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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”.
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1955: The Collected Stories, by Isaac Babel
$25.00The Collected Stories by Isaac Babel is a compilation of the author’s short stories, showcasing his unique writing style and exploration of themes such as war, violence, and the human condition.
Published by Meridian Fiction in 1955, this 381-page paperback volume features a pictorial cover and shows slight fading and minor wear consistent with its age. The stories within this collection offer a poignant and thought-provoking look at the complexities of human nature, making it a valuable addition to any literature lover’s collection. With no writing or markings and a tightly bound volume, this book is in good condition for its age, with only a few fold creases and minor rubbing on the cover and page edges.
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1925: Gerald Cranston’s Lady, a romance by Gilbert Frankau
$25.00This listing is for a hardcover edition of “Gerald Cranston’s Lady” by Gilbert Frankau, published in 1925. The book is a romance novel set in London and spans 370 pages. The volume features a cloth-bound cover with some wear and discoloration consistent with its age, as well as fading on the spine and a damp stain on the lower portion of the spine and back cover. Despite these signs of wear, the book remains well bound and is inscribed in pencil on the inside front cover, dated to Aug. 1926. The pages show slight yellowing and occasional foxing. Overall, this vintage edition of Gerald Cranston’s Lady offers a glimpse into a bygone era and would make a valuable addition to any collection of classic romance novels.
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1926 First Edition: Labels, by A. Hamilton Gibbs
$25.00Labels by A. Hamilton Gibbs is a first edition published by McClelland and Stewart in 1926. This 295-page black hardcover volume with red lettering on the cover and spine shows moderate wear, with the top of the spine missing and a moderate forward tilt. The inside front cover contains two inserts – instructions for borrowing the book from Burton’s Limited circulation library and a newspaper clipping about Major Gibbs, dated 1958 and marked by Wallace Library, Booth No. 9. The back inside cover contains nearly 60 library borrowing stamps from October 1926 to May 1927. This historical fiction novel is a valuable addition to any collection and provides a glimpse into the popularity of literature in the early 20th century. The book’s condition is accurately depicted in the provided photos.
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1946: The Valley of Decision, by Marcia Davenport
$25.00The Valley of Decision, written by Marcia Davenport and published in 1946, is a 640-page historical novel set in Pittsburgh during the 19th century. The story follows the Scott family and their struggles during the rise of the steel industry, touching on themes of love, ambition, and social class. This black hardcover volume is in good condition, with slight wear on the front cover and clean pages. The deckled fore-edges add to the vintage charm of the book, making it a valuable addition to any historical fiction collection.
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1949: A Rage to Live, by John O’Hara
$20.00A Rage to Live is a classic novel by John O’Hara, originally published by Random House in New York in 1949. The black hardcover volume features impressed ornamentation and gilt lettering on the cover and spine, with some lettering partially rubbed off on the spine. Despite its age, the book is well-bound and in very good condition, with only a little yellowing on the pages.
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1945 First Edition: Mine Own Executioner, by Nigel Balchin
$150.00Mine Own Executioner is a psychological thriller written by Nigel Balchin. Originally published in 1945, this dark and gripping novel explores the complexities of the human mind and the consequences of one’s actions. Set in post-World War II London, the story follows Felix Milne, a psychologist who is assigned to treat a traumatized pilot suffering from amnesia. As Milne delves deeper into the pilot’s psyche, he uncovers a web of secrets and dark desires that threaten to consume them both. With its thought-provoking exploration of guilt, identity, and the limits of sanity, “Mine Own Executioner” is a must-read for fans of psychological suspense.
Despite its age, this hardcover volume is in good condition, with some wear and tear on the dust jacket. The book itself is clean and tightly bound, and it even includes original newspaper clippings from 1946 that provide historical context to its publication. A true gem for collectors and enthusiasts of classic psychological fiction.
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1995 First Edition – The Adventures of Maqroll: Four Novellas, by Alvaro Mutis
$50.00The Adventures of Maqroll: Four Novellas is a collection of interconnected stories written by Alvaro Mutis. Published by HarperCollins in 1995, this first edition, first printing book spans 369 pages and is in brand new, fine condition. With a full number line and an intact dust jacket, this book is a valuable addition to any literary collection.
The novellas follow the adventures of the enigmatic Maqroll, a wandering sailor who embarks on various journeys across different landscapes, encountering diverse characters and exploring themes of love, friendship, and the search for meaning. Mutis’ exquisite storytelling and vivid imagery make this contemporary novel a must-read for fans of adventure and introspection.
