Gifts - For Him

Steinbeck, John

The Winter of Our Discontent.

New York : The Viking Press, 1961.

First edition, presentation copy of Steinbeck’s final novel, one of only 500 examples with only a few known inscribed examples, which along with The Grapes of Wrath are considered his masterpieces. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For Charles Sulner John Steinbeck.” Near fine in a nearContinue reading "The Winter of Our Discontent."

Cambridge, Richard Owen [Benjamin Franklin]

An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers.

London : Printed for T. Jefferys, 1761.

Benjamin Franklin’s first edition copy of Cambridge’s account of the progression of the Seven Years’ War in India, from Franklin’s private library. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf, marbled endpapers, illustrated with 12 engraved maps and plans and 6 plates, mostly folding. From the private library of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s contributions to science and politicsContinue reading "An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers."

Hill, Ralph Nading. [Ronald Reagan]

Robert Fulton and the Steamboat.

New York : Random House, 1954.

First edition of the author’s compelling work on the inventor of the world’s first commercially successful steamboat. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, illustrated by Lee Ames. Signed by Ronald Reagan on the half-title page. Ronald Wilson Reagan served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989 and became a highly influentialContinue reading "Robert Fulton and the Steamboat."

Churchill, Winston S

Ian Hamilton’s March.

London : Longman's, Green, and Co, 1900.

First edition of Churchill’s fifth book, a continuation of his coverage of the Boer War which he began in London to Ladysmith via Pretoria. Octavo, original red cloth with gilt titles to the spine and front panel, engraved frontispiece portrait of Ian Hamilton, folding map in color and 4 pages of advertisements for Churchill’s worksContinue reading "Ian Hamilton’s March."

McPherson, James M

The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era.

New York : Oxford University Press, 2003.

Signed limited first illustrated edition of the author’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work. Quarto, original leather, gilt titles to the spine and front panel, all edges gilt, illustrated throughout. Signed by James McPherson on the title page. In fine condition in the original slipcase.

Tolkien, J.R.R

The Lord of The Rings Trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.

London : George Allen and Unwin, 1954-55.

First editions, first states of each title comprising the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Octavo, 3 volumes, original red cloth, folding map in the rear of each volume. Near fine in excellent dust jackets with light rubbing and wear. An exceptional set.

Mitchell, William

Skyways: A Book on Modern Aeronautics.

Philadelphia and London : J. B. Lippincott Company, 1930.

First edition of this classic work on aeronautics by “the father of the United States Air Force” Billy Mitchell. Octavo, original cloth, with seventy-six illustrations from photographs and drawings. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To W. Walter Healy National President Society of the Fifth Division U.S.A. With the regardsContinue reading "Skyways: A Book on Modern Aeronautics."

Bossut, John

A General History of Mathematics From the Earliest Times, to the Middle of the Eighteenth Century.

London : Printed for J. Johnson, 1803.

First edition in English of Bossut’s fundamental history of mathematics. Octavo, bound in full contemporary polished diced calf with gilt tooling to the spine, black morocco spine label lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panel, marbled endpapers and all edges marbled, ribbon bound in. Translated from the French by JohnContinue reading "A General History of Mathematics From the Earliest Times, to the Middle of the Eighteenth Century."

von Braun, Wernher

Wernher von Braun Signed Photograph.

.

Original black and white photograph signed by German-American aerospace engineer Wernher von Braun. Signed by von Braun on the lower right corner, “For “Busher” Bill affectionately Wernher von Braun.”  In very good condition. The photograph measures 10 inches by 8 inches.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

The Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson: Autograph Centenary Edition.

Cambridge : Printed at the Riverside Press, 1903.

The Autograph Centenary edition of Emerson’s complete works with an autograph manuscript in his hand and with his notations tipped in. One of six hundred copies additionally signed by the publisher, this is number 576. Octavo, 12 volumes bound in three quarter morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments withinContinue reading "The Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson: Autograph Centenary Edition."

