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1870s Set of 2: Swiss Family Robinson by John Lovell, and The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
$425.00This set of two rare antique editions from the 1870s includes The Swiss Family Robinson by John Lovell and The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. The Swiss Family Robinson is a translated and edited version of Stahl’s “Nouveau Robinson Suisse” with numerous illustrations, while The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is the classic tale of a mariner’s adventures as related by himself, with over one hundred illustrations. Both books are hardcover volumes bound in blue bubble-grain cloth with leather spine and corners, and gilt ornamentation and lettering on covers and spine. Despite some wear to the cover and spine, the books are well-bound and clean, with only minor foxing on titular pages and minor fading throughout. The books are in remarkably good condition for their age and would make a wonderful addition to any collection.
$725.00 -
1981 Set of 2: The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum and Shall We Tell The President? by Jeffrey Archer
$125.00This collectible set of two books includes The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum and Shall We Tell The President? by Jeffrey Archer, both published by Heron Books in 1981. The Scarlatti Inheritance is a thriller novel that follows a man named Michael Havelock as he tries to uncover the truth about his father’s death and a mysterious organization called Inver Brass. Meanwhile, Shall We Tell The President? is a political thriller that imagines what would happen if a woman were elected as the first female President of the United States, and then faced an assassination plot.
Both books are hardcover volumes bound in red leatherette, with gilt ornamentation on the cover and spine. While the gilt is intact on the Archer volume, it is partially worn off on the Ludlum volume. Despite this, neither book has been read or fully opened and both are in near mint condition. This set is a wonderful vintage collectible for fans of Ludlum and Archer or collectors of classic thriller novels.
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c. 1888: The Black Arrow, A Tale of Two Roses, by Robert Luis Stevenson
$85.00The Black Arrow is a historical fiction novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1888. The story is set in the late 15th century during the Wars of the Roses, a period of political turmoil in England. The novel follows the adventures of a young man named Richard Shelton, who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy to overthrow the current ruler, King Edward IV. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Joanna Sedley and must navigate the treacherous political landscape to protect himself and his loved ones. The book is illustrated by J.K. Maxton and is considered a collectible antique due to its soft cover burgundy leather binding with gilt lettering and ornamentation on the spine, as well as its almost pristine condition.
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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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1880s: The Complete Works of Henry Fielding, in 3 volumes, with Thomas Roscoe and George Cruikshank
$450.00This three-volume set of “The Complete Works of Henry Fielding” includes all of the author’s novels, plays, and miscellaneous writings, as well as a memoir of the author by Thomas Roscoe. The set is illustrated with twenty etchings of steel by George Cruikshank and was published by Bell and Daldy in London in the midto late 1800s. The volumes are bound in brown leather with five raised bands on the spine and gilt lettering on paper inserts (missing from volume III). The set is in very good condition, with marbled endpapers and some foxing on the endpapers. The edges are gilt on top, with deckles fore edges and untrimmed bottom edges. There is some rubbing and wear around the edges of the cover boards and spine folds, but no writing or other markings in the book.
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1967: Poems of Byron, Keats, and Shelley, selected and edited by Elliott Coleman, International Collectors Library
$180.00The 1967 edition of “Poems of Byron, Keats, and Shelley” is a collection of selected works from three of the most renowned poets of the Romantic era. Edited by Elliott Coleman, the volume includes complete shorter works and skillfully excerpted long poems, such as “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” “Prometheus Unbound,” and “To a Skylark.” The book is part of “The World’s Great Poetry” series of the International Collectors Library and is bound in a soft tan Marie Antoinette replica binding with 24K gold decoration, top edges coated with real gold, and a matching ribbon marker.
The original binding of the volume, on which this replica was based, encased a copy of the Iliad bound by Derome the Younger for Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France. The design of Derome’s binding was adapted by American artist Rafael Palacios for this Collectors Library volume, retaining much of the decoration intact. The book is a collectible item, unopened and unread, and includes the original inlay from ICL with the presentation of the work and the Marie Antoinette binding.
