-
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.
-
1985 First Edition: Conquering Heroes, by Elizabeth Phillips
$175.00Conquering Heroes is a novel written by Elizabeth Phillips and published in 1985. The story revolves around a group of soldiers who return home after fighting in the Falklands War. The book explores the challenges they face as they try to reintegrate into civilian life, and the impact of their experiences on their relationships and mental health. The novel also delves into the political and social climate of the time, as well as the attitudes towards the war and those who fought in it.
Phillips’ writing is praised for its vivid descriptions and realistic portrayal of the characters’ emotions and struggles. The book is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the aftermath of war, and the toll it takes on those who serve.
$205.00 -
1988 First Edition: A Victim Must Be Found, A Benny Cooperman Mystery, by Howard Engel
$135.00A Victim Must Be Found is a gripping mystery novel by Howard Engel featuring his beloved detective Benny Cooperman. Set in Canada, the story follows Benny as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman named Linda. The case becomes increasingly complex as Benny uncovers a web of secrets and lies, and he must use all his skills to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
Engel’s writing is masterful, drawing the reader into the story with vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the final reveal. A Victim Must Be Found is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense, and a testament to Engel’s skill as a writer.
-
1971 First Edition: The House of the Deer, by D. E. Stevenson
$105.00The House of the Deer, written by D. E. Stevenson, is a novel that was first published in 1971. The story is set in Scotland and follows the lives of the Ayrton family, who have lived in the same house for generations. The main character, Harriet Ayrton, inherits the house from her uncle and decides to move there with her husband and children. However, they soon discover that the house is in need of repairs and they struggle to make ends meet. As they work to restore the house, they also uncover secrets about their family’s past and must confront the challenges that come with it.
This vintage first edition of The House of the Deer features a blue cloth hardcover with white leaf-shaped ornamentation on the spine and cover, and red stamped lettering on the spine. While the book body is almost as good as new, there is some fading on the cover and a small stain on the top front cover. The dust jacket has wear around the edges and evidence of moisture/dampness on the outside of the back side. Inside the dust jacket, there are blue areas where the book cover has stained the dust jacket.
$135.00 -
1966 First Edition: The House on the Cliff, D. E. Stevenson
$75.00The House on the Cliff by D. E. Stevenson is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of Emily Dennistoun, a young woman who inherits a house on the Scottish coast from her late cousin. Emily is excited to start a new chapter in her life, but soon discovers that the house holds dark secrets and a mysterious past. As she delves deeper into the history of the house and its former inhabitants, Emily uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal that threatens to destroy her newfound happiness.
-
1992 First Edition: China Lake, by Anthony Hyde
$45.00China Lake by Anthony Hyde is a gripping thriller that follows the story of a photojournalist, John Wells, who stumbles upon a conspiracy involving the U.S. Navy and a top-secret military base in California’s Mojave Desert. As Wells delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a sinister plot involving mind control experiments and a dangerous cult. Along the way, he must confront his own past and the demons that haunt him.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the Vietnam War, China Lake is a fast-paced and suspenseful novel that explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption. With its vivid descriptions of the California desert and its well-drawn characters, the book is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre.
-
1988 First edition: Waltz for a Pagan Drum, by Munroe Scott
$50.00Waltz for a Pagan Drum, a novel by Munroe Scott, is a gripping tale that takes readers on a journey through the life of a young man named David, who is struggling to find his place in the world. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, as David navigates the complexities of his relationships with family, friends, and lovers. From his idyllic childhood in rural Ontario, to his rebellious teenage years in Toronto, to his travels across Canada and beyond, David’s story is one of adventure, passion, and ultimately, redemption.
With its vivid descriptions of the Canadian landscape, its evocative portrayal of the counterculture of the 1960s, and its compelling characters, Waltz for a Pagan Drum is a must-read for anyone who loves literary fiction.
-
1964: You Only Live Twice, by Ian Fleming – James Bond Novel
$47.00You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming is a classic James Bond novel that was published in 1964. This book club edition is a hardcover volume with lettering on the spine. The book has three stamps belonging to the Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council in Michigan, and what appears to be three tiny bullet holes going through the front cover. Despite the bullet holes and stamps, the book is in fine condition with no other marks and tightly bound. The dust jacket is present but has moderate signs of wear.
The story follows James Bond as he travels to Japan to investigate the disappearance of a spacecraft and uncovers a sinister plot by the criminal organization SPECTRE.
