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1973: Heath Robinson: Artist and Comic Genius, by John Lewis
“Heath Robinson: Artist and Comic Genius” by John Lewis, published in 1973 by Harper & Row in New York, is an exploration of the life and work of W. Heath Robinson, a renowned British cartoonist and illustrator. Known for his intricate and whimsical machinery illustrations, Heath Robinson earned a reputation as a comic genius with a distinctive style that still resonates with audiences today. In this book, John Lewis delves into Robinson’s artistic journey, providing a comprehensive look at his wide-ranging work that spanned book illustrations, magazine cartoons, and wartime sketches. The book is not only a celebration of Robinson’s artistic achievements but also an intimate look at the man behind the famed contraptions and his impact on the world of art and humor.
Lewis’s book is richly illustrated with Robinson’s work, offering readers a visual feast of his most iconic creations. It details how Robinson’s art evolved over time, reflecting the changing social and political landscapes of his era. The author expertly weaves biography with artistic analysis, revealing how Robinson’s unique blend of whimsy and satire was often a commentary on the absurdities of modern life.
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1987: Gershwin, by Edward Jablonski
“Gershwin” by Edward Jablonski is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and work of the legendary American composer, George Gershwin. The book offers readers a deep exploration of Gershwin’s musical genius and his impact on the world of music, providing a detailed account of Gershwin’s upbringing, his rise to fame, and his enduring legacy.
Published by Doubleday in New York in 1987, the present volume is a stated first edition. The book is in almost new condition, with only minor wear at the bottom edge of the dust jacket and a small pencil mark on the pre-titular page. Not price clipped and appears not to have been read, this book is a valuable addition to any music lover’s collection.
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1968: Small Antiques for the Collector, by Douglas Gohm
“Small Antiques for the Collector” by Douglas Gohm is a valuable vintage reference book for antique enthusiasts. Published by Arco Publishing in New York in 1968, this hardcover volume is bound in blue cloth with gilt lettering on the spine. With 223 pages, it provides a comprehensive guide to small antiques, offering insights into their history, value, and significance.
The book is in very good condition, with only minor rubbing and wear along the top edges of the cover boards. It is tightly bound and free from any markings or writing. Although there is slight fading to the page color due to its age, this does not detract from the overall quality of the book. No dustjacket.
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1958 First Edition: The Pageant of England: the Three Edwards, by Thomas B. Costain
First edition of “The Pageant of England: The Three Edwards”, published in 1958 by Doubleday & Company. The blue hardcover volume features lettering on the spine and shows slight wear on the bottom of the spine. While the dust jacket is not present, the book is well bound and in almost new condition. Inside the front cover, there are small stickers with the owner’s name, but no other writing or markings are found within the book.
In this comprehensive historical account, Costain explores the reigns of three English kings: Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III. The book delves into the political, social, and cultural aspects of medieval England, providing readers with a deep understanding of this fascinating period. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Costain brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of these influential monarchs. The Three Edwards is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in English history.
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1960: One Hour, by Lillian Smith
One Hour, by Lillian Smith, is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of race, identity, and societal expectations in the American South during the 1960s. It explores the story of a young African American man named Joe, who finds himself torn between his own desires and the expectations placed upon him by his community. Set against the backdrop of racial tensions and the civil rights movement, Smith’s novel offers a powerful exploration of the human struggle for freedom and self-discovery. With its poignant narrative and insightful commentary, One Hour is a significant work that continues to resonate with readers today.
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1972: The Boys of Summer, by Roger Kahn
The Boys of Summer, by Roger Kahn, is a non-fiction book that delves into the world of baseball. This first edition book takes readers on a journey through the Brooklyn Dodgers’ history, focusing on the team’s heyday in the 1950s. Kahn, a sportswriter, provides a detailed and comprehensive account of the players, their triumphs, and their struggles. The book-of-the-month club selection offers a nostalgic look at a bygone era and explores the significance of baseball as a cultural phenomenon. With its vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, The Boys of Summer is a must-read for both baseball enthusiasts and those interested in American history.
