Fine Bindings and Sets

Godey, Louis Antoine

Godey’s Lady’s Book for 1850.

Philadelphia : L.A. Godey, 1850.

Finely bound example of this 19th-century American magazine known for its collection of poetry, illustrations, and articles by prominent female authors and artists. Octavo, volume 40, bound in three quarters contemporary calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, profusely illustrated with engraving, music sheets, and embroidery and costume plans. In very good condition.

Bryant, Jacob

A New System, or, an Analysis of Ancient Mythology: Wherein an Attempt is made to divest Tradition of Fable; and to reduce the Truth to its Original Purity. [Bryant’s Mythology].

London : Printed for T. Payne, Mews-Gate; P. Elmsly, in the Strand; B. White, in Fleet-Street; and J. Walter, Charing-Cross, 1774-1776.

First edition of Bryant’s Mythology, one of the most ambitious eighteenth-century attempts to reconcile classical mythology with biblical and historical truth. Royal quarto, three volumes bound in full period calf, rebacked, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spines in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling and scrolling toContinue reading "A New System, or, an Analysis of Ancient Mythology: Wherein an Attempt is made to divest Tradition of Fable; and to reduce the Truth to its Original Purity. [Bryant’s Mythology]."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

London : Printed by Thomas Baskett, Printer to the King's most Excellent Majesty, 1751.

Elegantly bound 18th century English Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments, printed by Thomas Baskett and from the library of John Bird Sumner (1780-1862), Archbishop of Canterbury from 1848 to 1862. Folio, bound in full contemporary dark green grain morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in seven compartments within raisedContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Proper Lessons for Sundays and Other Holy-Days, and a New Version of the Psalms of David.

Oxford : Printed at the Oxford University Press, 1861.

Finely bound Oxford University printing of the Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments. Duodecimo, bound in full pebbled morocco richly decorated in gilt with gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt ruling and scrolling to the front and rear panels with a brass appliqué in hoc signoContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Proper Lessons for Sundays and Other Holy-Days, and a New Version of the Psalms of David."

Dickens, Charles

A Tale of Two Cities.

London : Chapman and Hall, 1859.

First edition, first issue of one of Dickens’ most enduring works. Octavo, bound in three quarters morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, all edges gilt, illustrated with sixteen plates after H.K. Browne including the frontispiece and title vignette. In very good condition.

Dickens, Charles

The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.

London : Chapman and Hall, 1837.

First edition in book form of Dickens’ first novel and one of his greatest works. Octavo, bound in full morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled. Forty-threeContinue reading "The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. According to the Use of the Church of England. Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Oxford : Printed by the University Printers, 1701.

Rare early 18th century Book of Common Prayer in a royal binding bearing the ciphers of Queen Anne. Folio, bound in full contemporary green calf with gilt royal ciphers of Queen Anne to the spine in seven compartments within raised gilt bands, rebacked, gilt paneling and scrolling to the front and rear panels with royalContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. According to the Use of the Church of England. Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons."

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of The Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Cambridge : Printed by Joseph Bentham, Printer to the University, 1745.

Rare 18th century Book of Common Prayer, formerly used in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court. Folio, bound in full contemporary black morocco with gilt royal cyphers of King George II to the spine in seven compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling and elaborate gilt scrolling to the front and rear panels, giltContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of The Church of England: Together with the Psalter, or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form or Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons."

Saint Augustine

Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives. [The City of God].

London : George Eld, 1610.

Rare first edition in English of Augustine’s monumental work. Translated by John Healey. Folio, bound in full brown calf, gilt titles to the spine, morocco spine label, raised bands. Large woodcut printer’s device on title (McKerrow 375). Decorative woodcut head-pieces and decorative and woodcut initials, including three twelve-line initials. In very good condition, ownership signatureContinue reading "Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives. [The City of God]."

Atherton, Gertrude Franklin

The Conqueror: Being the True and Romantic Story of Alexander Hamilton.

New York : The Macmillan Company, 1902.

First edition of this historical novel that blends biographical narrative with romanticized fiction to construct a dramatic portrait of one of America’s founding figures. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth with gilt titles and detailing to the spine and front panel, top edge gilt. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, “To Mr. WaylandContinue reading "The Conqueror: Being the True and Romantic Story of Alexander Hamilton."

Crichton, Michael [Chip Kidd]

Jurassic Park and The Lost World.

Franklin Center, PA : The Easton Press, 1990 & 1995.

Signed limited first editions of Crichton’s gripping, bestselling scientific thriller and its sequel The Lost World. Octavo, 2 volumes, original leather, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, front and rear panels, raised bands, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, ribbon bound in. Each volume is signed by Michael Crichton and each with a large originalContinue reading "Jurassic Park and The Lost World."

Kubrick, Stanley & Anthony Burgess

Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange.

New York : Abelard-Schuman, 1972.

First edition of the book recreation of Stanley Kubrick’s epic film adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ dystopian masterpiece. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt inner dentelles stamp-signed by the HarcourtContinue reading "Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange."

Joyce, James

Ulysses.

New York : Random House, 1934.

First American edition of Joyce’s masterpiece. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in four compartments within raised bands, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt signature of Joyce to the front panel, gilt ruled inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery,Continue reading "Ulysses."

