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1942 First Edition: The Life of Francis Drake, by A. E. W. Mason
The Life of Francis Drake, written by A. E. W. Mason and published in 1942, is a historical account of the life and voyages of the famous English explorer. The book details Drake’s early life as a sailor, his involvement in the slave trade, his circumnavigation of the globe, and his role in defeating the Spanish Armada. Mason’s writing style is engaging and informative, providing readers with a vivid portrait of Drake’s adventures and the historical context in which they occurred. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of England, the Age of Exploration, or the life of Francis Drake.
The vintage edition of The Life of Francis Drake is a beautiful volume, with a blue hardcover and intricate green and gilt decoration on the spine. While the book shows some signs of wear due to age, including fading to the pages and wear around the edges and corners, it remains a treasured piece of history.
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1959: The Armada, by Garrett Mattingly – History of the attempt of the Spanish Armada to invade England in 1588
The Armada by Garrett Mattingly is a comprehensive account of the Spanish Armada’s attempt to invade England in 1588. Mattingly, a historian and professor at Columbia University, provides a detailed and engaging narrative of the events leading up to the invasion, the battles that ensued, and the aftermath of the failed mission. The book covers not only the military and political aspects of the conflict, but also the cultural and social context of the time, making it a rich and informative read for history enthusiasts.
The hardcover edition of The Armada features a striking red cover with ornamental lettering and is well-preserved despite its age. The book is well-bound and free of any markings or writing, making it a valuable addition to any history lover’s collection. Mattingly’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making the complex historical events easy to follow and understand.
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1940 First Edition: Oliver Wiswell, by Kenneth Roberts
Oliver Wiswell is a historical novel written by Kenneth Roberts and published in 1940. The book tells the story of Oliver Wiswell, a young man from Massachusetts who joins the British army during the American Revolution. As the war progresses, Wiswell becomes disillusioned with the British cause and begins to sympathize with the American rebels. He eventually defects to the American side and becomes a spy for the Continental Army.
The novel is known for its detailed portrayal of the American Revolution from the perspective of a loyalist. Roberts, who was known for his meticulous research, used primary sources to create a historically accurate account of the war. The book was well-received upon its release and was praised for its vivid characters and realistic depiction of the era. Today, Oliver Wiswell is considered a classic of historical fiction and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the American Revolution.
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1971 First Edition: Shem, Ham & Japheth Inc, by Felix Topolski
Shem, 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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1965: Hakluyt’s Voyages, by Richard Hakluyt, ed. by Irwin R. Blacker
Hakluyt’s Voyages is a comprehensive collection of accounts of English voyages, travels, and discoveries made by sea or overland to the farthest corners of the world within the 1600 years preceding its publication. The book is edited by Irwin R. Blacker and features an introduction that provides readers with context on the life and work of Richard Hakluyt, a preacher and former student of Christ-Church in Oxford. The book is published by The Viking Press and spans 522 pages, with a brown cloth hardcover adorned with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine.
The collection of accounts in the book provides readers with a glimpse into the history of English exploration, trade, and colonization, and offers insights into the motivations and experiences of the individuals who undertook these journeys. Hakluyt’s Voyages is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of exploration and travel.
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Of Human Bondage, by W. Somerset Maugham, Twentieth Century Classics Collectible Edition
Of 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 -
1982: Island of Love, by Yuri Nagibin
Island of Love by Yuri Nagibin is a Russian novel published by Progress Publishers in Moscow. The book is a romantic tale that takes place on a remote island in the Black Sea during World War II. The story follows a young soldier named Alyosha who is sent to the island to guard a military base. While there, he meets a beautiful young woman named Nadya and they fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by the war and the fact that Nadya is engaged to another man. The novel explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice as Alyosha and Nadya navigate their feelings for each other in the midst of a tumultuous time.
The book is beautifully written and filled with vivid descriptions of the island and its inhabitants. The characters are well-developed and the reader is drawn into their world, feeling their joys and sorrows as they struggle to make sense of their feelings and the world around them.
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1959: Adelaide, by Jean Thomas Ungerer
Adelaide is a children’s illustrated book written by Jean Thomas Ungerer. The story is set in 1959, in Adelaide, and follows the adventures of a young girl named Adelaide. The book is a large format hardcover volume with an illustrated cover. Although the cover shows some wear and foxing, the body of the book is intact and clean, with no markings or writing.
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1929: The Glory That Was Greece A Survey of Hellenic Culture and Civilisation, by J.C. Stobart
The Glory That Was Greece is a comprehensive survey of Hellenic culture and civilization, written by J.C. Stobart and published in 1929. The book covers a wide range of topics, including Greek art, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and daily life. Stobart draws on a wealth of primary sources to provide a detailed and engaging account of ancient Greece, from the Minoan civilization to the Hellenistic period.
The book is beautifully illustrated and printed on high-quality paper, making it a stunning volume to own and read. While some wear and rubbing is evident on the cover boards, the book is otherwise in good condition. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek history and culture, and a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.
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1985 vol. I, II: Yachting, by Sir Edward Sullivan The Badminton Library, His Grace the 8th Duke of Beauford
Yachting 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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1948: The Jungle Books, by Rudyard Kipling, vol. I, Illustrated by Aldren Watson
The Jungle Books, volume I, by Rudyard Kipling is a classic piece of children’s literature that has been enjoyed for generations. This vintage edition, published in 1948 by Doubleday & Company, Inc., features beautiful illustrations by Aldren Watson and an introduction by Nelson Doubleday. The hardcover volume is in near fine condition, with only slight signs of wear on the dust jacket and a mended spine. The book is tightly bound and free of any owner marks or writing.
