Orwell, George

The Novels of George Orwell: Including, Burmese Days; A Clergyman’s Daughter; Animal Farm; Nineteen Eighty-Four; Coming Up For Air; Keeping the Aspidistra Flying.

London : Various Publishers, 1934-56.

First editions of the novels of George Orwell. Octavo, 6 volumes, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. AnContinue reading "The Novels of George Orwell: Including, Burmese Days; A Clergyman’s Daughter; Animal Farm; Nineteen Eighty-Four; Coming Up For Air; Keeping the Aspidistra Flying."

Churchill, Winston S

Marlborough: His Life and Times.

London : George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd, 1933.

Signed limited edition of Churchill’s magisterial biography of his notable ancestor John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough; Churchill’s only work produced as a signed limited edition. Quarto, 4 volumes in the original publisher’s full morocco bound by Leighton-Straker with gilt Marlborough family crest to the front panel of each volume, gilt titles and tooling toContinue reading "Marlborough: His Life and Times."

Baxter, Richard

A Treatise of Conversion.

London : Printed by R. W. for Nevel Simmons, 1657.

Rare first edition of this book on conversion by one of the chief pioneers of English Protestantism, and also revered in the United States for his contributions to the cause of evangelism. Octavo, bound in three quarters leather over boards, morocco spine label. In very good condition, owner name to the preliminary blank and heContinue reading "A Treatise of Conversion."

Kerouac, Jack

The Novels of Jack Kerouac: The Town and the City, On the Road, The Subterraneans, The Dharma Bums, Doctor Sax, Maggie Cassidy, Tristessa, Book of Dreams, Big Sur, Visions of Gerard, Desolation Angels, Satori in Paris, Vanity of Duluoz.

New York/San Francisco : Harcourt, Brace and Company/The Viking Press/Grove Press, Inc./Avon Book Division/City Lights Books/Farrar, Straus and Cudahy/Farrar, Straus and Company/Coward-McCann, Inc, 1950-1967.

First editions of each of Jack Kerouac’s novels. Octavo, thirteen volumes bound in full black levant morocco by the Harcourt Bindery with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbledContinue reading "The Novels of Jack Kerouac: The Town and the City, On the Road, The Subterraneans, The Dharma Bums, Doctor Sax, Maggie Cassidy, Tristessa, Book of Dreams, Big Sur, Visions of Gerard, Desolation Angels, Satori in Paris, Vanity of Duluoz."

Lazovsky, G. [Tsar Nicholas II]

The Coronation of Tsar Nicholas II.

Kiev 1896.

Rare portfolio of photographs by G. Lazovsky depicting the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II. Quarto, original publisher’s blue cloth with black and silver titles and tooling to the front panel, 31 albumen prints on card mounts with the embossed blind stamp of the photographer and the mounts captioned in Cyrillic with printed slips, each imageContinue reading "The Coronation of Tsar Nicholas II."

Thoreau, Henry David

The Manuscript Edition of The Writings of Henry David Thoreau.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin and Company, 1906.

The manuscript edition of the writings of Henry David Thoreau. With the original manuscript sheet by Thoreau from his journal tipped-in to volume 1. The two page manuscript fragment comprises 58 lines from “Autumnal Tints,” in altered form, published in the Atlantic Monthly, October 1862, and collected in Excursions the following year. The fragment concludesContinue reading "The Manuscript Edition of The Writings of Henry David Thoreau."

Leeser, Isaac

The Law of God.

Philadelphia : C. Sherman, 5605, 1845-46.

First edition of the “first English translation of the Pentateuch in America,” the 1845 Hebrew-English Bible by one of the most prominent and influential figures in American Jewish history. Octavo, 5 volumes. Translated by Isaac Leeser. Bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine. In near fine condition. A nice example,Continue reading "The Law of God."

Webster, Noah

An American Dictionary of the English Language.

New York : Published by S. Converse. Printed by Hezekiah Howe - New Haven, 1828.

First edition of pioneering lexicographer Noah Webster’s monumental American Dictionary, arguably the most popular American book ever published and one of only 2500 copies printed. Thick quarto, bound in three quarter polished calf over marbled boards with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, engraved portrait of Webster after Samuel F.B. Morse, unpaginated text in tripleContinue reading "An American Dictionary of the English Language."

Zahn, Johann

Oculus Artificialis Teledioptricus, Sive Telescopium: Ex Abditis Rerum Naturalium Et Artificialium Principiis Protractum Novâ Methodo, Eâque Solidâ Explicatum ac Comprimis e Triplici Fundamento Physico Seu Naturali, Mathematico Dioptrico Et Mechanico, Seu Practico Stabilitum.

