The Complete Short Stories
A first edition, first printing of The Complete Short Stories by Ian Rankin, comprising A Good Hanging, Beggars Banquet and Atonement, published by Orion in 2005. A near fine book signed above a small gallows by the author to the title page in blue ink, in black cloth bound boards with gilt title to the spine, minor pushing to the head and foot of the spine, very slight browning to the text blocks. In a near fine unclipped wrapper with some bumping to the spine tips. With associated photographic image of 'Outside St. Leonard's police station, Edinburgh' by Tricia Malley and Ross Gillespie.
More from John Atkinson Books
The Towering Inferno [The Tower/Glass Inferno]
Two first edition, first printings which inspired the movie, 'The Towering Inferno' published in 1973 and 1975 by Secker and Warburg and Hodder and Stoughton. Consisting: 'The Tower' by Richard Martin Stern - a very good book with spotting to the page edges, in a very good unclipped wrapper - published by Secker and Warburg in 1973. 'The Glass Inferno' by Thomas N Scortina and Frank M. Robinson - a very good book in like unclipped wrapper with some sunning to the spine. 4.50 From Paddington
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. Watership Down – First Illustrated Edition – SIGNED by the Author
A first edition, first printing of 'Watership Down' by Richard Adams published by Kestrel Books in 1976. A near fine book inscribed by the author 'To Bobby and Paul/in gratitude and friendship/Richard' to the rear of the half-title. In a near fine unclipped wrapper with the illustrated slip case. Rare signed and the first time we have seen the Author signed simply as 'Richard', suggesting the inscribees were close friends. Withnail and I – The Screenplay – SIGNED by Bruce Robinson
A first edition of the 10th Anniversary edition of the screenplay- paperback. A very scarce title. This 10th Anniversary paperback with slight pushing at the corners but generally free from wear. Bruce Robinson's signature is present on the half title and without dedication. Overall, this is a very near fine copy of a scarce title. One Hand Clapping
A first edition, first printing published by Peter Davies in 1961. A fine book without inscriptions in an unclipped wrapper (price sticker over original) which is fine and unblemished. Famously reviewed by Burgess for the Yorkshire Post who claimed the novel as one of the best he'd ever read - well you would though. He was promptly sacked. Excessively scarce to find this book unclipped and more so in this superb condition. Not After Midnight [Featuring ‘Don’t Look Now’]
First edition, first printing. Published by Gollancz in London, 1971. This is a very good copy. The dust wrapper has some slight chipping to the top edge and some light wear at the edges and a small chip to the head of the spine. This copy is the first appearance of Don't Look Now, the film later directed by Nicholas Roeg in 1973. The text blocks are generally bright but have some slight foxing present. It is free from previous owners ink and is in very good condition overall. The Breakthrough is the earliest story in the collection, written in 1964 in response to a request from Kingsley Amis who was hoping to edit a collection of science-fiction stories, a collection which never ultimately appeared. It was written before The House on the Strand, for which it was in some ways a rehearsal. The Hunger Games
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. The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences
A first edition, first printing of 'The Elephant Man' by Sir Frederick Treves, published by Henry Holt in 1924. A very good book with a previous owner's inscription to the front endpaper. Some spotting to the page edges and a little to the prelims. Basis for the acclaimed Broadway play and the movie starring John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins (who played Treves in the film). Steppes to Wembley – SIGNED by Trautmann
First edition, first printing. Published by Robert Hale, London, in 1956. This is a very good (or better) copy. The dust wrapper has some light chipping and creasing to the top and tail edges of both panels. It is worn at the spine tips and a chip is evident to the head of the spine and with some mild handling marks throughout. It has not been price clipped, showing the original 10/6 net price. The boards are slightly bumped at the top and tail of the spine. The authors signature is finely signed in blue ink to the full title page. Overall, this is a very good (or better) copy of a classic sporting title. The autobiography of Bert Trautmann, 'Footballer of the Year, 1956'. ‘Biggles’ of the Camel Squadron
An early edition of 'Biggles of the Camel Squadron' by W E Johns published by John Hamilton in 1935. Catalogue at the rear is dated 1935. A good copy WITH ALL FOUR COLOUR PLATES within. Wear and heavy rubbing to the edges - top stain about there - present well in its protective mylar cover. Postern of Fate
Christie, Agatha First edition, first printing. Published by Collins, London, in 1973. This is a very good (or better) copy. The dust wrapper, gloomily designed by Margaret Murray, has not been price clipped and shows the original £2.00 net price. The tail of the spine is rubbed and the corners are also slightly worn. There is some very slight surface scratching throughout and separation in the laminate on the front panel; the spine is faded. The boards are free from notable chips and marks. The text blocks are bright and white throughout and all but the top edge are free from foxing. This copy is free from previous owners ink and is, overall, a very good (or better) copy. A Christie for dog lovers. Hannibal the dog plays a considerable part in the mystery!- $59
- $59
The White Tiger – Limited Edition of 1500
Adiga, Aravind A first edition, first printing published by Atlantic Books in 2008 Signed limited edition 1/1500 in the original cellophane which has a thin hole to the spine. The White Tiger tells a darkly, humorous tale of India's class system and won the 40th Booker Prize in 2008.- $85
- $85
Bond on Set
Williams, Greg First edition, first printing. Published by DK in London, 2008. This is a fine copy. The dust wrapper, with a nice B+W image of Pierce Brosnan, is without wear aside from some very slight surface scratching to the rear panel. The boards are free from chips and marks and the text blocks are bright and white throughout. Overall, this is a fine copy without inscriptions.- $66
- $66
Mirror To Damascus
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.- $164
- $164
A Proper Circus Omie
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.- $637
- $637
