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1966 First Edition: Two Under the Indian Sun, by Jon and Rumer Godden
$70.00Two Under the Indian Sun, written by Jon and Rumer Godden, is a captivating travel memoir that takes readers on a vivid journey through the vibrant landscapes of India. It offers a unique perspective as it follows the experiences of two sisters who share their adventures and encounters while living in the enchanting country. The memoir provides a rich and detailed account of their time in India, immersing readers in the diverse culture, customs, and traditions they encountered. With its evocative descriptions and insightful observations, Two Under the Indian Sun offers a compelling exploration of India’s beauty, challenges, and the transformative power of travel.
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1869: Sketches Abroad with Pen and Pencil, by Felix O.C. Darley
$65.00Sketches Abroad with Pen and Pencil is a travelogue by Felix O.C. Darley. The book provides a vivid description of Darley’s journey through Europe and the Middle East, accompanied by his own illustrations. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of these regions during the 19th century. Darley’s keen observations and artistic talent bring to life the landscapes, architecture, and people he encounters on his travels.
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1892: Gray Days and Gold in England and Scotland, by William Winter
$35.00Gray Days and Gold in England and Scotland by William Winter is a travel memoir that takes readers on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of England and Scotland. The book provides a vivid account of Winter’s experiences as he explores the historical sites, cultural traditions, and natural beauty of these countries. With meticulous attention to detail, Winter captures the essence of each location, painting a vivid picture for readers. From the bustling streets of London to the serene Scottish Highlands, Winter’s work offers a unique perspective on the charm and allure of these destinations. Winter’s descriptive prose and insightful observations make this memoir a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and travel lovers alike.
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1962: Pennies from a Poor Box, by Joseph E. Manton
$35.00Pennies from a Poor Box, written by Joseph E. Manton in 1962, is a thought-provoking historical novel set during the Great Depression. It offers a poignant and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary people during this challenging era. The story follows the lives of a diverse group of characters as they navigate poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. Manton’s vivid descriptions and well-developed characters provide readers with a deep understanding of the hardships endured by individuals and families during this time. Pennies from a Poor Box is a significant work that sheds light on an important period in American history and serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
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1965: Odette: The Story of a British Agent, by Jerrard Tickell
$25.00Odette: The Story of a British Agent, is a vintage paperback edition published by Pan Books in London in 1965. Written by Jerrard Tickell, the book offers a gripping account of the life of Odette, a British agent, and her experiences during wartime. The story is set against the backdrop of World War II and explores themes of bravery, espionage, and sacrifice.
This edition is in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear and moderate yellowing to the page color consistent with its age. A valuable addition to any collection, this book provides a compelling insight into the world of espionage and wartime heroism.
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1977: Uphill All the Way: An Autobiography, by Edna Jaques
$30.00Uphill All the Way: An Autobiography, by Edna Jaques, is a 1977 memoir published by Prairie Books in Saskatoon. The 244-page hardcover volume features a clean and tightly bound interior, with occasional notes that do not detract from the reading experience. The former owner, Bob Thompson, has left his mark with insightful notes that draw parallels to his own life. The dust jacket shows moderate signs of wear, including creases, rubbing, and tears along the edges and spine. This autobiography offers a glimpse into the life of Edna Jaques and her experiences, making it a valuable addition to any memoir collection.
The autobiography provides a detailed account of Edna Jaques’ life, offering insights into her personal experiences and observations.
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1984 – The Nightmare of Reason: A Life of Franz Kafka, by Ernst Pawel
$45.00The Nightmare of Reason: A Life of Franz Kafka by Ernst Pawel is a comprehensive biography that delves into the enigmatic life of one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, Franz Kafka. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in New York in 1984, this second printing (first printing was in 1948) offers readers a deep insight into Kafka’s personal struggles, his unique writing style, and the profound impact his works had on literature.
This hardcover volume features a red cloth spine and is in impeccable condition, clean and tightly bound, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection. Please note that the dust jacket is absent.
With a focus on the plot and key themes, this biography unveils the complexities of Kafka’s life, his exploration of existentialism, and the haunting themes of alienation and bureaucracy that permeate his works.
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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.
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1947 First Edition – Adversary in the House: a Biographical Novel by Irving Stone
$135.00Adversary in the House is a biographical novel by Irving Stone that was published in 1947. The book tells the story of the life of Claude Debussy, a French composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the world of music. The novel is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and follows Debussy’s life from his childhood in Paris to his rise as a prominent composer. The book is written in a narrative style and provides a detailed account of Debussy’s personal life, his relationships, and his struggles as an artist.