-
1971 First Edition: Escape from Meerut, by Juliet Smith
$40.00Escape from Meerut is a thrilling adventure novel written by Juliet Smith and first published in 1971. The story follows the journey of a young British couple, Peter and Sally, who find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of espionage and betrayal in India during the 1940s. When Peter is falsely accused of murder, the couple must flee from the authorities and navigate their way through a treacherous landscape filled with spies, rebels, and corrupt officials. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a wise old guru, a beautiful Indian princess, and a cunning British agent, all of whom help them in their quest for freedom.
The novel is a fast-paced and exciting read, full of suspense and intrigue. Smith’s vivid descriptions of the Indian landscape and culture add depth and richness to the story, and her characters are well-drawn and engaging.
-
1965: The Purple Quest, a vivid novel of seafaring adventure by Frank G. Slaughter
$35.00The Purple Quest is a thrilling novel of seafaring adventure by Frank G. Slaughter. Set in the ancient world, the story follows the journey of Captain Demetrios and his crew as they embark on a dangerous quest to find the rare purple dye that is coveted by royalty. Along the way, they encounter treacherous storms, fierce pirates, and political intrigue, all while battling their own personal demons. As they navigate through the Mediterranean Sea, the crew must overcome numerous obstacles and challenges in order to succeed in their mission.
Slaughter’s vivid descriptions of the ancient world and the dangers of seafaring make for a thrilling read.
-
1981 First Edition: The White Hotel, by D. M. Thomas
$280.00The White Hotel explores the life of a young woman named Lisa Erdman, who is a patient of Sigmund Freud. The story is told through a series of dreams and memories that Lisa experiences, which reveal her traumatic past and the events that led her to seek treatment from Freud.
The book is a haunting and powerful exploration of trauma, memory, and the human psyche. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving work that has been praised for its vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and complex characters. The White Hotel is a must-read for anyone interested in the human condition and the ways in which we cope with the traumas of our past.
The present volume is the first edition of the book and is in mint condition.
$335.00 -
1959: Bull Dog Drummond, His Four Rounds With Carl Peterson, Described by Sapper
$75.00Bull Dog Drummond, His Four Rounds With Carl Peterson, Described by Sapper is a collection of the first four novels in the Bull Dog Drummond series, written by Sapper. The series follows the adventures of Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond, a former British Army officer who becomes a private detective. In this volume, readers are introduced to Drummond’s arch-nemesis, Carl Peterson, who provides a recurring antagonist throughout the series. The four novels included in this volume are: “Bull Dog Drummond”, “The Black Gang”, “The Third Round”, and “The Final Count”.
The book is a classic example of early 20th-century pulp fiction, with fast-paced action, daring heroics, and larger-than-life characters. Despite being written in the 1920s, the stories have a timeless quality that still resonates with readers today.
-
1996: Alias Grace, by Margaret Atwood
$65.00Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant who was convicted of murder in Canada in 1843. The novel is based on a true story and explores themes of memory, identity, and the nature of truth. The story is told from the perspectives of Grace and a young doctor who is trying to uncover the truth about the murders. As the doctor delves deeper into Grace’s past, he begins to question whether she is truly guilty or if she has been wrongly accused. The novel is a masterful blend of fact and fiction, and Atwood’s writing is both beautiful and haunting.
This early edition of Alias Grace is in excellent condition, with a beige hardcover and impressed ornamentation. The book is tightly bound and very clean, although the front blank paper is missing.
-
1949: A Graveyard to Let, Another Adventure of Sir Henry Merrivale, by Carter Dickson (John Dickson Carr)
$45.00A Graveyard to Let is a mystery novel by Carter Dickson (John Dickson Carr) that follows the adventures of Sir Henry Merrivale. The story takes place in a small village in England, where a group of people gather to investigate a haunted graveyard. However, things take a sinister turn when a murder occurs, and Sir Henry Merrivale is called upon to solve the case. The novel is full of twists and turns, and the reader is kept guessing until the very end.
-
1966: The Last Chronicle of Barset, by Anthony Trollope, volume 1 of 2
$45.00The Last Chronicle of Barset is a classic English novel by Anthony Trollope, and is the first volume of a two-part series. The book is part of the Everyman’s Library series and is introduced by Kathleen Tillotson. It is a beautifully designed hardcover volume with a red cover and gilt lettering on the spine. The book is in excellent condition, with no writing or markings, and has soft blue end papers and top edges. The dust jacket is bright pink with a drawing on the front, although it does show some signs of wear and fading on the spine.
The Last Chronicle of Barset is a tale of love, politics, and scandal set in the fictional county of Barsetshire. The novel follows the lives of several characters, including clergymen, politicians, and their families, as they navigate the complexities of Victorian society.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.