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1949: The Scarlet Tree Being the Second Volume of Left Hand, Right Hand! An Autobiography of Osbert Sitwell
$50.00The 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.
$55.00The 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
$65.00Romola, 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
$55.00Jo’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
$45.00Creeps 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
$45.00Ten 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
$65.00Perella 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
$60.00So 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.
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1984 The Will of the Tribe: An Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte Mystery, by Arthur W. Upfield, First Paperback Edition
$45.00The Will of the Tribe is a gripping murder mystery novel by Arthur W. Upfield, featuring Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte as the lead character. Set in the Australian outback, the story follows Inspector Bonaparte as he investigates the brutal murder of a wealthy cattle rancher. The case takes him on a dangerous journey through the rugged terrain of the outback, as he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal. With his sharp wit and analytical mind, Bonaparte must navigate through the complex social dynamics of the local tribe, who may hold the key to solving the case.
Upfield’s vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and his insightful portrayal of the indigenous culture make this book a fascinating read. The Will of the Tribe is a masterful blend of mystery, adventure, and cultural commentary, and is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
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1968: Edmund Spenser, a Selection of His Works
$40.00Edmund Spenser, a Selection of His Works is a vintage poetry book that features a collection of works by the English poet, Edmund Spenser. Edited by Ian C. Sowton, the book is part of the College Classics in English series, with Northrop Frye as the generator editor. The book includes selections from The Shepheardes Calender, The First Booke of the Faerie Queene, Two Canots of Mutabilitie, A Letter to Sir Water Raleigh, selections from Amoretti, Epithalamion, Prothalamion, and Fowre Hymnes.
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2008 First Edition Robert Ludlum’s ™ The Bourne Sanction: a new Jason Bourne novel by Eric van Lustbader
$55.00Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Sanction, a new Jason Bourne novel by Eric van Lustbader, is a thrilling addition to the Bourne series. The story follows Bourne as he is once again pulled back into the dangerous world of espionage and international intrigue. This time, Bourne is tasked with stopping a group of terrorists who are planning a devastating attack on the United States. As he navigates through a web of lies and deceit, Bourne must also confront his own past and the secrets that have been kept from him.
Van Lustbader’s writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, making The Bourne Sanction a page-turner from start to finish. Fans of the Bourne series will appreciate the return of their favorite character and the new challenges he faces in this latest installment.
$85.00 -
1956: The Tribe that Lost Its Head, by Nicholas Montsarrat, Fourth Printing
$95.00The Tribe that Lost Its Head by Nicholas Montsarrat is a novel that explores the conflict between colonialism and traditional ways of life in Africa. The story takes place in the fictional African country of Northlandia, where a tribe called the Wariri is facing the threat of losing their land to a British mining company. The novel follows the story of John Denson, a British administrator who is sent to Northlandia to negotiate with the Wariri and convince them to sell their land. However, Denson soon realizes that the Wariri are not willing to give up their land and their way of life without a fight. As tensions rise between the British and the Wariri, Denson must navigate a complex web of cultural differences, political intrigue, and personal relationships to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Montsarrat’s novel is a powerful commentary on the destructive impact of colonialism on traditional societies and the struggle for independence that characterized many African countries in the mid-twentieth century. Through vivid descriptions of the Wariri’s customs and beliefs, Montsarrat shows the reader the richness and complexity of African cultures that were often overlooked or dismissed by colonial powers.
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1961 set of 2: The Outline of History The Whole Story of Man, H.G. Wells, 200 maps and illustrations
$75.00The Outline of History: The Whole Story of Man is a two-volume account written by H.G. Wells, revised and updated by Raymond Postgate. The book covers the entirety of human history, from the earliest civilizations to the present day, and is accompanied by 200 maps and illustrations. The set was published in 1961 by Garden City Books and is a Book Club Edition.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of human history, including the rise and fall of empires, major world events, and the development of science and technology. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in history, and the inclusion of maps and illustrations helps to bring the content to life. The set is in near mint condition, with only slight wear on the dust jackets.
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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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1927: Our Village, by Mary Russell Mitford, with intro by Anne Thackeray Ritchie
$125.00Our Village is a collection of short stories by Mary Russell Mitford, originally published in the early 19th century. The stories are set in a fictional English village and depict the daily lives and struggles of its inhabitants. The book is introduced by Anne Thackeray Ritchie, who provides context and insight into Mitford’s life and work. The edition is illustrated by Hugh Thomson, adding a visual element to the charming and nostalgic tales.
