, Richard begins to lose touch with the present and the people around him. He finds himself drawn to the lives of the people he encounters in the past and becomes embroiled in their dramas and conflicts. As the drug’s effects become more intense, Richard must struggle to maintain his grip on reality and find a way back to his own time.
This book is a masterful blend of historical fiction and science fiction, with du Maurier’s signature suspenseful style keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The House on the Strand explores themes of time, identity, and the human desire to escape reality.
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c. 1940s: Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Art-Type Edition
$45.00Kidnapped 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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1967, 2nd Printing: Manitoulin Manhunt, by Fred Swayze
$35.00Manitoulin Manhunt, by Fred Swayze, is a Canadian fiction novel published in 1967. The story follows the protagonist, Bill, as he embarks on a manhunt on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. Bill is a conservation officer who is tasked with finding a dangerous criminal who has escaped from prison and is hiding on the island. As Bill navigates the rugged terrain and encounters various obstacles, he must also grapple with his own inner demons and past traumas.
The novel is a thrilling adventure that showcases the beauty and harshness of the Canadian wilderness. Swayze’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters’ actions make for a gripping read. Manitoulin Manhunt also touches on themes of redemption and forgiveness, as Bill confronts his own mistakes and learns to let go of his past.
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1920: La Legende de Guillaume D’Orange, by P. Tuffrau, published by L’Edition D’Art
$350.00La 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 -
1880s: Missy and Master, a Story for Girls, by M. Bramston
$45.00Missy and Master is a story for girls written by M. Bramston and published in the 1880s under the direction of The Committee of General Literature and Education appointed by The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in London. The book is a 224-page hardcover volume with a grey cloth cover and black printing and gilt lettering on the cover and spine. The book shows some signs of wear due to its age, including slight yellowing and fading of the pages and a slight forward tilt.
The book contains a signature on the front black page that reads “Kathleen Mewburn. With Aunt Emily’s love. Xmas 1889.” There are no other writing or markings in the book. Missy and Master is a wonderful antique edition that would make a great gift for anyone interested in historical literature for children.
$65.00 -
1957: Pygmalion, a romance in five acts, by Bernard Shaw
$35.00Pygmalion 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
$55.00Collection 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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1981 Set of 2: The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum and Shall We Tell The President? by Jeffrey Archer
$125.00This collectible set of two books includes The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum and Shall We Tell The President? by Jeffrey Archer, both published by Heron Books in 1981. The Scarlatti Inheritance is a thriller novel that follows a man named Michael Havelock as he tries to uncover the truth about his father’s death and a mysterious organization called Inver Brass. Meanwhile, Shall We Tell The President? is a political thriller that imagines what would happen if a woman were elected as the first female President of the United States, and then faced an assassination plot.
Both books are hardcover volumes bound in red leatherette, with gilt ornamentation on the cover and spine. While the gilt is intact on the Archer volume, it is partially worn off on the Ludlum volume. Despite this, neither book has been read or fully opened and both are in near mint condition. This set is a wonderful vintage collectible for fans of Ludlum and Archer or collectors of classic thriller novels.
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c. 1888: The Black Arrow, A Tale of Two Roses, by Robert Luis Stevenson
$85.00The 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
$40.00The 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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1937: Pillars of Society, by A.G. Gardiner, The Wayfarer’s Library
$45.00Pillars of Society details the notable figures of society at the time of writing in 1916. The book features a softcover orange leather volume with gilt ornamentation on the front cover and spine, with some wear and scratching on the cover and spine. The book is owner inscribed in fading ink on the inside front cover, and there is a small spot from a price sticker on the back cover. While there is separation from the spine at the title page, all pages are present and intact, with no writing or markings in the book aside from the signature. Some slight fading to pages is present due to the passage of time.
The book lists the “Pillars of Society” at the time of writing, which included notable figures such as King George V, President Woodrow Wilson, and Mr. Andrew Carnegie, among others. The book provides insight into the influential individuals of the time and their impact on society.
