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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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1984 – Uninvited Guests: Thirteen Unwelcome Guests, collection of stories edited by Peter S. Smith
Uninvited Guests: Thirteen Unwelcome Visitors is a collection of short stories edited by Peter S. Smith and published by William Kimber in 1984. The book features works by renowned authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, Elizabeth Bowen, and Guy de Maupassant, among others. The stories revolve around the theme of unwelcome visitors, with each author bringing their unique style and perspective to the collection.
This book is a must-read for fans of horror and suspense, as it offers a diverse range of stories that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The volume and dust jacket are in near-perfect condition, making it a collectible item for book enthusiasts.
$160.00 -
1950: Women in Love, by D. H. Lawrence
Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence is a classic novel that was re-issued in 1950. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Ursula and Gudrun, as they navigate love, relationships, and societal expectations in early 20th century England. The novel explores themes of sexuality, gender roles, and the struggle for personal freedom and fulfillment. Lawrence’s writing style is known for its poetic and philosophical nature, and Women in Love is no exception. The book is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its vivid characters and thought-provoking themes.
This particular edition of Women in Love is a collectible item, with an immaculate green hardcover cloth volume and gilt ornamentation on the cover. The book is in very fine condition, as good as new, and features deckled edges.
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1925: The Great Pandolfo, by William J. Locke
The Great Pandolfo is a novel by William J. Locke that tells the story of Pandolfo, a talented musician who is forced to leave his home country of Italy and seek refuge in England due to a scandal. In England, Pandolfo struggles to make a living as a musician and ends up working as a waiter in a restaurant. However, his talent is eventually discovered by a wealthy woman named Lady Millingham, who becomes his patron and helps him achieve success as a musician. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.
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1968: Send Him Victorious, by Douglas Hurd and Andrew Osmond
Send Him Victorious is a political thriller novel written by Douglas Hurd and Andrew Osmond. The book is set in 1968, a year of political turmoil and social unrest in Britain. The story revolves around the Prime Minister of Britain, Harry Carrington, who is facing a crisis as the country is on the brink of a revolution. With the help of his loyal aides, Carrington must navigate through the political landscape and make tough decisions to save his government from collapsing.
The authors, both former politicians, use their insider knowledge to create a gripping and realistic portrayal of the political world. The book is filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end.
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1931: The History of Chevalier Des Grieux and of Manon Lescaut, by Abbe Prevost D’Exiles
The History of Chevalier Des Grieux and of Manon Lescaut is a classic French novel by Abbe Prevost D’Exiles, originally published in 1731. The novel tells the tragic love story of Des Grieux, a young nobleman, and Manon Lescaut, a beautiful and charming woman who leads him into a life of debauchery and crime. The novel is renowned for its vivid portrayal of 18th-century French society, its exploration of the themes of love, passion, and morality, and its powerful and emotional ending. This edition of the novel, translated by Helen Waddel and with an introduction by George Saintsbury, was published in London in 1931 and is a beautiful antique volume with a cloth spine, gilt lettering, and deckled fore-edges.
Despite some wear and rubbing around the corners and edges of the faded board covers, the book is in near-immaculate condition, with no writing or markings on the pages. This edition is a wonderful example of a classic French novel and a beautiful addition to any book collection.
$75.00 -
2003, 1st Canadian Edition: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The book follows Harry Potter, now fifteen years old, as he returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his fifth year. However, this year is different as the Ministry of Magic refuses to believe that Lord Voldemort has returned and is actively working against Harry and Dumbledore. Meanwhile, Harry struggles with the emotional aftermath of witnessing Cedric Diggory’s murder and the isolation he feels from his friends.
The book explores themes of power, corruption, and the importance of standing up for what is right. It also introduces new characters such as Dolores Umbridge, a Ministry-appointed teacher who becomes a tyrant at Hogwarts, and members of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society dedicated to fighting Voldemort. With its fast-paced action and emotional depth, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a beloved addition to the series.
