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1947: Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift, illustrated by Alden Watson
Gulliver’s Travels is a classic work of fiction by Jonathan Swift, illustrated by Alden Watson. This revised and slightly abridged edition is part of the Illustrated Junior Library series by Grosset & Dunlap. The book follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s surgeon who finds himself stranded in various fantastical lands inhabited by strange creatures and encountering bizarre customs. The story is a satire on human nature and society, and Swift uses Gulliver’s experiences to comment on various aspects of 18th-century English society, including politics, religion, and science.
This vintage edition of Gulliver’s Travels is beautifully illustrated and in excellent condition, with no markings or writing in the book. Although the dust jacket shows minor wear, it would make a wonderful addition to any home library.
$75.00 -
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 -
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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1950: The Adventures of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Servantes Saavedra – Rare Penguin Paperback
The Adventures of Don Quixote is a classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra that follows the journey of an aging gentleman, Alonso Quixano, who becomes so enamored with tales of chivalry and adventure that he decides to become a knight himself. Donning a suit of armor and taking up a lance, he sets out on a quest to right wrongs and defend the honor of his lady love, Dulcinea. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters and engages in a series of comical and often absurd adventures that test his courage, his wit, and his sanity. The novel is a timeless masterpiece of satire and social commentary, exploring themes of identity, reality, and the power of imagination.
This particular edition of The Adventures of Don Quixote is a rare, vintage paperback published by Penguin Books in 1950.
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1967: Poems of Byron, Keats, and Shelley, selected and edited by Elliott Coleman, International Collectors Library
The 1967 edition of “Poems of Byron, Keats, and Shelley” is a collection of selected works from three of the most renowned poets of the Romantic era. Edited by Elliott Coleman, the volume includes complete shorter works and skillfully excerpted long poems, such as “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” “Prometheus Unbound,” and “To a Skylark.” The book is part of “The World’s Great Poetry” series of the International Collectors Library and is bound in a soft tan Marie Antoinette replica binding with 24K gold decoration, top edges coated with real gold, and a matching ribbon marker.
The original binding of the volume, on which this replica was based, encased a copy of the Iliad bound by Derome the Younger for Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France. The design of Derome’s binding was adapted by American artist Rafael Palacios for this Collectors Library volume, retaining much of the decoration intact. The book is a collectible item, unopened and unread, and includes the original inlay from ICL with the presentation of the work and the Marie Antoinette binding.
$210.00 -
1969: Doctor Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak, International Collectors Library
Doctor Zhivago is a classic Russian novel by Boris Pasternak set during the tumultuous times of 1903 to 1943 in Russia. The novel follows the life of Dr. Zhivago as he tries to maintain his humanity and spiritual integrity in a society that is divided by class, family, love, and ultimately, man’s own inner struggles. Pasternak’s portrayal of the social and moral dilemma faced by the characters is both convincing and brilliant.
This edition of Doctor Zhivago is part of the Classical Russian Novels series of the International Collectors Library. The book is beautifully bound in wine red and stamped with handsome gilt foil, replicating the design found on a rare old volume in the library of Czar Alexander II. The binding was executed by the distinguished American artist Rafael Palacios and includes a matching ribbon marker. This collectible edition is new and unread, with only a minor bent on the top cover corner. The deckled fore-edges and original inlay from ICL with presentation of the work and its binding make this edition a must-have for any collector of classic literature.
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1969: Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, International Collectors Library
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott is a historical novel that has become a classic in English literature. The book is set in the 12th century and tells the story of the eponymous hero, a Saxon knight who is caught up in the conflict between the Normans and the Saxons. Ivanhoe is in love with Lady Rowena, but she is betrothed to another man. Meanwhile, the evil Prince John is plotting to take the throne from his brother, King Richard the Lionheart. Ivanhoe must use his courage and wit to fight against Prince John and his allies, including the cruel Templar knight, Brian de Bois-Guilbert. Along the way, Ivanhoe meets a cast of memorable characters, including the wise Jewish moneylender, Isaac of York, and the beautiful and brave Rebecca, who becomes Ivanhoe’s ally and love interest.
This edition of Ivanhoe is a collectible item from the International Collectors Library, with a beautiful binding designed by French master bookbinder Emile Mercier and recreated by contemporary American designer Rafael Palacios. The book has deckled fore-edges and a matching ribbon marker. The replica edition closely follows the conception of Mercier’s design, with a slate blue cover and genuine gold filigree on the front and spine. This edition is new, unopened, and unread, making it a perfect addition to any collector’s library.
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Vintage Book Bundle Early Editions Zane Grey, G. A. Henty, Ralph Connor, Ames Thompson, Frank Gree Patchin
This vintage book bundle includes early editions of novels by popular authors such as Zane Grey, G. A. Henty, Ralph Connor, Ames Thompson, and Frank Gree Patchin. The books show signs of wear and tear consistent with their age, such as fading pages, cover and spine wear, and staining. Some of the books also contain beautiful ink inscriptions or are signed by previous owners, adding to their charm and history.
Despite their age and wear, these books are fully readable and make a beautiful vintage decorative set. The bundle includes titles such as The Pony Rider Boys In Texas, The Adventure Boys and the River of Emeralds, The Golden Canon, The Sky Pilot in No Man’s Land, Wanderer of the Wasteland, and The Mysterious Rider.
$75.00 -
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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1889: Poetical Works by Elizabeth Barret Barret (Mrs. E. B. Browning)
Poetical Works by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a collection of poems by the renowned poet, published by George Routledge and Sons in London. The hardcover volume features a half leather binding with a leather spine and corners, adorned with gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine. The fore-edges are painted in the same color and design as the endpapers and cover. The book is in a fine condition with minimal wear, except for a rip separating the front cover from the spine, which is being held together by thread.
$105.00 -
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.