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1959: The Armada, by Garrett Mattingly – History of the attempt of the Spanish Armada to invade England in 1588
The Armada by Garrett Mattingly is a comprehensive account of the Spanish Armada’s attempt to invade England in 1588. Mattingly, a historian and professor at Columbia University, provides a detailed and engaging narrative of the events leading up to the invasion, the battles that ensued, and the aftermath of the failed mission. The book covers not only the military and political aspects of the conflict, but also the cultural and social context of the time, making it a rich and informative read for history enthusiasts.
The hardcover edition of The Armada features a striking red cover with ornamental lettering and is well-preserved despite its age. The book is well-bound and free of any markings or writing, making it a valuable addition to any history lover’s collection. Mattingly’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the complex historical events easy to follow and understand.
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1971 First Edition: Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc, by Felix Topolski
Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc is a collection of caricatures and cartoons by Felix Topolski, first published in 1971. The book features a variety of satirical illustrations that comment on contemporary political and social issues. The title refers to the three sons of Noah in the Bible, and the cartoons in the book often explore themes of race, religion, and power dynamics.
This first edition of Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc is a beautifully preserved hardcover volume, complete with its original dust jacket. The book is a fascinating artifact of its time, capturing the political and cultural climate of the early 1970s through Topolski’s incisive and often humorous illustrations.
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1965: Hakluyt’s Voyages, by Richard Hakluyt, ed. by Irwin R. Blacker
Hakluyt’s Voyages is a comprehensive collection of accounts of English voyages, travels, and discoveries made by sea or overland to the farthest corners of the world within the 1600 years preceding its publication. The book is edited by Irwin R. Blacker and features an introduction that provides readers with context on the life and work of Richard Hakluyt, a preacher and former student of Christ-Church in Oxford. The book is published by The Viking Press and spans 522 pages, with a brown cloth hardcover adorned with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine.
The collection of accounts in the book provides readers with a glimpse into the history of English exploration, trade, and colonization, and offers insights into the motivations and experiences of the individuals who undertook these journeys. Hakluyt’s Voyages is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of exploration and travel.
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1929: The Glory That Was Greece A Survey of Hellenic Culture and Civilisation, by J.C. Stobart
The Glory That Was Greece is a comprehensive survey of Hellenic culture and civilization, written by J.C. Stobart and published in 1929. The book covers a wide range of topics, including Greek art, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and daily life. Stobart draws on a wealth of primary sources to provide a detailed and engaging account of ancient Greece, from the Minoan civilization to the Hellenistic period.
The book is beautifully illustrated and printed on high-quality paper, making it a stunning volume to own and read. While some wear and rubbing is evident on the cover boards, the book is otherwise in good condition. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek history and culture, and a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.
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1985 vol. I, II: Yachting, by Sir Edward Sullivan The Badminton Library, His Grace the 8th Duke of Beauford
Yachting is a comprehensive guide to yachting, written by a team of experts including Sir Edward Sullivan, Bart, Lord Brassey, K.C.B., C.E. Seth-Smith, C.B., G.L. Watson, R.T. Pritchett, Sir George Leach, K.C.B., Vice-President Y.R.A., ‘Thalassa’, The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, E.F. Knight and Rev. G.L. Blake. The bookset is a facsimile of the first edition, with an introductory note by the Eleventh Duke of Beauford. The Badminton Library, His Grace the 8th Duke of Beauford, and The Field Library published the book, which is 479 pages long in volume I and 501 pages long in volume II. The volumes are beautifully bound in blue cloth hardcovers with gilt decoration and lettering on the cover and spine, and both volumes come in protective sleeves.
The set is a comprehensive guide to yachting, covering everything from the history of yachting to the construction and design of yachts, as well as the different types of yachts and their uses. The two books cover navigation, racing, and cruising, as well as yachting etiquette and the social aspects of yachting. The books are illustrated with drawings and photographs, and are an essential resource for anyone interested in yachting, whether they are a beginner or an experienced sailor.
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1926: Dornoch Cathedral and Parish, by the Rev. Charles D. Bentinck, with illustrations and maps
Dornoch Cathedral and Parish, written by the Rev. Charles D. Bentinck, with a chapter on the architectural history of the Cathedral by W. Douglas Simpson. The book was published in 1926 by The Northern Counties Newspaper and Printing and Publishing Company, limited. The book is a comprehensive guide to the history and architecture of Dornoch Cathedral and Parish. It includes detailed illustrations and maps, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Dornoch Cathedral and Parish.
The book is a large volume with grey boards and a black leather spine with gilt lettering. Despite moderate wear to the cover and water staining on the top that reaches through the first 10-15 pages, the book is in very good condition. The book is tightly bound and clean, with no other writing or markings. The top edges are gilt, and the fore-edges are deckled.
$150.00 -
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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1983 Captured Memories: A History of Alsask and Surrounding School Districts
Captured Memories: A History of Alsask and Surrounding School Districts is a non-fiction book that delves into the history of Alsask, a town in Canada, and its surrounding school districts. The book is written by the Alsask History Book Committee and was first published in 1983. It is a large, orange cloth hardcover volume with black decoration and lettering printed on the cover and spine. The book contains 488 pages and is filled with black-and-white photographs, maps, and more.
