Christie, Agatha
A first edition, first printing of '4-50 From Paddington' by Agatha Christie, published by Collins in 1957. A very good book without inscriptions - some dustiness to the page edges. In a very good unclipped wrapper. Some wear to the edges and one closed tear to the top of the front panel. The story begins when Elspeth McGillicuddy, a friend of Miss Marple, is travelling by train from London to visit her. During her journey, she witnesses a murder in a passing train travelling parallel to hers. Shocked and convinced of the murder, Mrs. McGillicuddy reports it to the authorities, but they are sceptical due to the lack of evidence. Miss Marple, known for her sharp intuition and understanding of human nature, takes Mrs. McGillicuddy's story seriously. She begins to investigate the case herself, and with the help of her friend Lucy Eyelesbarrow, who is a professional housekeeper, they uncover clues and secrets hidden in the countryside near the railway line.
Forster, E M
A first edition, first printing of ''Howards End' by E M Forster published Arnold in 1910. One of 2,500 copies of the first edition were printed. In the original publisher's cloth binding. A very good copy. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. Light marks to the boards and spine. Spine is a little faded. Gilt to the spine is a little faded. Very light rubbing to the joints. Hinges are firm. Internally, generally firmly bound. Pages are very lightly age-toned and clean with a few scattered spots. Published in 1910,'Howards End' has left a significant cultural impact due to its exploration of class, gender, and cultural shifts in Edwardian England. The novel reflects the era's social and economic changes, including the tension between the traditional, rural values represented by Howards End and the industrial, modern ethos embodied by Wilcoxes. The book has been recognised as a precursor to the modernist literary movement, reflecting the period's flux and ambiguity. Forster's portrayal of women's roles and voices, exemplified by the character Margaret Schlegel, was groundbreaking, illustrating feminist ideals and the struggle for independence in a patriarchal society. The novel has inspired various adaptations, including film and television, extending its cultural influence. Its exploration of the complexity of human relationships, morality, and societal evolution continues to be relevant and appreciated in academic and popular discourse, making "Howards End" a seminal work of English literature.
Knight, Laura
A first edition, first printing of A Proper Circus Omie by Laura Knight, published by Peter Davies in 1962, with 42 monochrome drawings, pictorial end-papers and colour frontispiece illustrated by the author. A near fine book signed and inscribed by the author on the half title page in blue ink, boards bound in original publisher's yellow cloth with blue titling to the spine and publisher's blind stamp to the rear board, pushing to the spine tips, the text block browning with spotting to the top edge. The good price clipped wrapper with open tears to the head of the spine, front panel and rear panel, open tear to the spine, chipping to the foot of the spine, chipping to the knuckles of the front and rear flap folds, fading to the spine and browning throughout.
Thubron, Colin
A first edition, first printing of Mirror to Damascus by Colin Thubron, published by Heinemann in 1967. A near fine book inscribed and dated on the half title page verso in black ink, in original publisher's red cloth bound boards, with bowed front panel, gilt titling to the spine, pushing to the head and foot of the spine, bumping to the corners, red top stain to the text block. In a very good price clipped wrapper, with chipping to the head and foot of the spine, chipping to knuckles of front and rear flap folds with some internal repairs, fading to the spine, pushing to upper and lower edge of front panel, puncture holes to rear panel and similarly punctured cloth to rear board. Mirror to Damascus by Colin Thubron is a captivating travel memoir that explores the rich history, culture and architecture of Damascus, one of the world's oldest cities. Thubron blends vivid descriptions with historical insights, providing a deep, nuanced portrait of the city. His lyrical prose and keen observations offer readers an intimate glimpse into Damascus's past and present, revealing its enduring beauty and complexity.
Collins, Suzanne
A first edition, first printing of 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins published by Scholastic in 2008. A very good book without inscriptions in a very good unclipped wrapper which has some wear to the corners and to the spine tips. "The Hunger Games" trilogy has significantly impacted culture by addressing themes of power, inequality, and resistance. It has sparked discussions on authoritarianism, social justice, and media manipulation. The series introduced a strong female protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, promoting gender equality and inspiring countless readers. "The Hunger Games" contributed to the popularity and recognition of Young Adult literature as a genre. The film adaptations and related merchandise expanded its cultural influence, and it helped propel the dystopian fiction genre to the forefront of popular culture, reflecting contemporary societal concerns and fears about the future. Overall, Collins' work has left a lasting imprint on cultural discourse.
