Masters, Edgar Lee

Lee: A Dramatic Poem.

New York : The Macmillan Company, 1926.

First edition of Masters’ play about Robert E. Lee at the dawn of the American Civil War. Octavo, original cloth with gilt titles to the spine. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For William W. Pineos with the compliments of Edgar Lee Masters December 3 – 1928.” In very goodContinue reading "Lee: A Dramatic Poem."

Rare 18th Century Heart-Shaped Christian Broadside.

Germany c. 1780.

Rare late 18th century liturgical broadside. Printed broadside mounted on a decorated heart-shaped hardwood frame with a hand-painted botanical border containing Protestant liturgical chants, daily prayers, and hymns. Text in Latin. In very good condition. Scarce and desirable.

Batchelor, Denzil

This My Son.

London : Collins, 1954.

First edition of Batchelor’s moving story exploring the pathos of childhood. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “With love from Denzil Batchelor.” Near fine in a very good dust jacket.

Fromm, Erich

The Art of Loving.

New York : Harper & Brothers, 1956.

First edition of this groundbreaking international bestseller that has shown millions of readers how to achieve rich, productive lives by developing their capacities for love. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “Fur Hans und Ruth…Eric August 1957.” Very good in a good dust jacket with some wear. FirstContinue reading "The Art of Loving."

Shaw, George Bernard. (Marlon Brando, Katharine Cornell, Cedric Hardwicke, Oliver Cliff, Wesley Addy, and Mildred Natwick)

Marlon Brando Signed Candida Playbill.

: Playbill Incorporated, 1946.

Rare original playbill from the 1946 production of George Bernard Shaw’s Candida starring Marlon Brando and Katharine Cornell. Octavo, original wrappers, illustrated. Boldly signed on the front panel by Marlon Brando, Katharine Cornell, Cedric Hardwicke, Oliver Cliff, Wesley Addy, and Mildred Natwick. In near fine condition. Rare and desirable signed by the entire cast of this important production.

de Bassanville, Mme

Le Tresor de la Maison, Journal des Femmes Economes.

Paris : de Beau, 1853-1854.

Finely bound collection of the May 1853 – April 1854 issues of Le Tresor de la Maison, Journal des Femmes Economes. Octavo, bound in one quarter morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, marbled endpapers, index. In good condition. Rare.

Tagore, Rabindranath

The King of The Dark Chamber.

New York : The Macmillan Company, 1915.

First edition, early printing of this drama, translated into English by the author. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Rabindranath Tagore on the half-title page. Near fine in the original dust jacket which is in very good condition. Rare and desirable; books signed by Tagore are uncommon.

Stein, Gertrude

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas.

New York : Harcourt Brace and Company, 1933.

First edition of Gertrude Stein’s most famous work; one of the richest biographies ever written. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated from photographs. Inscribed by Gertrude Stein on the front free endpaper. Near fine in a very good dust jacket with some wear and tear. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Signed first editions areContinue reading "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas."

Christopher, John

The World in Winter.

London : Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1962.

First edition of the author’s post-apocalyptic work in which an new Ice Age descends on England. Octavo, original cloth. Good in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by Stein.

Dickens, Charles. Illustrations by H.K. Browne

Dealings with the Firm of Dombey and Son, Wholesale, Retail, and for Exportation.

London : Bradbury & Evans, 1846-48.

First edition in the scarce original parts of Dickens tale of the fortunes of the Dombey shipping firm with “delight” for “joy” on page 284. Octavo, original wrappers, with 40 etchings by Halbot Knight Brown, containing all advertisements as issued. In very good condition. Housed in a custom full morocco and chemise pull-off case. ScarceContinue reading "Dealings with the Firm of Dombey and Son, Wholesale, Retail, and for Exportation."

Fitzpatrick, Percy

Jock of the Bushveld.

London : Longmans, Green and Company, 1907.

First edition, first issue with drawings of a dung beetle pushing his load with his front legs rather than his back on pages 65, 337 and 457. Octavo, bound in three quarters morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, gilt topstain, illustrated throughout. In near fine condition. Illustrated by E. Caldwell.

Bitton-Jackson, Livia

I Have Lived a Thousand Years: Growing Up in the Holocaust.

New York : Simon and Schuster, 1997.

First edition of this powerful memoir. Octavo, original half cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on front free endpaper, “April 1998 For with all good wishes, Livia Bitton-Jackson.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Paul Zakris.

Schulberg, Budd

Some Faces In the Crowd.

New York : Random House, 1953.