The book provides a detailed account of the history of Alsask and its inhabitants. It covers various school districts in the area, including Bonnie Brier, Clifton Bank, Eastside, Lloyd George, Merid, Roslyn, Stoneyhurst, Westside, and Wolf Willow. This is an excellent read for anyone interested in Canadian history.
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1950: Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, International Collectors Library
Belles 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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1977 First Edition: Magical and Mystical Site Europe and the British Isles, by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock
Magical and Mystical Site: Europe and the British Isles is a non-fiction book written by Elizabeth Pepper and John Wilcock. The book explores the magical and mystical sites in Europe and the British Isles, providing readers with a comprehensive guide to these locations.
The hardcover volume comes with a dust jacket that is unclipped and in protective film cover. The book is in near mint condition, with the only issue being some mild staining on the top edges. This first edition is numbered on the dust jacket flap.
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1949 3rd Impression: Painting as a Pastime, by Winston S. Churchill
Painting as a Pastime is a collection of essays discussing Churchill’s personal experience with painting as a hobby and the benefits it can bring to one’s life.
The book is a vintage hardcover with gilt lettering on the cover and spine. It is in very good condition, with only slight fading and foxing on the edges. The book is well bound and contains 18 colored plates, making it a valuable addition to any art lover’s collection.
$105.00 -
RARE, 1948: Footlose in the Congo, by Roger Courtney
Footloose in the Congo is a rare first edition book written by Roger Courtney and published by Herbert Jenkins Limited in London in 1948. The book is a scarce account of the author’s life during a locust campaign as Chief Field Officer for an area in East Africa. The volume is not dated but has an inscription on the blank title page that reads “To Leslie, 1953.” The book is a blue cloth hardcover with impressed lettering on the spine and has moderate signs of fading and wear. There are minor signs of yellowing and aging on the pages, and there is a faded stamp on the inside of the back cover that reads “25 April 1953.” The book is in very good condition, aside from the faded cover, and might benefit from being rebound.
This book is a non-fiction account of the author’s experiences in East Africa during a locust campaign. It provides a rare glimpse into the life of a Chief Field Officer during this time period. The book is a first edition and is considered a valuable collector’s item. The author’s signature and an inscription on the blank title page add to the book’s value and historical significance. The book is in good condition, with only minor signs of wear and aging, and would make an excellent addition to any collection of books about Africa or non-fiction works about life in the mid-twentieth century.
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1967 The Naked Ape: A Zoologists Study of the Human Animal, by Desmond Morris, McGrawHill
The Naked Ape: A Zoologist’s Study of the Human Animal by Desmond Morris, first published in 1967. The book explores human behavior and society from a zoological perspective, examining the ways in which humans are similar to and different from other animals. Morris argues that humans are essentially animals, and that many of our behaviors and social structures can be explained by looking at our evolutionary history.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including human sexuality, aggression, communication, and culture. Morris uses examples from both human and animal behavior to illustrate his points, and he challenges many commonly-held beliefs about human nature. The Naked Ape was a controversial book when it was first published, but it quickly became a best-seller and has since become a classic of popular science writing.
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1978 People of the Lake: Mankind and its Beginnings, Richard E. Leakey, Roger Lewin
People of the Lake: Mankind and its Beginnings is a non-fiction book written by Richard E. Leakey and Roger Lewin. The book explores the origins of mankind and the evolution of human beings from their earliest beginnings. The authors draw on their extensive knowledge of anthropology and archaeology to present a comprehensive and engaging account of human evolution, from the emergence of the first hominids to the development of modern humans. The book is filled with photographs and illustrations that help to bring the story of human evolution to life.
The book is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of human evolution. The authors discuss the discovery of early hominid fossils, the development of stone tools, the emergence of language, and the spread of human beings across the globe. They also explore the social and cultural aspects of human evolution, including the development of art, religion, and music. Overall, People of the Lake is a fascinating and informative book that provides a detailed and engaging account of the origins of mankind.
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1973 Pentimento: A Book of Portraits, by Lillian Hellman
Pentimento: 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
Margaret 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
Little 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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1982: Classic Chinese Cuisine, by Nina Simonds
Classic Chinese Cuisine by Nina Simonds serves as a comprehensive guide to Chinese cooking. The book covers all the essential techniques of Chinese cooking and includes over 200 recipes, each accompanied by photographs and illustrations. The book has been singled out as one of the all-time cookbook bibles and is considered a must-have for anyone interested in Chinese cuisine.
The softcover volume, published in 1982 by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, is an early edition of the book, likely a second or third printing. Despite some expected wear marks on the cover, the book is in excellent condition.
$140.00 -
1980 Hope Against Hope: A Memoir, by Nadezhda Mandelstam, Atheneum, New York
Hope 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.
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1969 Unveiling Man’s Origins: Ten Decades of Thought About Human Evolution, by L.S.B. Leakey and Vanne Morris Goodal
Unveiling Man’s Origins is a non-fiction book co-authored by L.S.B. Leakey and Vanne Morris Goodall. The book explores the history of human evolution and the various theories and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of our origins. The book covers ten decades of thought about human evolution, starting from the 1860s and the publication of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, up to the 1960s when the book was published.
The book is divided into chapters that cover different periods of time and different aspects of human evolution. It includes photographs and illustrations to help readers visualize the discoveries and theories discussed in the book. Unveiling Man’s Origins is a comprehensive and informative book that provides readers with a detailed understanding of the history of human evolution and the various scientific discoveries that have contributed to our knowledge of our origins.