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1973: Heath Robinson: Artist and Comic Genius, by John Lewis
$25.00“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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1929: Caught Short! A Saga of Wailing Wall Street, by Eddie Cantor
$60.00“Caught Short! A Saga of Wailing Wall Street” by Eddie Cantor is a humorous and insightful reflection on the Wall Street stock market crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression. Eddie Cantor, a renowned comedian and entertainer of the era, uses his sharp wit and personal experiences to provide a candid, satirical commentary on the financial chaos and its impact on both Wall Street and the average American.
Illustrated by Sid L. Hydeman, this book is not just a mere recounting of historical events, but a lively narrative filled with humor and a unique perspective on one of the most tumultuous periods in American financial history.
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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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Macpherson World Events, Reportage Drawings, The Editorial Cartoon, 1966 Cartoons: A Canadian Cartoonist’s Review of Politics from Sputnik to Separatism, text by John Brehl
$65.00Macpherson World Events is a collection of reportage drawings and editorial cartoons by Canadian cartoonist Duncan Macpherson, originally published in 1966. The book offers a unique perspective on the political landscape from the era of Sputnik to the rise of separatism in Canada. The hardcover volume is in like-new condition, with only minor tear at the bottom of the dust jacket and small discoloration spots inside cover. This collectible copy is a valuable addition to any art or history enthusiast’s library, offering a glimpse into the political climate of the 1960s through the lens of a talented cartoonist.
The book features a comprehensive review of politics and world events during the 1960s, as seen through the eyes of a Canadian cartoonist. The reportage drawings and editorial cartoons provide a visual commentary on key themes and events of the time, making it a valuable historical and artistic resource.
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2013 First Edition: To Be or Not to Be: a chooseable-path adventure, by Ryan North, William Shakespeare, and YOU
$35.00To Be or Not to Be: a Chooseable-Path Adventure is a unique and innovative take on the classic Shakespearean play, Hamlet. Written by Ryan North, this first edition hardcover volume offers readers the opportunity to actively engage with the story and make choices that impact the outcome. The book features gilt lettering on the cover and spine, as well as a two-sided pictorial dust jacket with minor wear. The condition of the book is new, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
In this interactive adventure, readers can step into the shoes of Hamlet and navigate through various decision points that shape the narrative. With its blend of humor, creativity, and literary prowess, To Be or Not to Be offers a fresh perspective on the timeless tale of love, revenge, and existential crisis. This book is a must-have for fans of Shakespeare, interactive storytelling, and literary experimentation.
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1968: Treasury of Atrocious Puns, by Bennett Cerf
$30.00The Treasury of Atrocious Puns by Bennett Cerf is a collection of witty and humorous puns published by Harper & Row in New York in 1968. This 125-page red hardcover volume features a book block in excellent condition with a deckled fore-edge, while the dust jacket shows minor signs of wear with some tearing and rubbing along the edges and spine. The book is a delightful and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys wordplay and clever jokes. With its well-preserved condition, this vintage edition would make a valuable addition to any humor or literature collection.
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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 -
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 -
1980 First Edition: Who’s On First, by William F. Buckley Jr
$25.00Who’s On First is a political thriller written by William F. Buckley, Jr. The novel follows the story of Blackford Oakes, a CIA agent who is tasked with preventing a communist takeover of the Dominican Republic. Oakes must navigate through a web of political intrigue and danger as he tries to uncover the truth behind the communist threat and prevent a potential nuclear war. With a cast of complex characters and a fast-paced plot, Who’s On First is a gripping tale of espionage and international politics.
As a renowned conservative commentator and novelist, Buckley brings his expertise in politics and history to this thrilling novel. Who’s On First is a must-read for fans of political thrillers and anyone interested in the Cold War era.
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1815 First Edition: Laurence’s Sterne’s Works, volume I
$65.00Laurence Sterne’s works, volume one of a four-volume set. The volume includes Sterne’s famous works such as The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gent. and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, as well as sermons, letters, and a life of the author written by himself. The book is beautifully bound in leather with ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, though there is some wear due to its age. The inner cover has been rebound in 1997, and the volume is tightly bound and clean with writing. However, there is some fading and foxing on the pages due to the book’s advanced age. The book also contains beautiful engravings, making it a wonderful addition to any collection of antique books.
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1950: The Adventures of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Servantes Saavedra – Rare Penguin Paperback
$65.00The Adventures of Don Quixote is a classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra that follows the journey of an aging gentleman, Alonso Quixano, who becomes so enamored with tales of chivalry and adventure that he decides to become a knight himself. Donning a suit of armor and taking up a lance, he sets out on a quest to right wrongs and defend the honor of his lady love, Dulcinea. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters and engages in a series of comical and often absurd adventures that test his courage, his wit, and his sanity. The novel is a timeless masterpiece of satire and social commentary, exploring themes of identity, reality, and the power of imagination.
This particular edition of The Adventures of Don Quixote is a rare, vintage paperback published by Penguin Books in 1950.
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1971 First Edition: Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc, by Felix Topolski
$90.00Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc is a collection of caricatures and cartoons by Felix Topolski, first published in 1971. The book features a variety of satirical illustrations that comment on contemporary political and social issues. The title refers to the three sons of Noah in the Bible, and the cartoons in the book often explore themes of race, religion, and power dynamics.
This first edition of Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc is a beautifully preserved hardcover volume, complete with its original dust jacket. The book is a fascinating artifact of its time, capturing the political and cultural climate of the early 1970s through Topolski’s incisive and often humorous illustrations.
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1948: Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol
$55.00Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol is a classic novel that tells the story of a man named Chichikov who travels around Russia buying the “dead souls” of serfs who have died but are still listed as alive on the census. Chichikov’s plan is to use these dead souls as collateral to secure a loan, but his scheme is complicated by the corrupt officials and landowners he encounters along the way. The novel is a satirical commentary on the social and political realities of 19th century Russia, and Gogol’s vivid characters and humorous writing style make it a memorable and entertaining read.
This edition of Dead Souls, translated by C.J. Hogarth and published by J.N. Dent & Sons LTD in 1948, includes an introduction by John Cournos and is part of the Everyman’s Library series. The book is in good condition despite its age, with a slightly rubbed and faded red cloth hardcover and no dust jacket.
$75.00