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1938: John Hoe or “A Penny Saved”, Story and Drawings by Eleanore Barte
$45.00John Hoe or ‘A Penny Saved is a vintage children’s book by Eleanore Barte, published in 1938 by Frederick A. Stokes Company in New York. The story follows young John Hoe, who is determined to save his pennies and become a millionaire. Throughout the book, John learns valuable lessons about the value of money and hard work, as well as the importance of helping others. The book features charming illustrations by Barte and is a delightful read for children and adults alike.
This particular edition of the book is a brown cloth hardcover volume with lettering on the cover and spine. Despite some minor wear on the cover, the book is tightly bound and very clean, with no writing or markings. There is some fading to the pages due to the passage of time, but overall, it is a very well-preserved vintage edition. Fans of classic children’s literature and collectors of vintage books will appreciate this charming and timeless tale.
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1919: Hygiene for Young People, a Reader for Pupils in Form III on the Public Schools, by A. P. Knight
$45.00Hygiene for Young People is a non-fiction book written by A. P. Knight, a Professor of Physiology at Queen’s University in Kingston. The book was published in 1919 and recommended by the Minister of Education for use in school libraries in Ontario. The book is intended for pupils in Form III on public schools and provides information on hygiene and health practices.
The book is a historical artifact with a grey hardcover cloth volume and black lettering on the cover and spine. The wear, staining, and fading on the cover are due to heavy use and the passage of time. The book belonged to Jack Dudgeon, as signed on various pages, and has some fingerprints and dog ears throughout.
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1909: The Foreigner, A Tale of Saskatchewan, by Ralph Connor
$55.00The Foreigner, A Tale of Saskatchewan by Ralph Connor, published in 1909 by The Westminster Company in Toronto. The book is set in Saskatchewan and follows the story of a foreigner who comes to settle in the area. The red hardcover cloth volume has some wear, rubbing, and fading due to use and the passage of time. The book contains an old note from D. A. Scott, General Merchant and Produce Dealer, made out to a Mrs. J. Foster by Gladys S. for the purchase of dog bread, brown sugar, and other items. The inside cover is inscribed in black ink “To Grandpa From [?] Hackett, Xmas 1959.”
The book is a classic Canadian novel that provides a glimpse into the early settlement of Saskatchewan. The novel explores themes of immigration, identity, and belonging. The book is a valuable piece of Canadian literature that captures the spirit of the time and provides insight into the experiences of early settlers in Canada.
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1913: Tales of Hoffman Retold From Offenbach’s Opera by Cyril Falls & Illustrated by A. Brantingham Simpson
$75.00Tales of Hoffman Retold From Offenbach’s Opera is a classic book that retells the famous opera by Jacques Offenbach. Written by Cyril Falls and illustrated by A. Brantingham Simpson, R.O.I, the book was published by Chatto & Windus in London in 1913. The book is a hardcover cloth volume with ornamentation and gilt lettering on the cover and spine. It has 164 pages with deckled fore-edges and top edges gilt.
Although the book has some minor wear and fading to the spine, it is a high-quality publication with thick paper and excellent print. The volume is tightly bound and very clear, with no writing anywhere in the book.
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1928 – Creative Young Canada: Collection of Verse, Drawings and Musical Compositions by Young Canadians from Seven to Twenty Years of Age
$65.00Creative Young Canada is a collection of poetry, drawings, and musical compositions by young Canadians aged seven to twenty. Edited by Aletta E. Marty and with a foreword by Agnes Delamoure, this book was published by J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd in Toronto in 1928. The hardcover cloth volume features black ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, with some wear and fading present, especially around the spine. The deckled fore-edges and wear throughout the book give it a vintage feel.
This book provides a glimpse into the creative minds of young Canadians in the late 1920s. The collection showcases the talent and imagination of the youth in Canada, with poetry ranging from lighthearted and whimsical to deeply introspective. The drawings and musical compositions add another layer of creativity to the collection, making it a unique and valuable piece of Canadian literary history. The owner signature on the inside cover adds a personal touch and raises questions about the previous owner, Connie Starr, and their connection to the book.
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1950: The Adventures of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Servantes Saavedra – Rare Penguin Paperback
$65.00The 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
$450.00This 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
$180.00The 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
$135.00Doctor 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.