Search Results: October Sale from Rooke Books

Edinburgh: William Blackwood and Sons, 1898. First edition. Cloth. Very Good. 9" by 5.75". Various. A first edition of Maxwell's biography of the British author and diplomat Sir Charles Murray. This biography was written by Sir Herbert Eustace Maxwell of Monreith, a Scottish novelist, essayist, Conservative politician and horticulturalist. Bound in blue cloth with gilt lettering and detail. There is an armorial nameplate to the front pastedown. The binding is tight and firm. There is some mild wear to the extremities including some bumping. The front inner hinge is strained. Internally the pages are bright and generally clean with the odd spot and some mild spotting on the first and last few pages. The frontispiece and tissue guard have detached. Very Good

London: Jonathan Cape, 1985 . First edition. Cloth. Fine/Near Fine. 8.5" by 5.5". None. An exceptionally lovely signed first edition of John Fowles's postmodern historical novel, set between May 1736 and February 1737, in which Fowles examines historiography, the nature of history, and criminal justice. The first edition, first impression of this work, in the publisher's original price unclipped dust wrapper.Signed by Fowles to the title page. 'A Maggot' was John Fowles's sixth major novel, a postmodern work told both through an objective narrative and through letters, interviews, and facsimile pages from contemporary eighteenth century issues of 'The Gentleman's Magazine'.A wonderful signed work by Fowles, the renowned British novelist of works positioned between modernism and postmodernism, best known for 'The Magus', 'The French Lieutenant's Woman', and 'The Collector'. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with price unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, fine. Light edgewear to dust wrapper… Read More

London : Macmillan and Co., 1893-1922. Leather. Very Good. 7.5" by 5". None. Four leather bound volumes of Henry Craik's English Prose Selections. The first four of five volumes of English Prose Selections, edited by Henry Craik. The first volume is a first edition copy and the other three copies are reprints. the volumes include critical introductions by various writers and general introductions to each period. The aim of the collection is to show the growth and development of English prose by extracts from the principal and most characteristic writers. The first volume (1893) includes work from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, including that of Chaucer, Sir Thomas Moore and Sir Walter Raleigh. The second volume (1920) covers from the sixteen to the restoration, with works by Francis Bacon and John Donne. Volume three (1922)explores the seventeenth century with works by Andrew Marvell, Sir Isaac Newton and Defoe. Volume iv (1920) explores the eighteenth century with works by David Hume… Read More

London : Macgibbon & Kee, 1963. First edition. Cloth. Fine/Very Good Indeed. 7.5" by 5". Susan Benson. A first edition, first impression copy of this collection of short stories by Nell Dunn. A first edition, first impression copy. Up The Junction is a collection of short stories by Nell Dunn that depicts contemporary life in the industrial slums of Battersea and Clapham Junction. Her writing is deft and observant, catching idioms and turns of phrase with expertise. Nell Dunn is an English playwright, screenwriter and author. In the original unclipped dust wrapper. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, excellent. Internally, firmly bound with bright and clean pages. In the original unclipped dust wrapper which is very smart with some fading to the wraps and light chipping to the head and tail of the spine. Fine

Worcester: Ebenezer Baylis & Son, 1915. First edition. Brochure/Pamphlet. Very Good Indeed. 9.5" by 6". Not Stated . A scarce account of the Battle of Gheluvelt, with two folding maps. This is a scarce pamphlet of How the Worcesters Saved the Day Gheluvelt 31 October 1914, printed for the Worcestershire County Council Stationary Department. This pamphlet gives an overviews of the Battle of Gheluvelt, where the Worcestershire Regiment at the Belgian village of Gheluvelt were all that stood between the Kaiser's army and the channel ports. Against the odds the Worcesters bravely defended Gheluvelt Chateau and the Germans retreated but 187 of the Worcesters were killed or wounded. With two folding maps.Collated, complete. In the original paper wraps. Externally, very smart. Internally, firmly bound with bright and clean pages. Very Good Indeed

