New Arrivals
The O. Henry Home
Austin, TX: Amistad Press, 1981. (20) pp. Approximately 3/4 x 7/8". LIMITED EDITION of 300 copies. Green cloth over boards, printed dust jacket, original packaging, illustrated, fine condition. (Bradbury, Amistad Press 40)
An informative little book about the O. Henry Museum, located in Austin, Texas with a tie-in to the annual O. Henry pun-off.
Judge Not
Austin, TX: Amistad Press, 1981. (20) pp. Approximately 3/4 x 7/8". LIMITED EDITION of 300 copies. Blue cloth over boards, printed dust jacket, original packaging, fine condition. (Bradbury, Amistad Press 37)
Reprinted with permission from an Ann Landers column, dated 9/14/77. A lovely poem with the advice of not judging people.
The Red Velvet Mansion
Austin, TX: Amistad Press, 1981. (28) pp. Approximately 3/4 x 7/8". LIMITED EDITION of 195 copies. Red cloth over boards, printed dust jacket, red-toned photographs, original packaging, fine condition. (Bradbury, Amistad Press 36)
An interesting little book about a real doll house constructed by the author and her husband with various details of its interior and contents.
P.T. Barnum's Circus Museum and Menagerie
New York: White & Allen, 1888. (64) pp. Approximately 10 1/2 x 12 1/2". 1st edition. Color lithographed paper over boards, beautifully illustrated with full page color plates and many black and white illustrations, beautiful lithography by G.H. Buek & Co., some edge wear and light toning, one page has slight tear at the bottom, light soiling to margins of some pages, otherwise, very good condition.
Phineas Taylor Barnum, usually referred to as P.T. Barnum (1810 - 1891) was an American showman, politician, author, publisher, philanthropist and businessman. He said of himself, however, "I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me." (Kunhardt 1995). Told in the form of a story for children, this stunning and scarce book showcases many of the acts, animals, and curiosities that appeared in Barnum's circus, such as Jumbo the Elephant, Che-Mah the Dwarf, and many other exotic animals.
A Year of Prophesying
New York: Macmillan Company, 1925. 352 pp. Approximately 5 1/4 x 7 1/2". 1st edition. Red cloth over boards with title panelled and blind stamped on front cover, gilt title on spine, no dust jacket, minor foxing on page edges, otherwise, very good plus condition.
Herbert George Wells (1866 - 1946) is often called the "father of science fiction" along with Jules Verne and Hugo Gernsback. A Year of Prophesying is a collection of 55 essays by Wells, written for newspaper columns between 1923 and 1924. An insightful view of early 20th century history.
The Mite
Grimsby, England: E. A. Robinson, 1891. 28, [2] pp. 21 x 18 mm. 8 b&w illustrations. Vellum binding with red title on gilt, red edge stain. Slight wear to covers, else near fine. (Welsh 5067; Bondy 98-99)
A self-proclaimed "curiosity . . . the smallest [book] ever printed from type in the World." Bondy notes that for many years it remained "the smallest English book printed from movable type and may in fact still deserve that distinction." Uncommon.
London in Miniature. With Engravings of its Public Buildings and Antiquities, from Drawings by Alfred Mills
London: Darton, Harvey, & Darton, and J. Harris, 1814. 96 pp. 2-1/2 x 2-3/8". 47 plates. Original printed pink boards, worn and lightly toned, interior bright with only occasional minor soil. Welsh and Bondy describe this as having 48 plates, but records in OCLC and elsewhere indicate that it is complete in 47 plates. In Very Good condition. (Welsh 4988; Bondy 65)
One of a series of titles illustrated with engravings of drawings by Alfred Mills, and issued in either these slightly cheaper boards or in roan. Includes brief introductions and detailed engravings for many major landmarks, including London Bridge, the Monument, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Royal Academy, the Admiralty, etc., as well as Whittington's and Oliver Cromwell's houses.
Vinegar Valentine
n.p.: n.p., ca 1900. 10 x 13 1/2". Single sheet, lightly toned, minor chip to edge, printed in the United States, stipple engraving, bold colors, in very good condition.
A common practice in the U.K. and the United States from about 1840 to 1940, these "Vinegar Valentines" were known for their caricatures and insulting poems. Rather rare today since many of these were thrown out by their horrified recipients. The "H." initial might possibly indicate it was created by cartoonist Charles Howard who worked for printer John McLoughlin. This is an uncommonly large example of the genre. The subject of this one is "A Professional Scandal Monger".
Vinegar Valentine
n.p.: n.p., ca 1900. 7 x 9 1/2". Single sheet, lightly toned, minor tears to edges, creased where folded, most likely printed in the United States, stipple engraving, in very good condition.
A common practice in the U.K. and the United States from about 1840 to 1940, these "Vinegar Valentines" were known for their caricatures and insulting poems. Rather rare today since many of these were thrown out by their horrified recipients. The "H." initial might possibly indicate it was created by cartoonist Charles Howard who worked for printer John McLoughlin. The subject of this one is "Your Affinity", about a Broadway stage actor.
The Compleat Angler, or the Contemplative Man's Recreation, being a discourse of rivers, fish-ponds, fish and fishing
London: Henry Frowde, ca 1900. Approximately 1 1/4 x 2". 588 pp. Rare in Miniature Book format. Black leather over boards with gilt title in panel on spine, gilt top edge, frontispiece with no tissue guard and minor tear, Oxford University Press Warehouse Amen Corner E.C., based on fifth edition on India paper, final page separated but still included, in very good+ condition. (Welsh 7030, Bondy p. 117, Coigney 204)
Subtitled "The Contemplative Man's Recreation, Being a Discourse of Rivers, Fishponds, Fish and Fishing, not unworthy the Perusal of most Anglers." The Compleat Angler is a practical guide to the art of angling, or fishing; however, it also has political and historical underpinnings. What sets "The Compleat Angler" apart from other practical handbooks and puts it firmly in the realm of literature is its delightful style that is technically polished and charming to read and its abundance of insight into human nature.