Pride and Predjudice

Another first printing of this “Rainbow Classics” illustrated edition by The New World Publishing Company “First Printing August 1946″.

Witty illustrations by Canadian artist Edgard Cirlin, who went to Cooper Union in New York.  Binding, pages and front and back covers in good – excellent condition.

I do not think “P&P” by Jane Austin needs needs any commentary here. Austin was born in 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, England where a lady “may or may not have money but must have manners”  goes to the heart of the dominant theme in this book, aptly titled “Pride and Prejudice”. Who is pride and who is prejudice? In my heart both Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy.  Austin’s creation of character is as decisive as taking Japanese pen and ink to paper. The making of so many movie versions suggests to me this book has something pleasing and new from one generation to the next.

$85.00 USD plus S & H.

How to Talk Dirty and Influence People

Lenny Bruce, the controversial comedian, is well-known throughout many generations for his acerbic wit and tragic fall. His observation comedy  could crack you up or make you cry. This autobiographical book takes you through his trials and tribulations.

Portions published in Playboy Magazine (that dirty comic with F words and no respect for religion–except his ex-stripper wife Honey Marlowe and the needle),  is an autobiography with photos supporting the narrative. Better yet, the narrative itself  because it preserves his witticisms, rantings and jokes.

A first edition, published by HMH Publishing Co./Playboy Press, copyrighted variously from 1963,64,65 by Hugh Hefner himself, then his royal coolness, this is a first and only complete edition with cover too!

Foreward by Kenneth Tynan.  Back notes by Ralph J. Gleason!, Tynan and Joel Fort (Lecturer, (Criminology) University of Berkeley, California. But Tynan and Gleason go to the heart of the “jazz” of this performer’s depth.

In good to very good condition.  First edition.  Rare.  As far as I know to date: Out of  Print. $100.00 plus shipping and handling. A “Must Read”.

Less Than Zero

A cultural icon, must read, must see book and movie in perfect condition. Written by Brett Ellis,  this writer took New York by storm and the rest of the nation as well. In mint condition, like new with cover. $150.oo USD plus S & H

Must See Books

“Chinese Love Tales” is a sensual, wise and charming collection of  love tales from classic 17th c. China. Originally published as “Eastern Shame Girl” (the first tale of the collection), it was censored and legally attacked only to be acquitted by the Court with judicial recognition of its literary merit. Gorgeously illustrated by Valenti Angelo, each tale has 5-6 beautiful pen and ink line illustrations. Translation by Georges Souile de Morant. This Illustration Editions book was published by the World Publishing Co. of Cleveland, Ohio and New York, NY. Copyright 1935.

From the first tale “Eastern Shame Girl”:

“You meet a stranger and say three words and tear off a piece of your heart”.

Other stories I love “The Wedding of Ya-Nei”, “The Monastery of the Esteemed-Lotus” etc. Gold embossed cover. Interior fine condition. $115 USD and S&H.

This elegant antique green velvet French morning prayer book with stunning  silver and  tight fitting clasp and corner protectors is about 6′x4′x1 1/2′.  Carat gold on papers edges. Wonderful condition for most part, some mildew spotting. Great illustrations and gorgeous table top piece.

Written in French for Sunday morning prayers and holidays.

A green ribbon to mark your place. For the devout, heirloom bible.

I paid a pretty price for the esthetics of this book when I was in France c. 1995. Offered for   $225 USD plus S&H.

What can you say about”Tennyson’s Poems”, Harpers Complete Edition-Illustrated” aka “The Poetical Works of  Alfred Tennyson,  Poet Laureate”? That you are a romantic!

This 10″x6″X1 1/4″ Harper & Brothers, Publishers, Franklin Square, 1870 does indeed have many illustrations by E Dore.

I still have my notes throughout. As a schoolgirl, I planted my posted-pad flags all over our family library books.Condition is fair to good in this hand strung bound edition.  Given its age, look and character I can forgive the superficial binding/cover bends and tears and even some mildew spots in favor of the things it offers (such as adding “Timbuctoo”, the poets Cambridge Univ. Prize poem and poems published in 1830 & 1833 that were omitted in other editions. Note the dates and signatures of its previous owners.  What can I say?  It has character. $115 USD+S/H.

First edition of  “Tarantula”  , a “work of fantasy and imagination”. Published by The Macmillan Co., NY,NY, copyrighted twice, first by Bob Dylan in 1966 then finally copyrighted and published in 1971, the books publishing history is as interesting as the book itself.

I would put it in the stream of consciousness mode, and a great rare edition in great shape despite the pen mark shown and 2 small upper page lite stains (probably from my eating while reading), binding excellent hand sewn, with cover jacket too! It is what it is.  “Furious Simon’s Nasty Humor” has the free-wheeling feel and private observations you want to read like poems are lyrics too. “Cowboy Angel Blues” is as Dylan as it gets. I have a small collection of “Rock” books and this, along with John Lennon’s small book of his illustrations and quips(in offsite storage) is my dead favorite. I  have too many rare editions to post. I’ll have to create a separate list. Another “must have, must see” $175USD+SH

Always classic.  a.a. milne and his  Christopher Robin.  Dedication reads: ” To Christopher Robin Milne or as he prefers to call himself Billy Moon this book which owes so much to him is now humbly offered”.  Copyright 1924 by E.P. Dutton, Co. In remarkable condition for a children’s book. Only 2-3 small interior page tears. Hand sewn binding. Rag paper with ragged edgings. From my personal children’s library.From the famous”Vespers”: Little Boy kneels at the foot of the bed, Droops on the little little gold head. Hush!Hush! Whisper who dares! Christopher Robin is saying his prayers.  $ 85 USD plus S/H.

Salome by Oscar Wilde, Illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley

 

This first American edition of  “Salome” by Oscar Wilde is rich in history, writing and of the 16 marvelous illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley. Originally written in French, the commentary explains how the play, originally  to be performed by Madame Bernhardt in 1892 where the Censor prohibited its performance at the Palace Theater.

Whereupon Oscar Wilde in his indignation re-wrote it as his play, presented here, in English, which forever captures and embodies  his fame and his association with Aubrey Beardsley.

The binding is in excellent condition. There is a top small stain in the white empty extra frontspiece of the book–inconsequential in my opinion. There is no publication date for this book, however it has been in my family for over 60 years.  This play was performed in England in 1905 suggesting the book was printed shortly thereafter.

While the paper cover is somewhat tattered, being in three neatly separated pieces, the hardcover is in excellent condition and richly imprinted in gold and red on a royal blue field.

It’s a key companion piece to “Oscar Wilde and the Yellow Nineties”.

I present it by request, for Hugh, who knows how much I cherish this book.

Old Najavo Dolls

Quaint old Navajo dolls.  $60 USD plus S/H.

Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace

  This vintage squash is 23″ long, very heavy, perfect turquoise color and matching ( pictures do not do justice to this piece).

 

Already tested twice on the naja for silver, I still need to weigh it and confirm the artists mark which is G  l v l as shown on the close-up with the small “v”  in upper case.

 

A very big statement in classic Navajo form.

 

 Price to be determined after further research. I will hazard an estimate of its value at $ 1,500 – 2,000 before S&H.