The Jungle Books tells the story of Mowgli, a young boy who is raised by wolves in the jungle. Along the way, he meets a variety of animal characters, including Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, who help him navigate the dangers of the jungle and learn important life lessons. The book is a timeless classic that teaches children about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and bravery.
$65.00 -
1955: The Adventures of Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi, illustrated by Roberta MacDonald
The Adventures of Pinocchio is a classic children’s book written by Carlo Collodi and illustrated by Roberta MacDonald. The story follows the adventures of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio who dreams of becoming a real boy. Along the way, Pinocchio encounters a host of characters, including a talking cricket, a sly fox, and a kind fairy. However, his mischievous nature and tendency to tell lies often land him in trouble.
This vintage edition of the book, published in 1955, features beautiful illustrations by MacDonald and is in near fine condition, with only moderate wear to the dust jacket.
$65.00 -
1975: A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, The John Player Special Collection
A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, is a classic novel set during World War I. The story follows an American ambulance driver named Frederic Henry, who falls in love with a British nurse named Catherine Barkley. As the war rages on, Frederic and Catherine struggle to maintain their relationship amidst the chaos and destruction around them. The novel explores themes of love, war, and the human condition, and is considered one of Hemingway’s greatest works.
The John Player Special Collection edition of A Farewell to Arms, published in 1975, features a black hardcover volume with silver lettering on the cover and spine. The book is in very good condition, with only slight wear on the dustjacket around the edges and corners. The pages have yellowed over time, but the volume is tightly bound and contains no writing or markings.
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1953 1st ed.: The Scribner Treasury, 22 Classic Tales
The 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 -
1924: Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates, by Mary Mapes Dodge
Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates is a classic children’s novel by Mary Mapes Dodge, first published in 1865. The story is set in the Netherlands and follows the adventures of Hans Brinker, a young boy who dreams of winning a pair of silver skates in a local skating race. Along the way, Hans and his family face many challenges, including poverty, illness, and the loss of a loved one. Despite these obstacles, Hans remains determined to achieve his goal and help his family. The novel is a heartwarming tale of perseverance, family, and the power of hope.
This early edition of Hans Brinker features many drawings by Louis Rhead and is in a very good condition for its age. The cloth hardcover volume has a paper illustration on the cover, and while there is some wear and rubbing present on the cover, including the corners, there is no writing in the book. Some minor foxing, as well as fading/yellowing to pages due to age is present, as well occasional vintage fingerprints throughout the book. The thick, quality paper and top edges painted yellow add to the charm of this classic novel.
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1945: A Lion Is in the Streets, by Adria Locke Langley
A Lion Is in the Streets, written by Adria Locke Langley, is a political fiction novel set in the year 1945. The story follows the rise of a charismatic politician named Hank Martin, who uses his charm and cunning to become the governor of Louisiana. However, as he gains more power and influence, Martin’s true nature is revealed, and he becomes a corrupt and dangerous leader. The novel explores themes of ambition, power, and the corrupting influence of politics, as well as the impact of World War II on American society.
This early printing of the novel features a green hardcover with gilt lettering on the spine. Despite some wear and fading due to age, the book is in good condition and contains no writing or markings. The deckled fore-edges add to the vintage charm of the book.
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1824: De La Philosophie Morale, ou Des Differens Systemes sur la Science de la Vie, par Joseph Droz, seconde edition
De La Philosophie Morale, ou Des Differens Systemes sur la Science de la Vie is an iconic work by Joseph Droz, a French philosopher who lived during the French Revolution. The book argues that society can only be in a proper state if individuals are educated to prioritize their duties over their rights. This doctrine earned Droz the Montyon Prize in 1823 and admission to the Académie française. The second edition of the book, published in 1924, is a hardcover volume with marbled boards and brown leather spine and edges. Despite some rubbing and wear to the corners, the book is in very good condition for its age, with little overall fading or yellowing to the pages.
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Vintage Book Bundle Early Editions Zane Grey, G. A. Henty, Ralph Connor, Ames Thompson, Frank Gree Patchin
This vintage book bundle includes early editions of novels by popular authors such as Zane Grey, G. A. Henty, Ralph Connor, Ames Thompson, and Frank Gree Patchin. The books show signs of wear and tear consistent with their age, such as fading pages, cover and spine wear, and staining. Some of the books also contain beautiful ink inscriptions or are signed by previous owners, adding to their charm and history.
Despite their age and wear, these books are fully readable and make a beautiful vintage decorative set. The bundle includes titles such as The Pony Rider Boys In Texas, The Adventure Boys and the River of Emeralds, The Golden Canon, The Sky Pilot in No Man’s Land, Wanderer of the Wasteland, and The Mysterious Rider.
$75.00 -
1960: The High Crusade, by Poul Anderson – Baen Books
The High Crusade by Poul Anderson is a vintage science fiction novel published in 1960. The story is set in medieval England and follows the adventures of a group of knights who are abducted by aliens from a distant planet. The knights, led by Sir Roger, manage to take control of the alien spaceship and decide to use it to conquer the alien planet. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and obstacles, including a hostile alien race and a traitor in their midst. The novel is a humorous and satirical take on the traditional medieval knight tale, with elements of science fiction and adventure.
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1900s: A Gypsy Against Her Will, or Worth Her Weight in Gold, by Emma Leslie
A Gypsy Against Her Will, or Worth Her Weight in Gold is a children’s book written by Emma Leslie and published by Blackie and Son Limited in the early 1900s. The book tells the story of a young gypsy girl who is taken against her will and sold into slavery. The protagonist, named Zillah, is forced to work in a circus and endure mistreatment from her captors. However, she remains resilient and determined to escape and return to her family.
The book is a classic tale of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. It also sheds light on the mistreatment of gypsies and the prevalence of slavery during the early 1900s.