$210.00 -
1969: Doctor Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak, International Collectors Library
$135.00Doctor Zhivago is a classic Russian novel by Boris Pasternak set during the tumultuous times of 1903 to 1943 in Russia. The novel follows the life of Dr. Zhivago as he tries to maintain his humanity and spiritual integrity in a society that is divided by class, family, love, and ultimately, man’s own inner struggles. Pasternak’s portrayal of the social and moral dilemma faced by the characters is both convincing and brilliant.
This edition of Doctor Zhivago is part of the Classical Russian Novels series of the International Collectors Library. The book is beautifully bound in wine red and stamped with handsome gilt foil, replicating the design found on a rare old volume in the library of Czar Alexander II. The binding was executed by the distinguished American artist Rafael Palacios and includes a matching ribbon marker. This collectible edition is new and unread, with only a minor bent on the top cover corner. The deckled fore-edges and original inlay from ICL with presentation of the work and its binding make this edition a must-have for any collector of classic literature.
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1969: Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, International Collectors Library
$115.00Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott is a historical novel that has become a classic in English literature. The book is set in the 12th century and tells the story of the eponymous hero, a Saxon knight who is caught up in the conflict between the Normans and the Saxons. Ivanhoe is in love with Lady Rowena, but she is betrothed to another man. Meanwhile, the evil Prince John is plotting to take the throne from his brother, King Richard the Lionheart. Ivanhoe must use his courage and wit to fight against Prince John and his allies, including the cruel Templar knight, Brian de Bois-Guilbert. Along the way, Ivanhoe meets a cast of memorable characters, including the wise Jewish moneylender, Isaac of York, and the beautiful and brave Rebecca, who becomes Ivanhoe’s ally and love interest.
This edition of Ivanhoe is a collectible item from the International Collectors Library, with a beautiful binding designed by French master bookbinder Emile Mercier and recreated by contemporary American designer Rafael Palacios. The book has deckled fore-edges and a matching ribbon marker. The replica edition closely follows the conception of Mercier’s design, with a slate blue cover and genuine gold filigree on the front and spine. This edition is new, unopened, and unread, making it a perfect addition to any collector’s library.
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1980s set of 3: H.G. Wells Science Fiction Treasury, Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain – Chatham River Press
$245.00This set of three publications by Chatham River Press includes the works of three classic authors: Edgar Allan Poe, H.G. Wells, and Mark Twain. The Edgar Allan Poe volume contains all of his short stories, a complete novel, and several poems, while the H.G. Wells volume features six of his most famous science fiction works. The Mark Twain volume includes some of his most beloved novels, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. All three volumes are bound in red leatherette with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, and all page edges are gilt. Despite slight fading due to age, the volumes are in excellent condition and appear unread, making them a beautiful collectible set that would make a wonderful gift.
This set is part of the Greenwich Unabridged Library Classics Series and is a great addition to any classic literature collection.
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Pre-1920s: Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
$235.00Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a collection of poems by American poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox. The book was published by Gay and Hancock, Limited in London and contains 413 pages. Although the book is undated, there is an ink inscription on the half title page dated to Jan 23, 1920. The volume is a softcover in burgundy leather with gilt lettering on the cover and spine. There is some moderate wear consistent with age, including a small tear on the bottom of the spine. The cover is separating from the book body due to a tear in the end papers, but this is mendable. The body of the book is clean, well-bound, and in very good condition. All page edges are gilt. This book is a beautiful antique volume and would make a perfect gift for a poetry lover.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox was a popular American poet in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for her optimistic and inspirational poems. This collection of her work includes some of her most famous poems, such as “Solitude” and “Laugh, and the World Laughs With You.” The book is a testament to the enduring popularity of Wilcox’s work, as well as a glimpse into the world of poetry in the early 20th century. Poems by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a fascinating and beautiful volume that would make a great addition to any poetry lover’s collection.
$295.00 -
Of Human Bondage, by W. Somerset Maugham, Twentieth Century Classics Collectible Edition
$275.00Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham is a classic novel that follows the life of Philip Carey, a young man who struggles to find his place in the world. The story begins with Philip as a young boy who is orphaned and sent to live with his strict and unloving uncle. As he grows up, Philip becomes interested in art and literature, but his uncle insists that he become a doctor. Philip agrees, but finds that he has no passion for medicine and struggles to succeed in his studies.