Quirini Heyl : Herbipoli [Würzburg], 1685-1686.

First edition of the most important work on the early history and manufacture of microscopes and telescopes; particularly valuable for its illustrations of both simple and compound microscopes of the period, including the type of compound instrument used by Robert Hooke. Folio, three volumes bound into in one in full contemporary vellum, morocco spine labelContinue reading "Oculus Artificialis Teledioptricus, Sive Telescopium: Ex Abditis Rerum Naturalium Et Artificialium Principiis Protractum Novâ Methodo, Eâque Solidâ Explicatum ac Comprimis e Triplici Fundamento Physico Seu Naturali, Mathematico Dioptrico Et Mechanico, Seu Practico Stabilitum."

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote.

Philadelphia : John Conrad & Co, 1803.

Rare first American edition of Cervantes’ masterpiece, translated from the original Spanish by Tobias Smollett and published as part of John Conrad & Co.’s Select Novels series (Vols. X-XIII). Duodecimo, 4 volumes, bound in full contemporary speckled calf, gilt numbers to the spine, modern morocco spine labels lettered in gilt. Translated by T. Smollett. InContinue reading "The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote."

Holinshed, Raphael

The First and Second Volumes of Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland With: The Third volume of Chronicles, beginning at Duke William the Norman [Holinshed Chronicles].

London : John Harrison, George Bishop, Rafe Newberie, Henrie Denham, and Thomas Woodcocke, 1587.

Preferred second edition of the greatest Elizabethan repository of English history which served as an important source for Shakespeare’s plays. Folios, 3 volumes bound into 2, bound in full calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, red morocco spine labels, gilt ruled, woodcut initials and title pages. Separate title pages and pagination forContinue reading "The First and Second Volumes of Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland With: The Third volume of Chronicles, beginning at Duke William the Norman [Holinshed Chronicles]."

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

Principes Du Droit Politique. [Du Contrat Social].

Amsterdam : Marc Michel Rey, 1762.

Rare first edition, type B, of Rousseau‘s greatest work. Octavo, bound in full contemporary sheepskin, gilt tooling to the spine in eight compartments within raised bands, burgundy morocco spine label lettered in gilt, stamped turn-ins, marbled endpapers, engraved vignette of Liberty to the title page by Boily after Bolomey, all edges red, ribbon bound in.Continue reading "Principes Du Droit Politique. [Du Contrat Social]."

Swift, Jonathan

Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, first Surgeon, and then Captain of Several Ships. [Gulliver’s Travels].

London : Benjamin Motte, 1726.

First editions of Jonathan Swift’s masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels. Octavo, two volumes, bound in three quarters contemporary calf over marbled boards, engraved frontispiece of Lemuel Gulliver, woodcut initials, five engraved maps, gilt titles to the spine. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom cloth slipcase. Bookplate to the pastedown and period ownership signature to eachContinue reading "Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, first Surgeon, and then Captain of Several Ships. [Gulliver’s Travels]."

The Holy Bible, Conteining the Old Testament and the New. Newly Translated out ot the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translation diligently compared and revised By his Majesties Special commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches.

Imprinted at London : Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie, 1613 [-1612].

Exceptionally rare 1613 printing of Robert Barker’s Geneva Bible. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt decorations to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt ruling and panelling to the front and rear panels with flueron cornerpieces, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, ribbon bound in. Two title pages withinContinue reading "The Holy Bible, Conteining the Old Testament and the New. Newly Translated out ot the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translation diligently compared and revised By his Majesties Special commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches."

Barrie, J.M. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens.

London : Hodder & Stoughton Limited, n.d.

New edition of Rackham’s highly-sought-after masterpiece, which established his reputation as one of England’s premier illustrators. Quarto, original publisher’s green cloth elaborately decorated in gilt, illustrated by Arthur Rackham with 50 mounted color plates complete with captioned tissue guards including frontispiece. Association copy, signed by author J.M. Barrie on the verso of the front freeContinue reading "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens."

Churchill, Winston S

The Second World War: The Gathering Storm; Their Finest Hour; The Grand Alliance; The Hinge of Fate; Closing the Ring; Triumph and Tragedy.

London : Cassell & Company, 1948-54.

First editions of each volume in Churchill’s World War II masterpiece. Octavo, six volumes, original black cloth, patterned endpapers, illustrated with in-line and folding maps and documents. Boldly signed by the author on the half-title page of Vol. I, “Inscribed by Winston S. Churchill 1950.” Each are near fine in near fine dust jackets. AnContinue reading "The Second World War: The Gathering Storm; Their Finest Hour; The Grand Alliance; The Hinge of Fate; Closing the Ring; Triumph and Tragedy."