Apcar, Amy

Melodies of Five Offices in Holy Week According to the Holy Apostolic Church of Armenia: Being the Offices for Palm Sunday Evening for the Third, Sixth, and Tenth Hours of Holy Thursday and for the Tenth Hour of Good Friday Together with the Office for Candlemas Eve.

Leipzig : Printed by Breitkopf & Haertel, 1902.

Early edition of this rendering of sacred melodies into modern musical notation. Octavo, written in English and Armenian, bound in full brown cloth with gilt titles to the spine, gilt cross vignette to the front panel, musical stanzas throughout. Written down in modern musical notation by Amy Apcar. In good condition with rubbing and lossesContinue reading "Melodies of Five Offices in Holy Week According to the Holy Apostolic Church of Armenia: Being the Offices for Palm Sunday Evening for the Third, Sixth, and Tenth Hours of Holy Thursday and for the Tenth Hour of Good Friday Together with the Office for Candlemas Eve."

Benson, Arthur Christopher [John Maynard Keynes] [J.M.]

The Leaves of the Tree: Studies in Biography.

London : Smith, Elder, & Co, 1911.

First edition of this work on the challenges of writing biography. Octavo, bound in full synthetic leather with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands. Association copy, inscribed twice by John Maynard Keynes to his mother Florence Ada Keynes, once on the title page without the date and once onContinue reading "The Leaves of the Tree: Studies in Biography."

[Charlie Kirk]

The U.S. Constitution and Other Writings.

San Diego : Canterbury Classics, 2017.

Finely bound example of the Constitution of the United States. Octavo, bound in full leatherette, illustrated endpapers, all edges gilt. Boldly signed by Charlie Kirk on the half-title page. Kirk signed this in Palm Beach in December of 2024. In fine condition. Rare and desirable signed.

Churchill, Winston S

My Early Life; Thoughts and Adventures; Great Contemporaries; Step by Step.

London : Odhams Press Limited, 1936-1939.

First Odhams press edition of four of Churchill’s best-known works. Octavo, 4 volumes, original cloth with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page in My Early Life, “To E.T. Vassallo from Winston S. Churchill, 1948. ” With a typed letter signed by Nina Edith Sturdee, Churchill‘s privateContinue reading "My Early Life; Thoughts and Adventures; Great Contemporaries; Step by Step."

Hawthorne, Nathaniel

The Scarlet Letter.

New York : Random House Inc, 1928.

Random House limited edition of Hawthorne’s masterpiece. Octavo, original publisher’s half morocco with gilt titles to the spine, illustrated with wood blocks designed and engraved by Valenti Angelo. One of 980 numbered copies, this is number 895. In very good condition. Printed by Edwin and Robert Grabhorn. A nice example.

[de las Casas, Bartolomé]

Colleccion de Libros Espanoles: Varias Relaciones del Peru y Chile; De Las Antiguas Gentes del Peru.

Madrid : Miguel Ginesta/Manuel G. Hernandez, 1879-1892.

Finely bound Spanish printings of Bartolomé de las Casas’ histories of Peru and Chile. Octavo, two volumes bound in one half morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, all edges untrimmed, original wrappers bound in. In fine condition.

Vanderbilt, Jr, Cornelius

Park Avenue.

New York : The Macaulay Company Publishers, 1930.

First edition of Vanderbilt’s intimate portrait of the luxurious jazz era Park Avenue lifestyle. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt bindery, gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt inner dentelles stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbled endpapers,Continue reading "Park Avenue."

Hardy, Thomas

Tess of the d’Urbervilles. [and] The Woodlanders. [and] The Well-Beloved.

New York : Harper & Brothers Publishers, c. 1904-1905.

Finely bound editions of Thomas Hardy’s famous works. Octavo, original pictorial cloth, tissue-guarded frontispieces, with black and white illustrations in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, and a map of Wessex to the rear of The Well-Beloved. In very good condition, ownership signatures to the front free endpapers of Tess of the d’Urbervilles and The Woodlanders, bookplateContinue reading "Tess of the d’Urbervilles. [and] The Woodlanders. [and] The Well-Beloved."

Stowe, Harriet Beecher

Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands.

London : Sampson Low, Son, & Co, 1854.

First British author’s edition of this travel narrative that records Stowe’s observations during a tour of Europe in the wake of her international fame from Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Duodecimo, bound in three-quarters morocco with gilt titles to the spine in five compartments within gilt bands, engraved frontispiece, with black and white illustrations throughout. In veryContinue reading "Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands."

Buchan, John

A Prince of the Captivity.

London : Hodder and Stoughton, 1933.

First edition of this complex novel set during the aftermath of World War I. Octavo, bound in three-quarters leather over pictorial boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands. In very good condition.

Catlin, George W

North American Indians: Being Letters and Notes on Their Manners, Customs, and Conditions, Written During Eight Years’ Travel Amongst the Wildest Tribes of Indians in North America, 1832-1839.

London : Published by the Author, 1841.

First edition, first issue of this detailed anthropological history. Royal octavo, two volumes, original publisher’s cloth, frontispiece, with 400 black and white illustrations carefully engraved from the author’s original paintings by Catlin, three maps, and errata slip present at the front of the first volume. In very good condition.