U.S.A; London: Ballantine; Ace Books; Arrow Books; Penguin; Sphere; Orbit; Daw, 1965-1990. Paperback. Very Good. 7" by 4". None. Eighteen volumes of work by the renowned science fiction writer John Brunner, including Stand on Zanzibar and The Jagged Orbit. Eighteen volumes of science fiction works by John Brunner. John Brunner was a British author of science fiction, his novel Stand on Zanzibar won the 1969 Hugo Award for best science fiction novel and the BSFA award. This collection includes the following works: Enigma from Tantalus (1965) is a first American Ace Books paperback edition. Born Under Mars (1967) is a first American paperback edition published by Ace Books.The Long Result (1968) is a Penguin paperback reprint, with the first edition published in 1965. This copy is signed by the author to the title page. Telepathist (1968) is a Penguin Books edition, with the first UK edition being published by Faber & Faber in 1965.Bedlam Planet (1968) is a first American paperback copy… Read More

Liverpool: Blake and Mackenzie, 1901. First edition. Cloth. Very Good. 10.5" by 8". F. W. Meyer. A first edition copy of this charming gardening book with colour plates. A first edition copy of The Best Hardy Perennials For Producing an Abundant Supply of Cut Flowers which are also effective for displays of bright colours in the garden. This volume contains a selection among the many hundreds of different varieties of perennials, selected for their hardiness, beauty of form and colour and their suitability for supplying cut flowers. Illustrated with colour plates. Missing 15 plates, with 31 of 45, missing plates 2, 8, 13, 16, 23, 26, 27, 29, 32, 34, 36, 40, 41, 42, 44. Collated. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, very smart with some light marks to the boards and light fading and bumping to the head and tail of the spine. Internally, firmly bound with bright and clean pages, some of the plates have been cut out. Very Good

London: Frederick Warne & Co. LTD, 1919. Hardback. Good. 5.5" by 4". Beatrix Potter. A very early reprint of one of the charming and beloved tales of Beatrix Potter, complete with her original colourful plates. A very early printing of the first edition, with no date to the title page, first edition endpapers of Plate XV in Quinby, and 'N' to 'London' on the title page, but with 'Ltd' to the publisher's imprint.'The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse' is a charming tale based off Aesop's brilliant fable 'The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse', following a country mouse and a city mouse who visit one another in their own homes.Beautifully illustrated in colour in Potter's typical style, with a colour frontispiece and twenty-six colour plates.Collated, complete. In the original publisher's paper covered boards. Externally, smart, with a small amount of lifting to the front board. A few light spots to the boards. Spine is a little discoloured. Front hinge is weak, rear hinge is strained. Internally, generally… Read More

London: T. Werner Laurie LTD, 1928. Vellum. Near Fine/Very Good Indeed. 9" by 6.5". Toulouse Lautrec. A lovely limited edition of one of Emile Zola's best known works, looking at alcoholism. Signed by the translator, Arthur Symons. A limited edition, limited to one-thousand copies numbered and signed, this copy numbered six-hundred and forty-seven.Signed by the translator, Arthur Symons, to the edition page. In the original publisher's unclipped dustwrapper. 'l'Assommoir' is one of Zola's novels in his Rougon-Macquart series. This novel is a study of alcoholism and poverty in the working class life in Paris. Emile Zola was an influential writer writer, who is known for leading the literary school of naturalism. His novels show the prosperity and poverty in France during the nineteenth century. Translated from French by Arthur Symons. Symons was a poet, editor, and critic. His other works include 'A Book of Parodies', 'Tristan and Iseult: A Play in Four Acts', 'Love's Cruelty', 'Figures of Several… Read More

London: Stevens and Sons, Limited, 1906-1933 . First edition. Cloth. Good. 7.5" by 4.5". None. Five first editions of this political and legal reference work spanning across the early twentieth century in five volumes. First editions of The Law List in the original publisher's cloth bindings, and the 1915 issue rebound in modern cloth. Comprising the Judges and Officers of the Courts of Justice; Council, Special Pleaders, Conveyancers, Solicitors, Proctors, Notaries, &c., in England and Wales, the Circuits, Judges, treasurers, Registrars, and High Bailiffs of the County Courts. Five volumes including issues from 1906, 1915, 1916, 1919, and 1933. An uncommon collection of these political reference works published by Stevens and Sons, an established law publisher. With advertisements to the front and rear. In the original publisher's cloth bindings, and the 1915 issue rebound in modern cloth. Externally, sound. The 1915 issue is near fine. To the original bindings, there is some bumping… Read More

