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1971 First Edition: Escape from Meerut, by Juliet Smith
Escape from Meerut is a thrilling adventure novel written by Juliet Smith and first published in 1971. The story follows the journey of a young British couple, Peter and Sally, who find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of espionage and betrayal in India during the 1940s. When Peter is falsely accused of murder, the couple must flee from the authorities and navigate their way through a treacherous landscape filled with spies, rebels, and corrupt officials. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a wise old guru, a beautiful Indian princess, and a cunning British agent, all of whom help them in their quest for freedom.
The novel is a fast-paced and exciting read, full of suspense and intrigue. Smith’s vivid descriptions of the Indian landscape and culture add depth and richness to the story, and her characters are well-drawn and engaging.
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1965: The Purple Quest, a vivid novel of seafaring adventure by Frank G. Slaughter
The Purple Quest is a thrilling novel of seafaring adventure by Frank G. Slaughter. Set in the ancient world, the story follows the journey of Captain Demetrios and his crew as they embark on a dangerous quest to find the rare purple dye that is coveted by royalty. Along the way, they encounter treacherous storms, fierce pirates, and political intrigue, all while battling their own personal demons. As they navigate through the Mediterranean Sea, the crew must overcome numerous obstacles and challenges in order to succeed in their mission.
Slaughter’s vivid descriptions of the ancient world and the dangers of seafaring make for a thrilling read.
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1981 First Edition: The White Hotel, by D. M. Thomas
The White Hotel explores the life of a young woman named Lisa Erdman, who is a patient of Sigmund Freud. The story is told through a series of dreams and memories that Lisa experiences, which reveal her traumatic past and the events that led her to seek treatment from Freud.
The book is a haunting and powerful exploration of trauma, memory, and the human psyche. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving work that has been praised for its vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and complex characters. The White Hotel is a must-read for anyone interested in the human condition and the ways in which we cope with the traumas of our past.
The present volume is the first edition of the book and is in mint condition.
$335.00 -
1952: Tai-Lu Talking, by Shelagh Fraser and Billy Thatcher
Tai-Lu Talking is a children’s book written by Shelagh Fraser and Billy Thatcher, and illustrated by Janet Johnstone and Anne Grahame-Johnstone.
The story follows the adventures of Princess Tai-Lu, who has the ability to communicate with animals. She sets out on a journey to save her kingdom from a wicked sorcerer who has cast a spell on the land. Along the way, she meets a variety of animals who help her on her quest. The book is beautifully illustrated and is sure to captivate the imaginations of young readers.
$65.00 -
1969: Maigret and the Killer, by Georges Simenon
Maigret and the Killer is a crime fiction novel by Georges Simenon, first published in 1969. The book follows the story of Chief Inspector Maigret, who is tasked with investigating a series of murders in Paris. As he delves deeper into the case, Maigret finds himself drawn into a web of deceit and betrayal, and must use all his skills to uncover the truth behind the killings.
Simenon’s writing is known for its atmospheric descriptions of Paris, and Maigret and the Killer is no exception. The book captures the gritty, noirish feel of the city in the late 1960s, and is full of vivid characters and unexpected twists. Fans of classic crime fiction will enjoy this gripping tale of murder and intrigue, which is sure to keep them guessing until the very end.
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1989 first trade edition: The Killing Man, by Mike Hammer (Mikey Spillane)
The Killing Man is a crime fiction novel written by the renowned author, Mikey Spillane, under the pseudonym Mike Hammer. The story follows the protagonist, Mike Hammer, a private investigator, as he investigates a series of murders that seem to be linked to a notorious criminal organization. Along the way, Hammer encounters various obstacles and challenges, including corrupt law enforcement officials and dangerous criminals. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to unravel his investigation and put his life in danger.
The novel is a classic example of the hard-boiled detective genre, characterized by its gritty realism, tough-talking protagonists, and intricate plots. Spillane’s writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, with vivid descriptions of violence and suspenseful scenes that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
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1959: Bull Dog Drummond, His Four Rounds With Carl Peterson, Described by Sapper
Bull Dog Drummond, His Four Rounds With Carl Peterson, Described by Sapper is a collection of the first four novels in the Bull Dog Drummond series, written by Sapper. The series follows the adventures of Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond, a former British Army officer who becomes a private detective. In this volume, readers are introduced to Drummond’s arch-nemesis, Carl Peterson, who provides a recurring antagonist throughout the series. The four novels included in this volume are: “Bull Dog Drummond”, “The Black Gang”, “The Third Round”, and “The Final Count”.