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1983: The Pyrates, by George MacDonald Fraser
The Pyrates, by George MacDonald Fraser, is a swashbuckling adventure novel set in the Golden Age of piracy. The story follows the exploits of the notorious pirate, Captain Ben Avery, as he embarks on a perilous journey to find a legendary treasure. Filled with action, humor, and memorable characters, The Pyrates is a thrilling tale that captures the spirit of the high seas. Fraser’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling make this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and pirate lore.
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2005 First Edition: Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, by Anne Rice
Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt is a historical fiction novel by Anne Rice, published by Alfred Knopf in New York in 2005. The book follows the story of Jesus Christ as a young boy, as he and his family flee to Egypt to escape King Herod’s order to kill all young boys. The novel explores themes of faith, family, and the struggle to understand one’s destiny.
This first edition hardcover volume is in excellent condition, with a mint book block and a dustjacket that shows minor wear and rubbing, as well as slight unevenness at the bottom consistent with exposure to dampness.
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1980 Signed First Edition: Who Stole Kathy Young? by Margaret Goff Clark
Who Stole Kathy Young? by Margaret Goff Clark is a mystery novel published in 1980. The story revolves around the disappearance of a young girl named Kathy Young and the subsequent investigation to find her. The book is written in a classic whodunit style, with multiple suspects and twists and turns throughout the plot. The first edition of the book is signed by the author and is in excellent condition, making it a valuable collectible for fans of the genre.
Who Stole Kathy Young? is a gripping and well-written mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s attention to detail and skillful character development make for a compelling and engaging read. Fans of classic mystery novels will appreciate the book’s intricate plot and clever twists, while those new to the genre will find it to be an excellent introduction to the world of mystery fiction. With its rare first edition signed by the author, this book is a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
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1985 First Edition: Conquering Heroes, by Elizabeth Phillips
Conquering 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
A 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.
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1971 First Edition: The House of the Deer, by D. E. Stevenson
The 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
The 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.
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Robert Ludlum’s first editions The Bourne Objective, The Ambler Warning, The Bourne Supremacy
This set of three first edition books by Robert Ludlum includes The Bourne Objective, The Ambler Warning, and The Bourne Supremacy.
The Bourne Objective is a new Jason Bourne novel written by Eric Van Lustbader and published in 2010. The book features a blue hardcover with gilt stamped lettering on the spine and a dust jacket. It is in very fine condition and is a first edition, first printing.
The Ambler Warning, published in 2005, is also a first edition, first printing. It features a dark cloth hardcover with gilt stamped lettering on the spine and a dust jacket. The book is in very fine condition.
The Bourne Supremacy, published in 1986, is a first Random House edition with a number line starting with 2. It features a dark cloth hardcover with “Robert Ludlum” impressed on the cover and gilt stamped lettering on the spine. The dust jacket has a chip/rip toward the bottom of the spine, but the book is still in fine to good condition.
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1988 First Edition – Equator: A Journey, by Thurston Clarke
Equator: A Journey was written by Thurston Clarke, and published in 1988. The book is a travelogue that chronicles the author’s journey along the equator, covering a distance of 25,000 miles across four continents. Clarke’s journey takes him through a diverse range of cultures and landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the deserts of Africa, and from the bustling cities of Asia to the remote islands of the Pacific.
Throughout the book, Clarke provides vivid descriptions of the people, places, and experiences he encounters on his journey. He also reflects on the history and significance of the equator, and how it has shaped the cultures and societies that lie along its path.
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1992 First Edition: China Lake, by Anthony Hyde
China 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.
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1981 First Edition: The White Hotel, by D. M. Thomas
The 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 -
1969: Maigret and the Killer, by Georges Simenon
Maigret and the Killer is a crime fiction novel by Georges Simenon, first published in 1969. The book follows the story of Chief Inspector Maigret, who is tasked with investigating a series of murders in Paris. As he delves deeper into the case, Maigret finds himself drawn into a web of deceit and betrayal, and must use all his skills to uncover the truth behind the killings.
Simenon’s writing is known for its atmospheric descriptions of Paris, and Maigret and the Killer is no exception. The book captures the gritty, noirish feel of the city in the late 1960s, and is full of vivid characters and unexpected twists. Fans of classic crime fiction will enjoy this gripping tale of murder and intrigue, which is sure to keep them guessing until the very end.
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1968 First Edition – So Young to Burn: a Superintendent West Story, by John Creasey
So 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
The 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.