London: Harrison & Sons, Ltd. , 1932-1948 . First edition. Cloth. Very Good Indeed. 10" by 7". Not Stated. First editions of the first five volumes of this notice of Obituaries of members of the Royal Society with portraits. First edition of Obituary Notices of Fellows of The Royal Society rebound in cloth. This collection is in five volumes, spanning from 1932 to 1948. A lovely collection of obituaries and biographies of members of the Royal Society, a learned society dating back to the seventeenth century of the United Kingdom's academy of sciences. The society has a number of roles, notably promoting science and its benefits, recognising scientific excellence, and providing advice for policy, education and public engagement. All volumes are densely illustrated with portraits of the patrons. Volume I spans from 1932-1935 and has eighty monochrome plates.Volume II spans from 1936-1938 and has sixty six monochrome plates. Volume III spans from 1939-1941 and has sixty seven monochrome… Read More

London & Glasgow; Boston: Gowans & Gray, LTD; The Baker International Play Bureau, 1930. Paperback. Very Good/Very Good. 6" by 4". Jessie M. King. A Modern English translation of the Tudor allegorical play 'Everyman', a Christian morality play, here in the original Jessie M. King dust wrapper. In the original unclipped illustrated dust wrapper by Jessie M. King.No. 6 in Gowans's International Library. A Modern English translation of the late 15th Century morality play, 'The Summoning of Everyman'. An allegorical tale, the plot follows Everyman has his good and evil deeds are tallied by God after his death.'Everyman' was originally written in Middle English during the Tudor period. Throughout the centuries the author has remained anonymous. Four pages of adverts to the rear. In the original publisher's paper wraps, in the original Jessie M. King dust wrapper. Externally, the dust wrapper is adhered to the spine, as issued. Wraps are age-toned with some light spots and marks. A small amount of loss… Read More

London: Andrew Millar, 1806. Leather. Very Good. 7" by 4.5". Not Stated. A smart copy of the fourth edition of Jane Collier's satirical conduct book, offering humorous guidance on the best methods of annoying and manipulating family members and acquaintances. First published in 1753, this is the fourth edition of Collier's delightful work.Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece depicting a gleeful cat capturing a mouse.Chapters offer methods of enraging the patroness, lover, husband, wife, friends and acquaintances.With the inscription of Edward Riggall to the verso of the title page, dated 1858.With an advertisement leaf to the rear.Collier's work is a parody of conduct books that were popular in the eighteenth century, and offers a witty critique of social norms and expectations, providing fascinating insight into the social context of the day. In a full calf binding. Rubbing to board perimeters and joints, with minor losses to the leather in these regions. Front joint and head of rear joint… Read More

London : Faber and Faber, 2003-2004. First edition. Cloth. Fine/Fine. 9" by 5.5". None. Two first edition signed novels by G. P. Taylor. Two first edition copies of works by G. P. Taylor. Both are signed by the author to the title page. Shadowmancer (2003) is a tale packed full of history, folklore and smuggling and Wormwood is the sequel to Shadowmancer that follows the adventures of Dr. Sabian Blake. G. P. Taylor is an author who is most known for the best-selling novel Shadowmancer. Both are in the original unclipped dust wrappers. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, lovely. Both are signed by the author to the title page. Internally, firmly bound with bright and clean pages. Both are in the original unclipped dust wrappers which are also lovely. Fine

