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Alpine Ballad by Vasil Bykau
$25.00Alpine Ballad is a haunting narrative by Vasil Bykau, masterfully translated for English readers. Set towards the end of World War II, the novel follows a Belarusian soldier and an Italian girl as they escape from a Nazi concentration camp into a harsh, snowy wilderness.
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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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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. -
1945: Daisy Kenyon, by Elizabeth Janeway
$35.00Daisy Kenyon, by Elizabeth Janeway, published by Doubleday, Doran and Co in New York, 1945. Presumed first edition. 278 pages.
Olive-green hardcover volume with lettering on spine. No dustjacket. Minor wear and discoloration on cover and spine, some fading to spine. Slight toning to pages. Book is tightly bound with no writing or markings. Very good condition.
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1954: Youth and Gaspar Ruiz, by Joseph Conrad
$30.00Youth and Gaspar Ruiz is a collection of two novellas written by Joseph Conrad. The book features two distinct stories that explore the themes of youth, adventure, and the complexities of human nature. In Youth, Conrad takes readers on a gripping journey as he narrates the experiences of Marlow, a young seaman, who embarks on a treacherous voyage to the East. The story delves into the challenges and trials faced by Marlow, offering a profound reflection on the passage from youth to maturity. In Gaspar Ruiz, Conrad presents a tale of revolution and its aftermath, set in South America. The novella delves into the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Gaspar Ruiz, as he navigates the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and identity. With its vivid storytelling and exploration of human psyche, Youth and Gaspar Ruiz stand as a significant addition to Conrad’s body of work.
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1975: The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling
$25.00The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling, is a classic adventure novel set in the Indian jungle. The story follows the story of Mowgli, a young boy who is raised by wolves and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As he navigates the dangers of the wild, Mowgli encounters various animal characters, including the wise panther Bagheera and the cunning tiger Shere Khan. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Kipling explores themes of identity, belonging, and the delicate balance between humans and nature. With its timeless appeal and rich narrative, The Jungle Book remains a significant work in children’s literature, captivating readers of all ages.
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain
$35.00The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a classic coming-of-age novel set in the mid-19th century. The story follows the mischievous and imaginative Tom Sawyer as he navigates through various escapades in the small town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. From playing pirates on a deserted island to witnessing a murder, Tom’s adventures are filled with humor, excitement, and a touch of danger. This first edition book showcases Twain’s masterful storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of childhood and the complexities of growing up. With its timeless themes of friendship, freedom, and the power of imagination, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer continues to be a beloved literary work that appeals to readers of all ages.
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1968: Sacred and Profane: A Novel of the Life and Times of Mozart, by David Weiss
$65.00Sacred and Profane is a historical novel by David Weiss that delves into the life and times of the famous composer, Mozart. The book offers a unique perspective on Mozart’s life, exploring both his sacred and profane sides. Through vivid descriptions and well-researched historical details, Weiss takes readers on a journey through 18th century Europe, where Mozart’s music was both celebrated and controversial. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in classical music and the life of one of its greatest composers.
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1980: The Stone Angel, by Margaret Laurence
$45.00The Stone Angel is a classic Canadian novel that explores themes of aging, regret, and the search for identity. Set in the fictional town of Manawaka, the story follows the life of Hagar Shipley, an independent and stubborn woman in her nineties. As she reflects on her past and confronts her own mortality, Hagar’s journey becomes a poignant examination of the human spirit. With its lyrical prose and rich characterization, The Stone Angel is a timeless literary masterpiece that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the universal struggle to find meaning in one’s life.
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1961: Adam Bede, by George Eliot
$20.00Adam Bede is a classic novel written by George Eliot and published in 1961. Set in rural England during the early 19th century, the story revolves around the lives of Adam Bede, a hardworking carpenter, and Hetty Sorrel, a beautiful but naive young woman. As their paths intertwine, a tragic love triangle unfolds, testing the characters’ morals and values. Eliot’s insightful exploration of human nature, societal expectations, and the consequences of one’s actions make Adam Bede a thought-provoking and timeless work of literature.
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1948: Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson
$35.00Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, is a classic adventure novel set in 18th century Scotland. The story follows the young protagonist, David Balfour, as he is kidnapped and sold into slavery, and his subsequent journey to reclaim his inheritance and seek justice. The vintage hardcover edition, published by Grosset and Dunlap in 1948, features beautiful illustrations by Lynd Ward and is in excellent condition with minimal wear.
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1936: Anthony Adverse by Hervey Allen
$75.00Anthony Adverse by Hervey Allen is a classic historical novel published by Farrar and Rinehart in New York in 1936. The hardcover volume is bound in silver-colored cloth with dark lettering on the cover and spine. Despite minor wear to the cover, the book is in very good condition, with no markings or writing. The fading to page color and occasional foxing due to the age of the book add to its vintage charm. The deckled fore-edges and grey-colored top edges give the book an elegant touch. Set in the 18th century, the novel follows the life of the eponymous protagonist as he navigates through love, loss, and adventure. With its rich historical detail and compelling characters, Anthony Adverse is a valuable addition to any historical fiction collection.
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1969: Mark Twain’s Best: Eight Great Short Stories by America’s Master Humorist
$20.00Mark Twain’s Best: Eight Great Short Stories by America’s Master Humorist is a vintage paperback volume featuring a collection of humorous and thought-provoking short stories. Published by Scholastic Library Editions in 1969, this 250-page book includes classic tales such as “The Story of the Good Little Boy” and “The Diary of Adam and Eve”.