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1870s: Lord Lytton’s Works – 16 Volumes
$1,500.00Bulwer-Lytton’s works are characterized by their richly detailed narratives, exploring themes of love, power, ambition, and societal norms. He was adept at blending elements of the Gothic, historical fiction, and science fiction, which allowed him to reach a broad audience and influence the development of these genres. Notably, he is credited with popularizing the phrase “the pen is mightier than the sword” in his play “Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy” (1839).
Among his most celebrated novels are:
- “The Last Days of Pompeii” (1834): Set in the final days of Pompeii before the city is destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, this novel combines historical detail with a compelling narrative of love, betrayal, and fate.
- “Eugene Aram” (1832): A novel based on the true story of an 18th-century English scholar convicted of murder, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the pursuit of knowledge.
- “Paul Clifford” (1830): Famous for its opening line, “It was a dark and stormy night,” this novel delves into the life of its titular character, from his upbringing in the criminal underworld to his eventual reformation.
- “The Last of the Barons” (1843): A historical novel set during the Wars of the Roses, focusing on the power struggle between King Edward IV and the Earl of Warwick.
- “The Coming Race” (1871): An early science fiction novel that explores the concept of a subterranean world inhabited by an advanced society, known as the Vril-ya. This work has been influential in speculative fiction, exploring themes of utopia, technology, and superhuman powers.
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1813: The Works of Robert Burns in 4 Volumes
$1,000.00The Works of Robert Burns; with An Account of His Life, and Criticism of His Writings” is a comprehensive collection that pays homage to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Published in 1813 by T. Cadell and W. Davies in London, this seventh edition spans four volumes, offering an in-depth exploration of Burns’s life, his extensive correspondence, and his celebrated poetry. The set begins with a detailed account of Burns’s life and a critical analysis of his works, providing valuable insights into the man behind the iconic poems. Subsequent volumes compile Burns’s general and specific correspondence, showcasing his thoughts and interactions, along with miscellaneous poetry and pieces that were previously published, plus some notable additions.
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Youth: A Narrative, by Joseph Conrad, with notes by Ethel M. Sealey
$25.00“Youth: A Narrative” is a short story by Joseph Conrad, first published in 1898. It is often regarded as a semi-autobiographical work that delves into themes of adventure, youthful optimism, and the harsh realities of life at sea, which were familiar to Conrad from his own experiences. The story is narrated by Charles Marlow, a character who appears in several of Conrad’s other works, most notably in “Heart of Darkness” and “Lord Jim.”
The narrative of “Youth” centers around Marlow recounting his first voyage to the East as a young man aboard the Judea, a ship destined for Bangkok. The journey is beset with misfortunes: from carrying a seemingly cursed cargo of coal to encountering disastrous weather conditions, the voyage epitomizes the challenges and unpredictability of life at sea. Despite these hardships, the story is imbued with a sense of excitement and invincibility that often accompanies youth. Marlow reflects on these experiences with a sense of nostalgia and longing for the days of his youth, marked by an unshakeable belief in the future and a readiness to face the unknown.
Conrad’s narrative style in “Youth” is notable for its vivid descriptions and profound reflections. The story, while straightforward in its recounting of a sea voyage, is layered with deeper meanings about the passage of time, the loss of youthful idealism, and the coming to terms with one’s place in the world. Conrad’s own experiences as a sailor lend authenticity to the narrative, making it a compelling and realistic portrayal of maritime adventure.
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The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam & Six Plays of Calderon, translated by Edward Fitzgerald
$25.00“The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam & Six Plays of Calderon,” translated by Edward Fitzgerald, represents a unique blend of Eastern and Western literary traditions. Fitzgerald, better known for his translation of “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam,” brings a distinctive touch to both works, showcasing his skill in poetic interpretation and translation. -
1929: Typhoon and Other Stories, by Joseph Conrad
$25.00“Typhoon and Other Stories” by Joseph Conrad is a vivid representation of Conrad’s experiences as a seaman. “Typhoon,” the centerpiece of the collection, is a gripping tale of a steamship and its crew braving a fierce storm, serving as a powerful metaphor for the human struggle against overwhelming odds. Conrad’s narrative is renowned for its intense descriptions and psychological depth, delving into the inner lives of the characters as they face external dangers and their own internal conflicts. The stories in this collection are marked by Conrad’s characteristic themes of isolation, the unforgiving nature of the sea, and the complexities of moral and ethical dilemmas.