Lodon: The Waverley Book Company, c1900. Cloth. Very Good. 9" by 6". Not stated. A nice set of six picaresque novels by Tobias George Smollett. A scarce edition Six picaresque novels by Scottish novelist and playwright Tobias George Smollett. Each with frontispiece. Best known for his picaresque novels, Smollett made his name in 1748 with The Adventures of Roderick Random, a semi-autobiographical story based on his experience as a naval surgeon in the Royal Navy. His second novel, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle depicts the luck and misfortunes of an egotistical man. Alongside The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom and The History and Adventures of an Atom, the set includes Smollett's epistolary novel, The Expedition of Humphrey Clinker, considered by many to be his best and funniest work. Undated. Estimated circa 1900 from the dates Waverley Book Company were publishing and the style of the books. In the publisher's original red cloth binding. Externally, generally smart. Lightly… Read More

London: John Murray, 1873 . Cloth. Good. 9" by 5.5". None. A scarce early edition of this study of criminal law in England from the mid nineteenth century. Sixth edition of The Constitution and Practice of Courts Martial by Thomas Frederick Simmons in the original publisher's cloth binding.With a summary of the law of evidence, as connected therewith, also some notice of the criminal law of England with reference to the trial of civil offences. A scarce early edition with only six of this edition in libraries, and only twenty of varying editions in total. Contents include topics such as 'Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Customs' and 'Of Evidence, and the General Rules of Evidence - Note, the Indian Evidence Act 1872'. Prior owner's ink inscription to the half title. In the original publisher's cloth binding. Externally, sound. There is some bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. There is a small tear to the head of the spine. There are some light marks to the boards. The… Read More

London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1970 . Cloth. Very Good Indeed/Very Good Indeed. 9" by 6". None. The second edition, fifth impression of the first part of The Lord of the Rings in the original dust wrapper. Second edition, fifth impression of The Fellowship of the Ring by John Roland Reuel Tolkien. In the original publisher's cloth binding and unclipped dust wrapper. With the folding map inserted to the rear in fine condition. Being the first part of The Lord of the Rings, first published in 1954. An important work, being the start of the world famous fantasy franchise.  In the original publisher's cloth binding and unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, very smart. There is some slight wear to the dust wrapper, with some creasing to the extremities and staining to the inverse. To the binding, there is some minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. There are some faint tape marks to the boards. There is staining to the pastedowns and first free endpapers.… Read More

London: Macmillan and Co, 1906. First edition. Cloth. Very Good. 8" by 5". Not Stated . Rudyard Kipling's anthology of historical fantasy tales, the illustrated first impression. The first edition, first impression of this work. With four leaves of advertisements to rear, dated 15.08.06 as called for.A Rudyard Kipling's anthology of short stories featuring fantasy tales set in various periods of English history. Illustrated with frontispiece and nineteen further illustrations. Collated, complete. In the original publisher's full cloth binding. Externally lovely with minor shelf wear only, lightly bumped to head and tail of spine and extremities, back strip gently faded. Previous ownership faint stamp to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean. Very Good

New York & Philadelphia: Boericke & Tafel, 1881. Leather. Good. 9.5" by 6". None. A scarce second edition of this informative work on homeopathic remedies in veterinary work. Scarce edition. Second and enlarged edition. Illustrated throughout with sixteen plates. Collated complete. A guide to homeopathic care for animals, with information on training, breeding, feeding, treatment and management of domestic animals and fowl. With specific reference to affections, disorders and diseases. In the original quarter crushed morocco binding. Externally, smart with rubbing and bumping to the extremities. Rear joint starting to the head of the spine but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean with the odd spot. Ink inscription to front endpaper. Good

London: Printed for A. K. Newman and Co. , 1811 . Leather. Good. 6" by 4". Not Stated. A small early edition of this collection of works by Laurence Sterne. Early edition of this set being The Works of Laurence Sterne in the original paper covered boards.Being six volumes out of this seven volume edition. Collated with a frontispiece to Volume I. Laurence Sterne was an Anglo-Irish novelist from the eighteenth century best known for 'A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy', 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy' and 'Gentleman'. Sterne also published many memoirs and sermons. Prior owner's ink inscription from 1943 to the first pastedown of each volume. In the original paper covered boards. Externally, sound. There is some bumping to the heads and tails of the spines and to the extremities. There is some wear to the bindings in these areas. Many of the joints are cracked. The hinges are strained but firm. Prior owner's ink inscription from 1943 to the first pastedown of each volume.… Read More