Stone’s writing style is engaging and immersive, and he does an excellent job of bringing Debussy’s world to life. The book is well-researched and provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most celebrated composers of all time. Adversary in the House is a must-read for anyone interested in music, history, or biographical novels.
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1930: The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp, by W.H .Davies, preface by G. Bernard Shaw
$95.00The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp is a memoir by W.H. Davies, with a preface by G. Bernard Shaw. The book is part of The Travellers’ Library series and was published by Jonathan Cape in London. The memoir chronicles Davies’ life as a tramp and his experiences traveling throughout the United Kingdom and the United States in the early 20th century. Davies’ writing style is straightforward and honest, and he provides vivid descriptions of the people and places he encounters on his travels. The book offers a unique perspective on the life of a tramp during a time of great social and economic upheaval.
The hardcover edition of the book is in very good condition, with a blue cover and gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine. There is a slight forward tilt to the spine, but otherwise the book is in excellent shape. The inside cover features an old faded signature from a previous owner, as well as a paper cutout with a 1920 portrait print of Davies by Laura Knight.
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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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1950: Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, International Collectors Library
$85.00Belles on Their Toes is a memoir written by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, the children of efficiency experts Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, who were the subjects of the previous book in the series, Cheaper by the Dozen. The book follows the Gilbreth family as they navigate the challenges of life after their father’s sudden death, including running the family business and raising their younger siblings. The memoir is filled with humorous anecdotes and heartwarming moments as the siblings work together to keep their family and business afloat.
This edition of Belles on Their Toes is a beautiful collector’s item, with a black hardcover leatherette volume adorned with gilt and impressed ornamentation and lettering on the front and spine.
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1973 Pentimento: A Book of Portraits, by Lillian Hellman
$55.00Pentimento: A Book of Portraits is a collection of memoirs and personal essays that offer a glimpse into the author’s life and the people she encountered throughout her career. The title, Pentimento, refers to the art technique of painting over a previous layer to reveal a hidden image, which is used as a metaphor for the process of remembering and reflecting on one’s past.
The book includes portraits of several notable figures, including Hellman’s former lover, writer Dashiell Hammett, and her friend, the painter Arthur Gold. Hellman also writes about her experiences during the McCarthy era, when she was blacklisted for her political beliefs. Pentimento received critical acclaim for its insightful and candid portrayal of the author’s life and the people who influenced her.
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Margaret Mead: a Life, by Jane Howard, 1984, 1st edition
$65.00Margaret Mead: A Life provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the life and work of the renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead. The book covers Mead’s childhood, education, and her groundbreaking research on sexuality, gender, and culture. Howard’s writing style is engaging and informative, and she uses a variety of sources to paint a vivid picture of Mead’s life and the cultural context in which she lived and worked. The book also includes old black and white photographs of Mead, which add to the overall experience of reading about her life.
Overall, Margaret Mead: A Life is a must-read for anyone interested in anthropology, gender studies, or the history of science. It provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most influential anthropologists of the 20th century and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by women in academia during that time. Howard’s book is well-researched, well-written, and provides a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology.
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1987 First edition – Little Wilson and Big God: Being the First Part of Confessions of Anthony Burgess
$65.00Little Wilson and Big God: Being the First Part of Confessions of Anthony Burgess is a memoir by the renowned author Anthony Burgess. The book is a candid account of Burgess’s early life, including his childhood in Manchester, his time at university, and his experiences in the British Army during World War II. Burgess also discusses his early writing career, including his struggles to get published and his eventual success as a novelist. Throughout the book, Burgess reflects on his Catholic faith and its influence on his life and work.
The book provides a fascinating insight into the life of one of the most important writers of the 20th century. Burgess’s writing is witty, engaging, and often deeply personal, making this memoir a must-read for fans of his work. The book also offers a unique perspective on the cultural and political landscape of post-war Britain, as Burgess reflects on the social and intellectual trends of the time.
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1980 Hope Against Hope: A Memoir, by Nadezhda Mandelstam, Atheneum, New York
$45.00Hope Against Hope: A Memoir is a powerful and moving account of life in Stalinist Russia. Written by Nadezhda Mandelstam, the wife of the famous poet Osip Mandelstam, the book chronicles the couple’s struggle to survive under the brutal regime of Joseph Stalin. Mandelstam’s memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and persecution. It is a deeply personal and emotional account of one woman’s fight for survival, and a vivid portrayal of life in one of the darkest periods of Russian history.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, as well as for those who are interested in the human experience of living under a totalitarian regime. Mandelstam’s writing is powerful and evocative, and her memoir is a testament to the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. This book is a classic of Russian literature, and a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and human dignity.