The red cloth hardcover with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the spine gives the book an elegant and classic look. Despite some fading to the spine and slight wear to the cover, the book is in very good condition with no markings. The signature in old faded ink on the inside cover adds a personal touch and a sense of history to the book.
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1927-29 2 volumes: Three Plays for Puritans, and Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, part of Plays by Bernard Shaw series
$65.00The two-volume set, Three Plays for Puritans and Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, is a collection of plays that showcase Shaw’s wit and social commentary. Three Plays for Puritans includes The Devil’s Disciple, Caesar and Cleopatra, and Captain Brassbound’s Conversion, each exploring themes of morality, religion, and politics through Shaw’s signature satirical lens. In Saint Joan, Shaw tells the story of Joan of Arc and her trial and execution, using the historical figure to comment on issues of power and authority.
The blue softcover “leatherette” books are adorned with gilt lettering and ornamentation, though they show some wear and rubbing around the tops and bottoms of the spines. The pages have yellowed with age, but the set includes a newspaper/magazine clipping from 1924 and an inset vintage portrait of Shaw. Both volumes are signed in old faded ink on the inside covers, adding to the historical significance of this collection.
$85.00 -
1933: The Forsythe Saga, in 3 volumes, by John Galsworthy
$105.00The Forsythe Saga is a three-volume novel series by John Galsworthy, published as part of The Works of John Galsworthy Grove Edition. The first volume, The Man of Property, spans 406 pages and introduces readers to the Forsythe family and their wealth and power struggles. The second volume, Indian Summer of a Forsythe In Chancery, is 425 pages long and includes a 1925 newspaper clipping with a book review by George Sampson. This volume delves deeper into the family’s legal battles and emotional turmoil. The third and final volume, Awakening to Let, is 363 pages and concludes the saga with the next generation of Forsythes and their own struggles with love and money.
All three volumes are bound in green hardcovers with gilt lettering and ornamentation, and are in very good condition with no writing or other markings. The faded old ink signature on the inside cover adds to the vintage charm of this classic novel series.
The Forsythe Saga is a timeless tale of family, power, and love that has captivated readers for generations.
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1941: Ashenden or the British Agent, by W. Somerset Maugham
$225.00Ashenden or the British Agent is a classic novel written by W. Somerset Maugham. It follows the story of Ashenden, a British agent during World War I, as he goes on various missions to gather intelligence and thwart enemy plans. The novel is based on Maugham’s own experiences as a British agent during the war, giving it a sense of authenticity and realism.
The novel is divided into several short stories, each one detailing a different mission that Ashenden undertakes. Through these stories, Maugham explores the themes of espionage, betrayal, and loyalty. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful read, with well-developed characters and intricate plot twists. It is a must-read for fans of spy novels and historical fiction.
$300.00 -
1945:Glass Timberlane, by Sinclair Lewis
$75.00Glass Timberlane is a classic novel by Sinclair Lewis that was published in 1945. The book is set in the fictional town of Grand Republic, which is based on Lewis’s hometown of Sauk Centre, Minnesota. The story follows the life of a young lawyer named George F. Babbitt, who is struggling to find his place in the world. Babbitt is a man who is torn between his desire for success and his longing for something more meaningful in life. As he navigates the ups and downs of his career and personal life, Babbitt must confront the harsh realities of the world around him and come to terms with his own limitations.
The book is a powerful commentary on the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness in a rapidly changing world. Through Babbitt’s struggles, Lewis exposes the flaws and contradictions of modern society, while also celebrating the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
$120.00 -
1986 First edition: Heartbreak Hotel, by Gabrielle Burton – Winner of Maxwell Perkins Prize
$150.00Heartbreak Hotel by Gabrielle Burton is a novel that tells the story of a young woman named Sarah who sets out on a journey to find her father. Her father, who was a famous musician, abandoned her and her mother when Sarah was just a baby. Sarah is determined to find him and learn more about him and her own identity. She travels to various cities and meets a range of interesting characters along the way. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the search for meaning in life.
The book was the winner of the Maxwell Perkins Prize and was published in 1986 by Charles Scribner’s Sons. The first edition is a hardcover with a dust jacket in near mint condition. The original Coles price sticker is still on the front cover. There is a slight separation from the spine on the inside cover, which appears to be a manufacturing defect. Heartbreak Hotel is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and explores the complexities of family relationships.