Throughout the novel, Philip experiences love, loss, and disappointment as he tries to find his way in life. He falls in love with a woman named Mildred, who treats him poorly and ultimately leaves him for another man. He also struggles with his own physical limitations, as he is born with a clubfoot that causes him pain and embarrassment. Of Human Bondage is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the struggles that we all face in our quest for happiness and fulfillment.
This collectible edition of Of Human Bondage is a beautiful green leatherette hardcover volume with gilt ornamentation on the cover and spine. Although there is slight rubbing along the length of the spine fold and minor overall fading of pages due to age, the book is almost as good as new with no writing or markings. This edition is a wonderful addition to any collection and is sure to be treasured by fans of classic literature.
$350.00 -
1985 vol. I, II: Yachting, by Sir Edward Sullivan The Badminton Library, His Grace the 8th Duke of Beauford
$95.00Yachting is a comprehensive guide to yachting, written by a team of experts including Sir Edward Sullivan, Bart, Lord Brassey, K.C.B., C.E. Seth-Smith, C.B., G.L. Watson, R.T. Pritchett, Sir George Leach, K.C.B., Vice-President Y.R.A., ‘Thalassa’, The Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, E.F. Knight and Rev. G.L. Blake. The bookset is a facsimile of the first edition, with an introductory note by the Eleventh Duke of Beauford. The Badminton Library, His Grace the 8th Duke of Beauford, and The Field Library published the book, which is 479 pages long in volume I and 501 pages long in volume II. The volumes are beautifully bound in blue cloth hardcovers with gilt decoration and lettering on the cover and spine, and both volumes come in protective sleeves.
The set is a comprehensive guide to yachting, covering everything from the history of yachting to the construction and design of yachts, as well as the different types of yachts and their uses. The two books cover navigation, racing, and cruising, as well as yachting etiquette and the social aspects of yachting. The books are illustrated with drawings and photographs, and are an essential resource for anyone interested in yachting, whether they are a beginner or an experienced sailor.
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1953 1st ed.: The Scribner Treasury, 22 Classic Tales
$55.00The Scribner Treasury, 22 Classic Tales is a vintage storybook published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1953. The book includes 22 classic tales that were first published by Scribner between the 1880s and 1931. The volume is introduced and noted by J.G.E. Hopkins and features works by renowned authors such as Sir James Barrie, George W. Cable, John Galsworthy, and Robert Herrick, among others. The blue hardcover cloth volume has gilt lettering and red ornamentation on the spine, and the fore edges are beautifully deckled. Although there is some scratching on the cover and minor staining on the inside cover, there are no writing or similar markings in the book.
$75.00 -
1948: Raintree County, by Ross Lockridge, Jr
$65.00Raintree County by Ross Lockridge Jr. is a historical fiction novel set in the titular Raintree County, Indiana, during the mid-19th century. The story follows John Shawnessy, a young man who dreams of writing a great American novel, as he navigates his way through love, war, and the complexities of life in a rapidly changing America. The novel spans over 1000 pages and includes illustrations and maps to help readers visualize the setting and characters.
Raintree County is a sweeping epic that captures the spirit of America during a time of great change and upheaval. Through the eyes of its protagonist, Lockridge explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of the American dream, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing country.
$90.00 -
RARE, 1948: Footlose in the Congo, by Roger Courtney
$160.00Footloose in the Congo is a rare first edition book written by Roger Courtney and published by Herbert Jenkins Limited in London in 1948. The book is a scarce account of the author’s life during a locust campaign as Chief Field Officer for an area in East Africa. The volume is not dated but has an inscription on the blank title page that reads “To Leslie, 1953.” The book is a blue cloth hardcover with impressed lettering on the spine and has moderate signs of fading and wear. There are minor signs of yellowing and aging on the pages, and there is a faded stamp on the inside of the back cover that reads “25 April 1953.” The book is in very good condition, aside from the faded cover, and might benefit from being rebound.