First edition of this collection of short stories, including the story Your Arkansas Traveler, which was the basis for the film A Face in the Crowd. Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author to Hollywood producer, director and screenwriter Jerry Wald, “For Jerry, with my admiration and warm regards Budd March 15, 1954.”Continue reading "Some Faces In the Crowd."

Scott, Walter

The Works of Sir Walter Scott, Including The Waverley Novels and The Poems.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1912.

Finely bound complete set of the Works of Sir Walter Scott. Octavo, 50 volumes, bound in three quarter morocco over marbled boards, raised bands, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers. In fine condition. An exceptional set.

Cohen, Leonard [Robert Stone]

Book of Longing.

New York : HarperCollins, 2006.

Early printing of Cohen’s provocative book of poetry. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by Leonard Cohen on the title page, “For Janice and Bob, suffering together, Leonard Washington 2006.” The recipient, American novelist Robert Stone’s first two novels, A Hall of Mirrors(1967) and Dog Soldiers(1974) were published in the same era asContinue reading "Book of Longing."

Durrell, Lawrence

The Alexandria Quartet. Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive, Clea.

London : Faber & Faber, 1962.

Signed limited first edition of Durrell’s masterpiece, one of 500 numbered copies. Signed by Lawrence Durrell on the limitation page. Octavo, original orange cloth, hand-print design to upper board in black, yellow endpapers, top edge gilt. With the original acetate dust jacket, in the publisher’s black and gold slipcase. Bookplate to the front pastedown ofContinue reading "The Alexandria Quartet. Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive, Clea."

Wilder, Thornton

The Bridge of San Luis Rey.

New York : Albert & Charles Boni, 1927.

First edition of the author’s masterpiece and winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Octavo, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated by Amy Drevenstedt. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author, “For Rufus H. Hathaway with all the regard of Thornton Wilder Tornoto March 1929.” Near fine in a good jacket reinforced to the verso. Illustrated by Amy Drevenstedt.Continue reading "The Bridge of San Luis Rey."

Muir, John

The Cruise of the Corwin: Journal of the Arctic Expedition of 1881 In Search of De Long and the Jeannette.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1917.

First edition, large paper copy, one of five hundred and fifty copies, this is number 260. Octavo, original cloth. Edited by William Frederic Badè. Illustrated with plates from photographs and from sketches by Muir. Fine in the rare original dust jacket with light rubbing and wear. Kimes 348; BAL 14775

Doyle, Arthur Conan

The Great Boer War.

London : Smith, Elder & Co, 1903.

Complete final edition of Arthur Conan Doyle’s work on the Boer War, which he revised sixteen times throughout the course of the war. Octavo, original cloth, gilt titles to the spine, all edges uncut, folding maps and advertisements in rear. Signed by the author on the title page, “From Arthur Conan Doyle. Undershaw Aug 18/07.”Continue reading "The Great Boer War."

Gilbreth, Jr., Frank B. and Carey, Ernestine Gilbreth

Cheaper by the Dozen.

New York : Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1948.

First edition of this hilarious memoir, the basis for the 1950 and 2003 film adaptation. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. on the front free endpaper. Illustrated by Donald McKay. Near fine in a very good dust jacket with some wear to front panel. Uncommon signed and in the original jacket.

Kipling, Rudyard

Stalky & Co.

London : Macmillan and Co., Ltd, 1899.

First British edition of Kipling’s collection of school stories. Octavo, original cloth with gilt titles to the spine and gilt medallion displaying an elephant to the from panel, top edge gilt. In fine condition. From the library of George Barr McCutcheon with his bookplate to the pastedown. Housed in a custom half morocco and chemiseContinue reading "Stalky & Co."

Kipling, Rudyard

Soldier Tales.

London : Macmillan and Co., Ltd, 1896.

First edition of Kipling’s collection of soldier tales. Octavo, original cloth with gilt titles and pictorial gilt tooling to the spine and front panel, gilt ruled, all edges gilt, frontispiece with tissue guard, illustrated with engravings. In near fine condition with a touch of wear to the crown of the spine. Housed in a customContinue reading "Soldier Tales."

Roberts, Kenneth J

Black Magic: An Account of its Beneficial Use in Italy, of its Perversion in Bavaria, and of Certain Tendencies Which Might Necessitate its Study in America.

Indianapolis : The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1924.

Early printing of Roberts’ work on fascism in the 1920s. Octavo, original black cloth, gilt titles to the spine and front panel, frontispiece of Mussolini. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For S. D. Green with the best wishes of Kenneth J. Roberts Palm Beach January, 1927.” In very goodContinue reading "Black Magic: An Account of its Beneficial Use in Italy, of its Perversion in Bavaria, and of Certain Tendencies Which Might Necessitate its Study in America."

Runyon, Damon

Guys and Dolls.