The book is a classic example of early 20th-century pulp fiction, with fast-paced action, daring heroics, and larger-than-life characters. Despite being written in the 1920s, the stories have a timeless quality that still resonates with readers today.
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1999 uncorrected proof: McNally’s Dilemma, by Lawrence Sanders Limited edition
McNally’s Dilemma by Lawrence Sanders is a mystery novel that follows the story of Archy McNally, a private investigator who works for his father’s law firm in Palm Beach, Florida. The novel begins with Archy being hired by a wealthy widow to retrieve a stolen painting that holds sentimental value. However, things take a dark turn when the widow is found dead and Archy becomes the prime suspect in her murder. As he tries to clear his name and solve the case, Archy uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to destroy the wealthy elite of Palm Beach.
Lawrence Sanders’ McNally’s Dilemma is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The uncorrected proof edition, with its yellow softcover and black lettering, is a rare and valuable find for collectors.
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1974 First Edition: The Pirate, by Harold Robbins
The Pirate, written by Harold Robbins, is a novel that was first published in 1974. The story follows the life of a young man named Devin Patrick O’Malley, who is forced to flee from Ireland after getting involved in a political conflict. He becomes a pirate and travels the world, seeking adventure and fortune. Along the way, he encounters various characters and faces numerous challenges, including a love triangle and a battle with a ruthless drug lord.
This first edition copy of The Pirate is in excellent condition, with a clean and tightly bound brown cloth hardcover. The dust jacket is also in pristine condition, although it has been price clipped. With its full number line, this copy is presumed to be a first edition, making it a rare find for collectors and fans of Harold Robbins. The Pirate is a thrilling adventure novel that takes readers on a journey across the high seas, filled with action, romance, and danger.
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1996: Alias Grace, by Margaret Atwood
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant who was convicted of murder in Canada in 1843. The novel is based on a true story and explores themes of memory, identity, and the nature of truth. The story is told from the perspectives of Grace and a young doctor who is trying to uncover the truth about the murders. As the doctor delves deeper into Grace’s past, he begins to question whether she is truly guilty or if she has been wrongly accused. The novel is a masterful blend of fact and fiction, and Atwood’s writing is both beautiful and haunting.
This early edition of Alias Grace is in excellent condition, with a beige hardcover and impressed ornamentation. The book is tightly bound and very clean, although the front blank paper is missing.
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1949: A Graveyard to Let, Another Adventure of Sir Henry Merrivale, by Carter Dickson (John Dickson Carr)
A Graveyard to Let is a mystery novel by Carter Dickson (John Dickson Carr) that follows the adventures of Sir Henry Merrivale. The story takes place in a small village in England, where a group of people gather to investigate a haunted graveyard. However, things take a sinister turn when a murder occurs, and Sir Henry Merrivale is called upon to solve the case. The novel is full of twists and turns, and the reader is kept guessing until the very end.
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1966: The Last Chronicle of Barset, by Anthony Trollope, volume 1 of 2
The Last Chronicle of Barset is a classic English novel by Anthony Trollope, and is the first volume of a two-part series. The book is part of the Everyman’s Library series and is introduced by Kathleen Tillotson. It is a beautifully designed hardcover volume with a red cover and gilt lettering on the spine. The book is in excellent condition, with no writing or markings, and has soft blue end papers and top edges. The dust jacket is bright pink with a drawing on the front, although it does show some signs of wear and fading on the spine.
The Last Chronicle of Barset is a tale of love, politics, and scandal set in the fictional county of Barsetshire. The novel follows the lives of several characters, including clergymen, politicians, and their families, as they navigate the complexities of Victorian society.
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1949: The Scarlet Tree Being the Second Volume of Left Hand, Right Hand! An Autobiography of Osbert Sitwell
The Scarlet Tree is the second volume of Osbert Sitwell’s autobiography, Left Hand, Right Hand!. The book is beautifully illustrated and tells the story of Sitwell’s life in the years following World War I. The title of the book refers to a tree that Sitwell saw while on a trip to Italy, which he found to be a symbol of the transience of life.
The book provides a fascinating insight into the life of a British aristocrat during the early 20th century, with Sitwell recounting his experiences in the literary and artistic circles of the time. The volume is well-preserved, with a clean and tightly bound orange-red hardcover and gilt lettering on the spine.
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1925: The Talisman, a Romance by Sir Walter Scott, Bart., edited by Rederick Treudley, A. B.
