New Arrivals
Tiny Texas
Austin, TX: Amistad Press, 1982. (106) pp. Approximately 1 7/8 x 2 1/2". LIMITED EDITION of 335 copies. Brown cloth over printed paper boards with gilt line, illustrated, original packaging, signed by the publisher on the rear free endpaper, fine condition. (Bradbury, Amistad Press 42)
Known for it's big size, this interesting little book points out the small things that are from/in Texas, including plants, people, places, etc. Reprinted with permission from the December 1979 issue of Texas Monthly.
The Eyes of Texas
Austin, TX: Amistad Press, 1982. (28) pp. Approximately 1 x 1 3/8". LIMITED EDITION of 250 copies. Orange cloth over printed paper boards, illustrated, original packaging, signed by the publisher on the copyright page, fine condition. (Bradbury, Amistad Press 41)
A humorous little tale about how the song "The Eyes of Texas are Upon You" came into being. Written by Jack Maguire, Executive Director of the University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio. This is the smaller first edition, as a larger second edition was printed in 1986.
Usher's Passing
New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1984. 401 pp. Approximately 6 1/4 x 9 1/4". First edition, first printing. Illustrated jacket in fine condition. Black cloth 1/4 bound over red boards, gilt title on spine, signed by author on title page, some spotting to top page edges, otherwise in near fine condition.
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's story "Fall of the House of Usher", this book covers the idea of what would have happened if all of the Usher's hadn't died. Set in North Carolina, present day, five generations of Usher's tell their story.
The Devil Tree
New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, Inc., 1973. 208 pp. Approximately 5 1/2 x 8". Inscribed by the author on the half-title page, "For Michael B. Meyers, in appreciaton of his interest, and with every best wish, Jerzy Kosinski, December 1972". Illustrated dust jacket, with some edge wear and creasing on the flaps, in very good condition. Black cloth 1/4 bound over green boards with silver title on spine, top edges foxed, previous owner's name on the half-title page, otherwise in very good condition.
Oh, such hardship. A rich young heir in his quest for self, sidetracked by hippie colonies, opium brothels, luxury suites in Manhattan, drugs, and of course, sex. From the jacket: "This fierce novel, swift in action, replete with characters and events, and rising to an unpredictable, shattering conclusion, is a powerful and memorable experience."
Passion Play
New York: St. Martin's Press, 1979. 271 pp. First Edition. Approximately 6 1/2 x 9 1/4". Illustrated dust jacket in fine condition. Black cloth 1/4 bound over red boards, signed on front free endpaper, some foxing to top edges, otherwise in near fine condition.
From the dust jacket: "Passion Play bears the stamp of Jerzy Kosinski's power and eloquence, heightened by an unusual tenderness and humanity. Fabian is the author's most romantic, most vulnerable hero - but also his most sexually driven - making Passion Play an indelible narrative of love and loss." Also from the dust jacket: "He seeks out women whom he met as girls, in whose minds he planted a seed of himself in preparation for a future harvest of seduction". A predator or a tender person? You'll have to read it to find out.
Satyrs and Women
New York: Covici, Friede, 1930. Approximately 7 1/2 x 12". LIMITED EDITION of 1,250 this being #395. Original black slipcase with gold label on cover present but shows some wear, in very good condition. Blue cloth over boards with gilt design on cover, very sunned spine, 15 fullcolor tipped in illustrations, signed by the artist Majeska on the colophon, foxing throughout, otherwise in very good condition.
A fine press book on heavy paper, with a translated introduction by Pierre Loving, this book is full of sensual and intelligent poetry, accompanied by tasteful illustrations of partially naked women.
The Haploids
New York: Rinehart & Co., 1952. 248 pp. Approximately 5 1/4 x 7 3/4". First edition. Signed/inscribed by the author to "Loren Lewis, a good friend who I have found has an eye for the same sort of thing I have...Thanks. Jerry Sohl." Illustrated dust jacket with slight wear and some creases and minor chipping in very good + condition, not price-clipped; Black cloth over boards with title and design in color on spine, minor tanning, in near fine condition.
Jerry Sohl (1913 - 2002), was an American science fiction author who also wrote television scripts for such series as The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Outer Limits and the original Star Trek series. This thrilling book is about the plot to exterminate the entire male population of the world. A classic in the genre.
The Musical Fantasies of L. Frank Baum
Lake Worth, FL: Ford Press, 1969. 2 1/2 x 2". 184 pp. LIMITED EDITION of 750 copies (according to Bradbury), this being #113. Black cloth over boards, gilt title on cover, gilt author descriptions on rear cover but slightly blurry, signed by the author on the colophon, illustrated, in near fine condition. (Bradbury, Ford Press 3)
L. Frank Baum (1856 - 1919) was an American author, mainly known for his Wizard of Oz books. Turns out that Baum also had a lively theatrical career as well. This little book tells all about those productions and includes reproductions of posters, stagebills, etc. Also included is a complete checklist of all of Baum's works. A wonderful book for any Baum collector.
Chronicles of Texas, A Sesquicentennial Momento, 1836 - 1986
(San Antonio, TX: Windcrest Press, 1986). (29) pp. 3 x 2 1/4". LIMITED EDITION of 25 copies, this being #19. Blue cloth over boards with metal flag on front cover, postage stamps tipped in, illustrations, signed by the author, in fine condition. (Bradbury, Windcrest Press, 2)
Valentine J. Poska is a librarian by profession who also publishes miniature books under his Windcrest Press Imprint. He also wrote other miniature books published by other publishers. He was an early member of the Miniature Book Society. This little book chronicles many important and trivia related events in the history of Texas, starting with Texas gaining its independence from Mexico and ending with Texas Sesquicentennial (with Dallas Cowboys superbowl wins and a political figures sprinkled in).
Adlai: The Wit and Wisdom of Adlai Ewing Stevenson
Sausalito, CA: Castle Baird Press, 1993. 32 pp. Approximately 2 x 2 1/2 ". LIMITED EDITION of 75 copies, this being #32. Printed paper boards with design and lettering by Susan Acker and Mary McDermott at the Feathered Serpent Press, printed endpapers with the United Nations emblem repeated, US Postage stamp of Adlai Stevenson tipped in at front, Doonesbury cartoon by Gary Trudeau folded in, signed by both the author and publishers, in fine condition. (Bradbury, Castle Baird 3)
A brief but compassionate bio about Adlai Stevenson II (1900 - 1965), a Governor of Illinois, a U.S. Presidential Candidate, and a U.N. Ambassador.