Boswell, James

The Life of Johnson.

London : Printed by Henry Baldwin, for Charles Dilly, in The Poultry, 1791.

First edition, first issue of both volumes of the most celebrated biography in the English language, which was published on May 16, 1791 in a print run of only 1,750 copies. Quarto, bound in contemporary half calf over marbled boards. Frontispiece portrait of Samuel Johnson, engraved by J. Heath after the Sir Joshua Reynolds (1756) painting. Volume one isContinue reading "The Life of Johnson."

Dickens, Charles

The Christmas Books: A Christmas Carol; The Chimes; The Battle of Life; Cricket on the Hearth; The Haunted Man and The Ghost’s Bargain.

London : Chapman and Hall, 1843-48.

Complete set of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Books containing first editions of each volume in the series with the exception of A Christmas Carol. Octavo, five volumes elaborately bound in full crushed red morocco by Sangorski and Sutcliffe with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt rulingContinue reading "The Christmas Books: A Christmas Carol; The Chimes; The Battle of Life; Cricket on the Hearth; The Haunted Man and The Ghost’s Bargain."

Lewis, C.S

The Chronicles of Narnia Set: The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician’s Nephew, The Last Battle.

London : Geoffrey Bles, 1950-1956.

First editions of each book in the author’s classic Chronicles of Narnia series, which has sold over 100 million copies in 47 languages. Octavo, 7 volumes, illustrated by Pauline Baynes, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands, gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, gilt signatureContinue reading "The Chronicles of Narnia Set: The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician’s Nephew, The Last Battle."

Dumas, Alexandre. [Alexander]

The Works of Alexandre Dumas.

Boston : Dana Estes & Company Publishers, 1894-1904.

The Artists’ Edition of the complete works of Alexander Dumas. Octavo, 46 volumes bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles and botanical decorations to the spine in four compartments within raised gilt bands, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers, photogravure frontispieces in 2 states to each volume, one hand-colored and the otherContinue reading "The Works of Alexandre Dumas."

Churchill, Winston S

My Early Life; Thoughts and Adventures; Great Contemporaries; Step by Step.

London : Odhams Press Limited, 1936-1939.

First Odhams press edition of four of Churchill’s best-known works. Octavo, 4 volumes, original cloth with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, illustrated. Presentation set, inscribed by Churchill to his financial adviser on the front free endpaper of My Early Life, “To T.E.R. Harris from Winston S. Churchill Christmas 1947” and initialed by ChurchillContinue reading "My Early Life; Thoughts and Adventures; Great Contemporaries; Step by Step."

Churchill, Winston S

The Second World War: The Gathering Storm; Their Finest Hour; The Grand Alliance; The Hinge of Fate; Closing the Ring; Triumph and Tragedy.

London : Cassell & Co. Ltd, 1948-1954.

First editions of each volume in Churchill’s World War II masterpiece. Octavo, six volumes, original black cloth with spines lettered in gilt, patterned endpapers, illustrated with in-line and folding maps and documents. Boldly signed by the author on the half-title page of Vol. IV, “Winston S. Churchill.” Each volume is near fine in a veryContinue reading "The Second World War: The Gathering Storm; Their Finest Hour; The Grand Alliance; The Hinge of Fate; Closing the Ring; Triumph and Tragedy."

By a Lady. [Austen, Jane]

Sense and Sensibility: A Novel.

London : Printed for the Author and Published by T. Egerton, 1813.

Second edition of the first novel published during Austen’s lifetime. Small octavo, three volumes bound in full crushed morocco by Riviere & Son, gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edgesContinue reading "Sense and Sensibility: A Novel."

Churchill, Winston S

The Second World War: The Gathering Storm; Their Finest Hour; The Grand Alliance; The Hinge of Fate; Closing the Ring; Triumph and Tragedy.

London : Cassell & Co. Ltd, 1948-1954.

First editions of each volume in Churchill’s World War II masterpiece. Octavo, six volumes, original black cloth with spines lettered in gilt, patterned endpapers, illustrated with in-line and folding maps and documents. Boldly signed by the author on the half-title page of Vol. V, “Winston S. Churchill.” Each volume is near fine in a veryContinue reading "The Second World War: The Gathering Storm; Their Finest Hour; The Grand Alliance; The Hinge of Fate; Closing the Ring; Triumph and Tragedy."