New York : Frederick A. Stokes, 1931.

First edition of this classic work, basis for the film starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra. Octavo, original cloth. A pre-publication example, with the date of August 20, 1931 stamped to the front free endpaper, very good in a very good dust jacket with some chips and wear. Introduction by Heywood Broun. Housed in aContinue reading "Guys and Dolls."

Tolstoy, Leo

Where Love Is, There God Is Also.

New York : Thomas Y. Crowell & Co. Publishers, 1887.

First American edition in English of Tolstoy’s short story in reference to the Catholic hymn Ubi Caritas. Small octavo, original cloth with elaborate gilt tooling to the front panel. Translated by Nathan Haskell Dole. In near fine condition. First editions are rare.

Harte, Bret

A First Family of Tasajara.

London : Macmillan and Co, 1891.

First edition of Harte’s classic work. Octavo, two volumes, original cloth, gilt titles to the spine. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, “with the best New Years greetings from Bret Harte London Jan. ’92.” In near fine condition. Rare and desirable.

Huxley, Elspeth

With Forks and Hope: An African Notebook.

1964 : William Morrow & Company, New York.

First edition of Huxley’s authoritative report on the rapidly changing political climate of post-colonial East Africa. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated with maps and drawings by Jonathan Kingdon. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, “For Joe Ferrier with my best wished Elspeth Huxley.” Laid in is the original typed transmittal letter,Continue reading "With Forks and Hope: An African Notebook."

Cohen, Leonard

Beautiful Losers.

New York : The Viking Press, 1966.

First edition of Cohen’s second and final novel. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, lengthily inscribed by the author on the title page, “To William on his 60th Birthday warm regards Leonard Cohen Montreal 2008.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket with only the lightest of wear. Jacket design by Gilda Kuhlman.

Foote, Shelby

The Civil War: A Narrative: Fort Sumter to Perryville; Fredericksburg to Meridian; Red River to Appomattox.

New York : Random House, 1958-74.

First editions of the author’s authoritative text on The Civil War. Octavo, 3 volumes, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, cartographic endpapers. Presentation copies, inscribed by the author in volumes one and two. Volume one isContinue reading "The Civil War: A Narrative: Fort Sumter to Perryville; Fredericksburg to Meridian; Red River to Appomattox."

Phillips, Scott

The Ice Harvest.

Tuscon : Dennis McMillan Publications, 2000.

First edition and publisher’s presentation copy of Phillip’s debut novel. Octavo, bound in the original quarter morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles to the spine. Dust jacket and interior artwork by Michael Kellner. Signed and dated by the author on the limitation page, “Scott Phillips 11/11/00” and with an original drawing of a meltingContinue reading "The Ice Harvest."

Fitzgerald, F. Scott

All the Sad Young Men.

New York : Charles Scribner's Sons, 1926.

First edition, first issue of Fitzgerald’s third collection of short stories. Octavo, original green cloth. Fine in a near fine first issue dust jacket with the woman’s lips unbattered (Bruccolo, A12). Housed in a custom half morocco and folding chemise slipcase.  

Lee, Chin Yang

The Flower Drum Song.

New York : Farrar, Straus and Cudahy, 1957.

First edition of Chin Yang Lee’s best known work which inspired both the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical and 1961 Academy Award-winning film. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by Susan Foster.

Gordimer, Nadine

The Conservationist.

London : Jonathan Cape, 1974.

First edition of the author’s Booker Prize-winning novel. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Nadine Gordimer on the title page. Name to the front free endpaper, near fine in a near fine dust jacket with the rare wrap around band present. Jacket design by Craig Dodd.

Mann, Thomas

Joseph in Egypt.

New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 1938.

First American edition of the third installment of Mann’s four-part novel retelling the vast saga of Genesis, which Mann considered his greatest work. Octavo, 2 volumes, pictorial endpapers. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, “Herr Pforzheimer, herrlich dankbar fur schonste, reichste Gastfreundschaft” which translates as “thankful for a beautiful summer day in his wonderfulContinue reading "Joseph in Egypt."

de Poncins, Gontran. In collaboration with Lewis Galantiere. Illustrated by the author

Kabloona.

New York : Reynal, Hitchcock, Inc, 1941.

First limited edition of French adventurer Gontran de Poncins’ classic account of his solo unsupported journey in the Canadian Arctic. Octavo, bound in three quarters morocco over cloth covered boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine. One on only 550 copies, this is number 81. Boldly signed by the author on the front free endpaper, “BeforeContinue reading "Kabloona."