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1980: World of Wonders, by Robertson Davies
$55.00World of Wonders is a thought-provoking novel written by Robertson Davies and published by Penguin Books in Canada in 1980. This vintage paperback edition, spanning 315 pages, is a pristine copy that has never been fully opened, making it a true gem for collectors and avid readers. Set in a small Canadian town, the story follows the life of Magnus Eisengrim, a renowned illusionist, as he unveils the secrets of his extraordinary career. Exploring themes of identity, illusion, and the power of storytelling, this contemporary novel offers readers a captivating journey into the world of magic and self-discovery.
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1899: A Monk of Cruta, by E. Phillips Oppenheim
$95.00A Monk of Cruta is a historical novel written by E. Phillips Oppenheim and published by Ward, Lock & Co in London in 1899. This 317-page hardcover volume is bound in burgundy cloth, featuring elegant gilt lettering on the cover and spine. Although the book shows minor staining and wear on the cover and spine, these blemishes are consistent with its age and add to its vintage charm. The book is tightly bound, and while there is some fading to the pages due to the passage of time, it remains in very good condition overall.
Set in a captivating historical backdrop, the plot follows the journey of a monk who finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal dilemmas.
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1905: A Maker of History, by E. Phillips Oppenheim
$95.00A Maker of History is a historical novel written by E. Phillips Oppenheim and published by Ward, Locke & Co in London in 1905. This second edition, consisting of 315 pages, is a valuable addition to any history enthusiast’s collection. The book features a blue hardcover with color and gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, showcasing its exquisite design.
Although there is minor wear and rubbing on the cover and spine, particularly around the edges, the book remains in very good condition for its age. Inside, the front advertisement page is separated from the spine but is still present. The pages have yellowed and show signs of foxing, which is expected given its age.
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1972: Old Tales Retold, by Lu Hsun
$40.00Old Tales Retold by Lu Hsun, second edition published by Foreign Language Press in Peking in 1972. This compact softcover volume consists of 137 pages and offers a collection of retold tales.
The book explores various themes and provides a fresh perspective on traditional stories.
With minor rubbing, wear, and staining on the cover, the book is in very good condition overall. It is clean, without any writing or markings, and tightly bound. A red stamp belonging to the National Publications Centre can be found on the bottom back cover.
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2010 First Edition: Beatrice & Virgil, by Yann Martel
$55.00Beatrice & Virgil is a contemporary novel written by Yann Martel and published by Alfred Knopf in Canada in 2010. This first edition, first printing with a full number line is a collector’s copy. The book features a pictorial grey hardcover volume and an immaculate dust jacket. With 197 pages, this brand new and unread book is in pristine condition.
The novel delves into the lives of the characters Beatrice and Virgil, exploring their complex relationship and the themes of art, morality, and the Holocaust. Martel weaves a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to contemplate the power of storytelling and the nature of humanity. With its unique blend of fiction and allegory, Beatrice & Virgil offers a profound and introspective reading experience.
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1986 First Edition – Lillian Hellman: The Image, The Woman, by William Wright
$65.00Lillian Hellman: The Image, The Woman by William Wright is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and legacy of the renowned playwright and author, Lillian Hellman. Published by Simon & Schuster in New York in 1986, this first edition, first printing offers readers a deep insight into Hellman’s fascinating journey. Both the book and dust jacket are in mint condition, having never been read. While a tiny black mark is visible at the bottom page edges, it does not detract from the overall pristine quality of this valuable piece.
This biography explores Hellman’s remarkable career, her influential works, and the key themes of truth, justice, and personal integrity that are central to her writings.
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1947: Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift, illustrated by Alden Watson
$55.00Gulliver’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 -
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.
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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.
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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.
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1925: The Talisman, a Romance by Sir Walter Scott, Bart., edited by Rederick Treudley, A. B.
$55.00The Talisman, a Romance by Sir Walter Scott, Bart. is a classic novel edited by Rederick Treudley, A. B. The story is set during the Third Crusade and follows the adventures of a Scottish knight named Sir Kenneth, who is sent to the Holy Land to aid King Richard the Lionheart in his fight against the Saracens. Along the way, Sir Kenneth falls in love with a beautiful Saracen princess named Edith, and must navigate the complex political and religious tensions of the time in order to protect her and fulfill his duty to his king.