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A Maker of History, by E. Phillips Oppenheim
$35.00“A Maker of History”, written by E. Phillips Oppenheim and published by Ward, Lock & Co in London. The present copy is a small hardcover volume that measures 17x12cm. Red cloth binding and impressed ornamentation on the cover. The gilt lettering on the spine. Although the book shows moderate wear, including some spatter staining, it is in good overall condition. The 251-page volume contains no writing or marking. There is a partial separation from the spine at the title page.
“A Maker of History” is a historical novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through time. Set in an era of political intrigue and power struggles, the book explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions. Oppenheim weaves a compelling plot filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
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Horace Blake, by Mrs Wilfried Ward
$45.00“Horace Blake”, by Mrs Wilfried Ward, published by Hutchinson & Co in London. This undated volume spans 320 pages and is bound in red cloth with impressed ornamentation on the front cover and an advertisement for Fry’s breakfast cocoa on the back cover. The spine features gilt ornamentation and lettering, although there is some wear to the cover boards and fading to the spine. Inside the back cover is a pencil signature with a hotel address at the Ritz. The pages have yellowed due to the age of the book, and there are two small drip stains on the back cover. The book is in fair condition.
The novel is a work of fiction that follows the story of Horace Blake, delving into themes of love, loss, and the human experience. The author’s writing style and attention to detail make this book a valuable addition to any collection.
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1912: The Little Minister, by J. M. Barrie
$45.00“The Little Minister”, by J. M. Barrie, a small hardcover volume published by Cassell in London in early 1900s. This 375-page book is bound in burgundy cloth with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine. The cover shows minor wear, with rubbing mostly around the edges, corners, and spine folds. The front blank end paper features an owner inscription dated to 10/12, but there is no other writing or markings throughout the book. Despite a small damp stain with runny color on the corner of the title page (not obtrusive), the book remains well bound. The top page edges are gilt. The book is in good to very good condition.
“The Little Minister” tells the story of Gavin Dishart, a young and ambitious minister in the fictional Scottish village of Thrums. Set in the late 19th century, the novel explores themes of love, faith, and the clash between tradition and progress. Barrie’s vivid descriptions and engaging characters bring the village and its inhabitants to life, making this book a must-read for fans of classic literature.
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1990: Pictor’s Metamorphoses and Other Fantasies, by Hermann Hesse
$55.00“Pictor’s Metamorphoses and Other Fantasies”, written by Hermann Hesse and translated by Rika Lesser, is a collection of enchanting tales that transport readers into a world of imagination and introspection. Published by The Noonday Press, Farrar, Straus and Giroux in New York in 1990, this edition features an insightful introduction by Theodore Ziolkowski.
The compilation showcases Hesse’s mastery in storytelling, exploring themes of transformation, identity, and the power of art. Slight rubbing on cover, as good as new otherwise. While a slight crease on the spine indicates that the book has been opened, it has never been fully read.
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1962: Maigret Takes a Room, Sunday by George Simenon
$30.00Maigret Takes a Room, Sunday by George Simenon is a gripping detective novel, and the present copy was published by The Companion Book Club in London in 1962. Set in the atmospheric streets of Paris, the story follows the renowned detective, Maigret, as he investigates a mysterious murder that takes place in a small hotel room. Simenon’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the complex web of clues and suspects alongside the intuitive detective.
The present copy is tightly bound, in very good condition. Dustjacket is not price clipped.
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Typhoon and Other Stories, by Joseph Conrad
$20.00Vintage school edition of “Typhoon and Other Stories”, by Joseph Conrad. Red cloth hardcover volume, published by The Copp Clarke Company in Toronto. Gilt lettering on the cover and spine. Coverboards and spine show minor wear. Inside front and back covers are adorned with old reader notes, made in (now) faded ink, adding to the book’s historical appeal. Occasional pencil markings can be found throughout the book – the volume has been thoroughly read and studied. Although some pages have separated from the spine, they are still present. Back end paper is missing.
Joseph Conrad’s “Typhoon and Other Stories” is a collection of captivating tales that explore the themes of human nature and the power of nature itself. The book takes readers on a journey through the treacherous seas, delving into the lives of sailors and the challenges they face. With Conrad’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions, readers are transported to a world of adventure and danger.
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Precious Bane, by Mary Webb
$45.00Precious Bane, written by Mary Webb. The present copy was published by The Modern Library in New York. Undated.
Precious Bane is a poignant tale set in the early 1800s in the West Midlands of England. The story follows the journey of Prue Sarn, a young woman born with a cleft lip, as she navigates the challenges of her affliction and societal prejudice. Despite being told she will never find love or have children, Prue’s determination and inner strength shine through as she discovers her own worth and fights for her dreams. With its beautifully crafted narrative, Precious Bane explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and resilience.