$110.00 -
1924: Shirley, a novel by Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte, part XIV of the World’s Classics
Shirley is a novel written by the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, and was published in 1924. The story is set in Yorkshire during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the lives of two young women, Caroline and Shirley. Caroline is a quiet and reserved girl who lives with her uncle, while Shirley is a wealthy heiress who owns a large estate. The two women become friends and their lives become intertwined as they navigate love, politics, and social class in a changing world.
The novel is a classic example of Victorian literature and explores themes of gender roles, class divisions, and the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. The Bronte sisters were known for their strong female characters and Shirley is no exception. The novel is a captivating read that transports the reader to a bygone era and provides a glimpse into the lives of women during a time of great social and political change.
$65.00 -
RARE 1899: The King’s Mirror, by Anthony Hope
The King’s Mirror is a rare first edition novel written by Anthony Hope and published in 1899. The book is a dark green hardcover volume with gilt lettering on the cover and spine, and deckled bottom edges. It has a pencil owner signature on the front end-page, but no other writing or markings in the book. Despite some minor foxing on the fore-edges, the book is in fine condition.
The novel follows the story of a young man named Rupert of Hentzau, who becomes involved in a plot to overthrow the king of Ruritania. The book is a sequel to Hope’s earlier novel, The Prisoner of Zenda, and features many of the same characters. The King’s Mirror is a thrilling adventure story filled with political intrigue, romance, and betrayal.
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1834 Parecbolae sive excerpta e corpore statutorum Universitatis Oxoniensis
The 1834 Parecbolae sive excerpta e corpore statutorum Universitatis Oxoniensis is a book that contains a collection of statutes and articles of religion from the University of Oxford. The book is intended for academic youth and was published in 1834. It includes the XXXIX articles of religion in the Anglican Church, as well as oaths of fidelity and supremacy. The book is bound in a light tanned leather hardcover with gilt ornamentation on the spine and cover. The inside cover and all edges are marbled. Although there is some expected rubbing and minor wear on the cover, there is no writing or markings in the book. There is some minor foxing on end pages, and occasional fading on pages throughout the book. Overall, the book is in very good condition, well-bound, clean, and ready for a new owner.
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1970s: Barchester Towers, by Anthony Trollope, International Collectors Library
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope is a classic novel that has been beautifully reproduced in a vintage edition by the International Collectors Library. The book features drawings by Donald McKay and is bound in dark green leatherette with rich gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine. The deckled edges and top edges gilt add to the vintage charm of the book. The replica edition closely follows the original design by French master bookbinder Emile Mercier, with an all-over pattern of squares running diagonally and rosettes at each corner. The spine bears raised bands and is divided into six panels with a gold pointelle ornament. The slate blue cover has genuine gold on the filigreed front cover and panelled spine, and there is a matching ribbon marker. This collectible edition of Barchester Towers is part of the Great English Novels of the 19th Century series and would make a wonderful gift for any lover of classic literature.
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1969: Arundel, by Kenneth Roberts, International Collectors Library
Arundel by Kenneth Roberts is a historical fiction novel set during the early days of the American Revolution. The story follows Benedict Arnold and his army of colonials as they make their way through the Maine wilderness towards Quebec. The author’s meticulous attention to historical detail is evident in his descriptions of the exact locations of barricades, defending forces, and houses in old Quebec at the time of Arnold’s attack. The novel is not only an engaging story but also a fresh and shrewd approach to pre-Revolutionary American history.
The International Collectors Library edition of Arundel is bound in wine red with a pronounced grain and features a cover design by celebrated American artist and designer Rafael Palacios. The design includes original arrangements of lines and geometric forms that reflect the dynamic impact of twentieth-century literature upon the culture and thinking of our times. The volume is stamped in genuine 24K gold on the cover and spine and features coated gold top edges and a matching ribbon marker. The clean, uncluttered design and attention to detail make this edition a beautiful addition to any collection.