Baroja, Pio

Desde la última vuelta del camino: El escritor según él y según los críticos. Familia, infancia y juventud. Final del siglo XIX y principios del XX. Galería de tipos de la época

Madrid : Biblioteca Nueva, 1944-47.

First editions of each of the first four volumes in Baroja’s autobiography. Octavo, 4 volumes, bound in full calf.  The third volume is a presentation copy, inscribed by Pio Bajora to Philip Bonsal. Bonsal was in the foreign service in Madrid at the time, then transferred to ambassadorial duties in South America, eventually becoming USContinue reading "Desde la última vuelta del camino: El escritor según él y según los críticos. Familia, infancia y juventud. Final del siglo XIX y principios del XX. Galería de tipos de la época"

Malamud, Bernard). Cynthia Ozick, Robert Giroux, and Daniel Stern

Malamud: Three Elegies, 20 April 1986.

New York : Glenn Horowitz, Bookseller, 1986.

First edition, one of 150 unnumbered copies. 16 mo, original wrappers. Signed by Robert Giroux, Daniel Stern, and Cynthia Ozick. In fine condition.

Raskin, Ellen

Figgs and Phantoms.

New York : E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc, 1974.

First edition of the author’s Newbery Honor book. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For Norine – My best booster & good friend, Thanks for everything – Ellen Raskin.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket with some small closed tears to the rear panel.

Roberts, Kenneth

Northwest Passage.

Garden City, NY : Doubleday, Doran & Company, 1937.

First edition of Kenneth Roberts’ historical novel which follows the exploits of Robert Rogers, the leader of a colonial force fighting with the British during the French and Indian War. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers. Signed by the author on the title page, “With all the good wishes of Kenneth Roberts.” Near fine in aContinue reading "Northwest Passage."

Greene, Graham

The Comedians.

London : The Bodley Head, 1966.

First edition of this novel set in Haiti under the rule of “Papa Doc” Duvalier, which explores the political suppression and terrorism through the figure of an English hotel owner, Brown. Octavo, original green cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, “For Clive from Graham Greene.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket with light rubbing.Continue reading "The Comedians."

Greene, Graham

Brighton Rock.

New York : The Viking Press, 1938.

First American edition, preceding the British edition by one month of Greene’s chilling expose of violence and gang warfare in the pre-war underworld is a classic of its kind.  Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For Richard Graham Greene.” Near fine in near fine dust jacket withContinue reading "Brighton Rock."

Boorstin, Daniel J

The Daniel J. Boorstin Reader.

New York : The Modern Library, 1995.

First edition of this compilation of the works of Daniel Boorstin. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers. Boldly signed by Daniel J. Bernstein on the title page. Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Introduction by Roderick MacLeish.

Mann, Thomas

Der Tod in Venidig [Death in Venice].

Berlin : S. Fischer, Verlag, 1913.

First trade edition of one of the greatest novellas of the twentieth century. Octavo, original publisher’s quarter vellum over marbled boards. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “An Ernst Bertram in herzlicher Wertschatzung Thomas Mann” (To Ernst Bertram in heartfelt appreciation Thomas Mann). One of the best possible association copies,Continue reading "Der Tod in Venidig [Death in Venice]."

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]."

Hulme, Kathryn

The Nun’s Story.

Boston : Little, Brown and Company, 1956.

First edition, early printing of Hulme’s best-selling novel, basis for the classic film starring Audrey Hepburn. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For Virginia Stanley with Best Wishes Kathryn Hulme.” Very good in a very good price-clipped dust jacket. Uncommon signed and inscribed.

Camus, Albert

The Stranger.

New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 1946.

First American edition of Camus’ first novel and masterpiece. Octavo, original beige cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, “A Vincent Sheean pour le remercier de savoir si bien parler de Stendhal Sympathiquement Albert Camus.” The recipient, Vincent Sheean was an American journalist and novelist. Sheean’s most famous work was PersonalContinue reading "The Stranger."

Ginsberg, Allen

Howl for Carl Solomon.

San Francisco : Grabhorn-Hoyem, 1971.

First signed limited edition of Ginsberg’s Howl with new additions and corrections. Quarto, original illustrated linen designed by Robert La Vigne. One of 275 copies printed by Robert Grabhorn and Andrew Hoyem on hand-made paper with edges untrimmed and signed and dated by Allen Ginsberg on the title page, “Allen Ginsberg August 30, 1971 San Francisco.”Continue reading "Howl for Carl Solomon."

Dos Passos, John

Adventures of a Young Man.

New York : Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1939.

First edition and advance review copy of the first book in Dos Passos’ District of Columbia Trilogy. Octavo, original cloth. With the publisher’s review copy stamp to the front free endpaper dated June 1st 1939. Near fine in a very good dust jacket.