This book is a non-fiction account of the author’s experiences in East Africa during a locust campaign. It provides a rare glimpse into the life of a Chief Field Officer during this time period. The book is a first edition and is considered a valuable collector’s item. The author’s signature and an inscription on the blank title page add to the book’s value and historical significance. The book is in good condition, with only minor signs of wear and aging, and would make an excellent addition to any collection of books about Africa or non-fiction works about life in the mid-twentieth century.
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1967 The Naked Ape: A Zoologists Study of the Human Animal, by Desmond Morris, McGrawHill
$55.00The Naked Ape: A Zoologist’s Study of the Human Animal by Desmond Morris, first published in 1967. The book explores human behavior and society from a zoological perspective, examining the ways in which humans are similar to and different from other animals. Morris argues that humans are essentially animals, and that many of our behaviors and social structures can be explained by looking at our evolutionary history.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including human sexuality, aggression, communication, and culture. Morris uses examples from both human and animal behavior to illustrate his points, and he challenges many commonly-held beliefs about human nature. The Naked Ape was a controversial book when it was first published, but it quickly became a best-seller and has since become a classic of popular science writing.
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1978 People of the Lake: Mankind and its Beginnings, Richard E. Leakey, Roger Lewin
$65.00People of the Lake: Mankind and its Beginnings is a non-fiction book written by Richard E. Leakey and Roger Lewin. The book explores the origins of mankind and the evolution of human beings from their earliest beginnings. The authors draw on their extensive knowledge of anthropology and archaeology to present a comprehensive and engaging account of human evolution, from the emergence of the first hominids to the development of modern humans. The book is filled with photographs and illustrations that help to bring the story of human evolution to life.
The book is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of human evolution. The authors discuss the discovery of early hominid fossils, the development of stone tools, the emergence of language, and the spread of human beings across the globe. They also explore the social and cultural aspects of human evolution, including the development of art, religion, and music. Overall, People of the Lake is a fascinating and informative book that provides a detailed and engaging account of the origins of mankind.
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1948: The Golden Warrior, by Hope Muntz, Chatto and Windus, London
$70.00The Golden Warrior by Hope Muntz is a historical fiction novel set in post-World War II England. The story follows the lives of two families, the aristocratic Chalfonts and the working-class Smiths, as they navigate the changing social and political landscape of the time. Against the backdrop of the impending wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, the characters grapple with issues of class, love, and loyalty. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of the era, with detailed descriptions of fashion, music, and societal norms.
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1969: The Fire-Dwellers, by Margaret Laurence
$35.00The Fire-Dwellers, written by Margaret Laurence, is a novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the struggles of a woman trying to find her place in the world. The story follows Stacey MacAindra, a mother of four who is dealing with the challenges of raising a family and maintaining a sense of self. Stacey’s husband, Mac, is a successful businessman who is often away on business trips, leaving Stacey to manage the household and deal with her own feelings of isolation and frustration. As Stacey navigates the ups and downs of family life, she begins to question her own identity and the choices she has made.
Set in the late 1960s, The Fire-Dwellers is a powerful reflection of the social and cultural changes of the time. Through Stacey’s experiences, Laurence explores themes of feminism, motherhood, and the search for personal fulfillment. The novel is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of the Canadian landscape and a deep understanding of human emotions.
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1986: A Door into Ocean, a Science Fiction Novel by Joan Slonczewski
$30.00A Door into Ocean is a science fiction novel written by Joan Slonczewski and published in 1986. The story takes place on the planet of Shora, which is entirely covered by water and inhabited by a race of women called Sharers. The Sharers possess the ability to manipulate the ocean and its creatures, and they live in harmony with their environment. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when a group of male colonizers from the planet Valedon arrive and attempt to exploit the planet’s resources.
The novel explores themes of feminism, environmentalism, and the consequences of colonialism. It also delves into the complex relationships between different species and the importance of empathy and understanding. A Door into Ocean is a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges readers to consider their own relationship with the natural world.
$35.00