This vintage hardcover edition is in very good condition, features a green cloth cover with slight rubbing on the front and a slight forward tilt to the spine. The book is clean and free of any writing or markings.
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1981: Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov
$25.00Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, is a controversial and thought-provoking novel that follows the story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged literature professor, who becomes infatuated with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames “Lolita.” The novel explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the destructive power of desire.
The present copy is a paperback edition published by Berkley Books in New York in 1981, 27th printing. The softcover volume is in good to very good condition, with some wear to the cover and spine, fold creases on the front and back, and minor tear along the spine. Despite the yellowing of pages due to the age of the book, it is very well bound with no writing or markings. -
Set of 2: As I Lay Dying, Sanctuary, by William Faulkner
$55.00This set of 2 volumes by William Faulkner includes two of his notable works, “As I Lay Dying” (1957) and “Sanctuary” (1958), both published by Random House. These hardcover volumes are bound in red cloth with gilt lettering on the cover and spine. The deckled fore-edges. Both volumes are in In mint condition.
“As I Lay Dying” is a contemporary novel that explores the Bundren family’s journey to bury their matriarch, Addie, in her hometown. Told through multiple perspectives, Faulkner delves into the complex dynamics of family relationships, grief, and the human condition.
“Sanctuary” is a gripping novel that delves into the dark underbelly of the American South. It follows the story of Temple Drake, a young woman who finds herself caught in a web of violence and corruption. Faulkner’s exploration of themes such as rape, justice, and morality makes “Sanctuary” a thought-provoking and impactful read.
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1947 First Edition: The Tin Flute, by Gabrielle Roy
$35.00First edition of The Tin Flute, by Gabrielle Roy, published by Reynal & Hitchcock in New York in 1947. Bound in cloth with gilt impressed ornamentation on the cover and lettering on the spine. The volume is in very good condition. The book block is tightly bound, with slight wear and rubbing on the cover and discoloration on the spine. The pages have discoloration due to age of the book, but there is no writing or markings.
The novel follows the lives of a working-class family in Montreal during the Great Depression, focusing on the struggles and dreams of the main character, Florentine. The book explores themes of poverty, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
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1954: Mary Anne, by Daphne Du Maurier
$35.00First American edition of “Mary Anne” by Daphne Du Maurier, published by Doubleday & Company in New York in 1954. This hardcover volume is bound in green cloth and spans 351 pages. The book exhibits minor wear on the cover boards and spine, particularly around the corners where the bottom corners are slightly folded inward. The volume is tightly bound, and free from any writing or markings. The pages have a slight toning due to age, the book is in very good+ condition.
Mary Anne is a historical novel based on Du Maurier’s great-great-grandmother, who was the mistress of Fredrick, Duke of York.
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1959: Some Came Running, by James Jones
$20.00Some Came Running, by James Jones, is a classic American novel set in the post-World War II era. This first edition book explores the lives of its three main characters, each struggling with their own demons and searching for meaning in their small town. With a keen eye for detail, Jones delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. Some Came Running offers readers a thought-provoking and introspective journey through the lives of its characters, ultimately questioning the nature of redemption and the pursuit of happiness.
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1951: The Conqueror, by John Tebbel
$25.00The Conqueror, by John Tebbel, published by E. P. Dutton & Co in New York in 1951. 352 pages.
Red leatherette hardcover volume with pictorial lettering on cover and spine. Cover has minimal wear, rubbing around corners and edges. Slight fading to spine. Very clean and tightly bound. No writing or markings. Slight toning to pages. Deckled fore-edges. Very good+. No dustjacket. -
1923: Never the Twain Shall Meet, by Peter B. Kyne
$40.00Never the Twain Shall Meet, by Peter B. Kyne, published by The Copp Clarke Co. in Toronto in 1923. 375 pages.
Olive green hardcover volume. Minimal wear to cover and spine. Inside front cover top corner had a stamp reading “green”. Front free end paper is missing. Pre-titular page – top corner clipped, Has a mild forward tilt. Book title and author written in pencil on back inside cover. No other writing on markings in the book. Some occasional foxing present. Very good condition for its age. -
1906: A Fair Insurgent, by George Horton
$30.00A Fair Insurgent, by George Horton, pbulished by Ward, Lock & Co in London, 1906. 313 pages.
Hardcover volume bound in green bloth with colored ornamentation on cover and spine. Cover has considerable wear, especially around corners and edges. Cloth is separating from block at top and bottom of spine (see photos to confirm condition.) Book block has some pencil markings on inside front cover. Staining on page edges, foxing and toning to pages. Good overall condition. All pages present.