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1918: Romola, vol. IV, by George Eliot
$65.00Romola, 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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1957: Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out, a sequel to “Little Men”, by Louisa May Alcott
$55.00Jo’s Boys and How They Turned Out is a sequel to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Men. The book follows the lives of the boys from the original story as they grow up and face the challenges of adulthood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of education. The book is illustrated by Ruth Ives and was published by Nelson Doubleday Inc in 1957. The volume is a beautiful leather hardcover with green and beige coloring, stamped ornamentation on the cover, and silver and black stamped lettering and decoration on the spine. Despite a small scratch on the cover and slight foxing on the top page edges, the book is remarkably preserved and has no writing or markings of any kind.
$80.00 -
1941: Ten Famous Plays, by John Galsworthy: Silver Fox, Joy, Strife, Justice, The Skin Game, Loyalties, Windows, Old English, Escape
$45.00Ten Famous Plays is a collection of plays written by John Galsworthy and published in 1941. The volume contains ten plays, including The Silver Fox, Strife, Justice, The Skin Game, Loyalties, Windows, Old English, Escape, and The Roof. The book is bound in blue leather with gilt lettering and an emblem of Sir John Deane’s Grammar School on the front cover. Despite some wear and rubbing around the edges and corners, the book is well-bound and in good condition, with no writing or markings inside.
The book is a testament to the enduring popularity of Galsworthy’s plays, which deal with themes such as social justice, loyalty, and escape. The plays are set in various time periods and locations, from medieval England to contemporary society, and explore the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for power and control. Ten Famous Plays is a valuable addition to any theatre lover’s collection and a fascinating glimpse into the work of one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 20th century.
$65.00 -
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.
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1968: Edmund Spenser, a Selection of His Works
$40.00Edmund Spenser, a Selection of His Works is a vintage poetry book that features a collection of works by the English poet, Edmund Spenser. Edited by Ian C. Sowton, the book is part of the College Classics in English series, with Northrop Frye as the generator editor. The book includes selections from The Shepheardes Calender, The First Booke of the Faerie Queene, Two Canots of Mutabilitie, A Letter to Sir Water Raleigh, selections from Amoretti, Epithalamion, Prothalamion, and Fowre Hymnes.
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1930: The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp, by W.H .Davies, preface by G. Bernard Shaw
$95.00The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp is a memoir by W.H. Davies, with a preface by G. Bernard Shaw. The book is part of The Travellers’ Library series and was published by Jonathan Cape in London. The memoir chronicles Davies’ life as a tramp and his experiences traveling throughout the United Kingdom and the United States in the early 20th century. Davies’ writing style is straightforward and honest, and he provides vivid descriptions of the people and places he encounters on his travels. The book offers a unique perspective on the life of a tramp during a time of great social and economic upheaval.
The hardcover edition of the book is in very good condition, with a blue cover and gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine. There is a slight forward tilt to the spine, but otherwise the book is in excellent shape. The inside cover features an old faded signature from a previous owner, as well as a paper cutout with a 1920 portrait print of Davies by Laura Knight.
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1927: Our Village, by Mary Russell Mitford, with intro by Anne Thackeray Ritchie
$125.00Our Village is a collection of short stories by Mary Russell Mitford, originally published in the early 19th century. The stories are set in a fictional English village and depict the daily lives and struggles of its inhabitants. The book is introduced by Anne Thackeray Ritchie, who provides context and insight into Mitford’s life and work. The edition is illustrated by Hugh Thomson, adding a visual element to the charming and nostalgic tales.
The red cloth hardcover with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the spine gives the book an elegant and classic look. Despite some fading to the spine and slight wear to the cover, the book is in very good condition with no markings. The signature in old faded ink on the inside cover adds a personal touch and a sense of history to the book.
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1927-29 2 volumes: Three Plays for Puritans, and Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, part of Plays by Bernard Shaw series
$65.00The two-volume set, Three Plays for Puritans and Saint Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, is a collection of plays that showcase Shaw’s wit and social commentary. Three Plays for Puritans includes The Devil’s Disciple, Caesar and Cleopatra, and Captain Brassbound’s Conversion, each exploring themes of morality, religion, and politics through Shaw’s signature satirical lens. In Saint Joan, Shaw tells the story of Joan of Arc and her trial and execution, using the historical figure to comment on issues of power and authority.
The blue softcover “leatherette” books are adorned with gilt lettering and ornamentation, though they show some wear and rubbing around the tops and bottoms of the spines. The pages have yellowed with age, but the set includes a newspaper/magazine clipping from 1924 and an inset vintage portrait of Shaw. Both volumes are signed in old faded ink on the inside covers, adding to the historical significance of this collection.
$85.00