The Talisman, a Romance by Sir Walter Scott, Bart. is a classic novel edited by Rederick Treudley, A. B. The story is set during the Third Crusade and follows the adventures of a Scottish knight named Sir Kenneth, who is sent to the Holy Land to aid King Richard the Lionheart in his fight against the Saracens. Along the way, Sir Kenneth falls in love with a beautiful Saracen princess named Edith, and must navigate the complex political and religious tensions of the time in order to protect her and fulfill his duty to his king.
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1918: Romola, vol. IV, by George Eliot
Romola, vol. IV, by George Eliot is a classic work of literature that was published in 1918. The book is a beautifully preserved leather softback volume with gilt stamped ornamentation on the cover and decoration and lettering on the spine. The book contains 891 pages with all page edges gilt in the original rose gold. The inside covers are made of green marbled paper, and there are occasional folded page corners throughout the book.
The book contains a pen inscription on one of the blank front end papers, stating that the book belongs to Bernice Thronson Fjoslien, and that the inscription was made by her mother on August 23, 1954, at Erdahl Manor. Additionally, there is a poem inscribed in faded ink on the next black page, and the half title pages contain a few accidental lines of black ink.
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1957: Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out, a sequel to “Little Men”, by Louisa May Alcott
Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out is a sequel to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men. The book follows the lives of the boys from the original story as they grow up and face the challenges of adulthood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of education. The book is illustrated by Ruth Ives and was published by Nelson Doubleday Inc in 1957. The volume is a beautiful leather hardcover with green and beige coloring, stamped ornamentation on the cover, and silver and black stamped lettering and decoration on the spine. Despite a small scratch on the cover and slight foxing on the top page edges, the book is remarkably preserved and has no writing or markings of any kind.
$80.00 -
1972: Creeps, by David Freeman, part of Canadian Play Series
Creeps by David Freeman is a play that explores the lives of four men who reside in a mental institution. The play is set in the 1970s, and it delves into the experiences of the characters as they navigate through their daily lives in the institution. The play is part of the Canadian Play Series and was published by the University of Toronto Press in 1972.
The play’s title, Creeps, refers to the derogatory term used to describe people with mental illnesses during that time. The play is a poignant commentary on the treatment of mental illness in the 1970s and the stigma attached to it. The characters in the play are complex and well-developed, and the play explores their individual struggles and relationships with each other. Creeps is a powerful and thought-provoking play that sheds light on an important issue and is still relevant today.
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1941: Ten Famous Plays, by John Galsworthy: Silver Fox, Joy, Strife, Justice, The Skin Game, Loyalties, Windows, Old English, Escape
Ten Famous Plays is a collection of plays written by John Galsworthy and published in 1941. The volume contains ten plays, including The Silver Fox, Strife, Justice, The Skin Game, Loyalties, Windows, Old English, Escape, and The Roof. The book is bound in blue leather with gilt lettering and an emblem of Sir John Deane’s Grammar School on the front cover. Despite some wear and rubbing around the edges and corners, the book is well-bound and in good condition, with no writing or markings inside.
The book is a testament to the enduring popularity of Galsworthy’s plays, which deal with themes such as social justice, loyalty, and escape. The plays are set in various time periods and locations, from medieval England to contemporary society, and explore the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for power and control. Ten Famous Plays is a valuable addition to any theatre lover’s collection and a fascinating glimpse into the work of one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 20th century.
$65.00 -
1926: Perella, by William Locke
Perella is a classic novel written by William Locke and published by Dodd, Mead and Company in 1926. The book is a red hardcover volume with impressed lettering on the cover and black lettering on the spine. It has slight rubbing and wear on the cover and spine, mostly around the edges, and deckled fore edges. The book has been carefully mended at the title page, where the block was beginning to separate from the spine. Despite its age, the book is very clean, with no writing or markings.
The novel tells the story of Perella, a young woman who is forced to leave her home in Italy and move to England with her father. In England, Perella falls in love with a young man named Francis Sales, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Francis is engaged to another woman. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of navigating cultural differences.
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1968 First Edition – So Young to Burn: a Superintendent West Story, by John Creasey
So Young to Burn is a crime fiction novel written by John Creasey and published in 1968. The book features Superintendent West, a recurring character in Creasey’s novels, who is tasked with solving a murder case involving a young woman. The story takes place in London and follows Superintendent West as he navigates through the city’s seedy underworld to find the killer. Along the way, he encounters various suspects and witnesses, each with their own secrets and motives.
The book is a classic example of the crime fiction genre, with a gripping plot, well-developed characters, and a twist ending. Creasey’s writing style is concise and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.