Twain, Mark. [Samuel L. Clemens]

Punch, Brothers, Punch! and Other Sketches.

New York : Slote, Woodman & Co, 1898.

First edition, first issue with the author’s name in Roman type on the title page, “health offi. . could” on the 4th line from the bottom of page 91, and 13 lines of text on page 101. BAL 3378. Octavo, original publisher’s bright blue cloth with gilt titles to the spine, pale yellow endpapers. InContinue reading "Punch, Brothers, Punch! and Other Sketches."

Darton, William [China]

Nineteenth Century Map of China.

London : William Darton, 1812.

Hand-colored engraved nineteenth century Map of China by English cartographer William Darton. One page, hand-colored. In very good condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 14.5 inches.

Johnson, Alvin J. and Benjamin P. Ward [Asia]

Johnson’s Map of Asia.

New York : Johnson and Ward, c, 1865.

Large hand-colored map of Asia by American cartographers Johnson and Ward. One page, hand-colored. In near fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 21.5 inches by 19 inches.

Plimpton, George [Jack Nicklaus]

The Bogey Man.

New York : Harper & Row, Publishers, 1968.

First edition of Plimpton’s classic work on golf. Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author, “For Great Max another wild effusion- George.” The recipient was Max Steele, who along with Plimpton started The Paris Review. Additionally inscribed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus on the front free endpaper to the same recipient, Max Steele.Continue reading "The Bogey Man."

Le Carre, John. [David Cornwell]

The Karla Trilogy: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy; The Honourable Schoolboy; Smiley’s People.

London : Hodder & Stoughton, 1974-1980.

First editions of each title in the author’s acclaimed Karla Trilogy. Octavo, 3 volumes, original cloth. Presentation copy, lengthily inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper of Smiley’s People, “For Victor Ross with best wishes from John Le Carre – & with fraternal greetings! Hampstead 11 April 80.” Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy isContinue reading "The Karla Trilogy: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy; The Honourable Schoolboy; Smiley’s People."

Martin, George R.R

A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones; A Clash of Kings; A Storm of Swords; A Feast for Crows; A Dance with Dragons.

London : Harper Collins, 1996-2011.

First British editions of each volume in George R.R. Martin’s acclaimed Game of Thrones series. Octavo, 5 volumes, original cloth. Each volume is fine in a fine dust jacket. Jacket artwork by Jim Burns and Larry Rostant.

Dalton, Charles

The Waterloo Roll Call.

London : William Clowes & Sons, Limited, 1890.

First edition of Dalton’s account of the decisive engagement of the Waterloo campaign and Napoleon’s last. Octavo, bound in three quarters morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, illustrated, tissue-guarded engraved frontispiece. In good condition. Bookplate. Ownership name. Rare.

Kennedy, Edward [Ted]

Senator Ted Kennedy Signed 1971 Time Magazine Cover.

Chicago : Time Magazine, November 29, 1971.

Original cover from the November 29, 1971 issue  of Time Magazine featuring a portrait of Senator Ted Kennedy, signed by him. In near fine condition.

Wilkerson, David with John & Elizabeth Sherrill. [Pat Boone]

The Cross and the Switchblade: A True Story of the Saving Power of Faith.

London : Hodder and Stoughton, 1967.

First edition of the author’s best-selling “modern day sequel to the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament” (Pat Boone). Octavo, original cloth. Signed by David Wilkerson on the half-title page and signed by American actor Pat Boone, who starred as Wilkerson in the 1970 film adaptation of the book, on the front freeContinue reading "The Cross and the Switchblade: A True Story of the Saving Power of Faith."

Jackson, James

Cases of Cholera Collected at Paris, in the Month of April, 1832, in the Wards of MM. Andral and Louis at the Hospital La Pitie.

Boston : Carter, Hendee, and Co, 1832.

First edition of Jackson’s work detailing six cases of Cholera collected at the Hospital de la Pitie at Paris. Octavo, original publisher’s boards and paper spine label. In very good condition. Ownership inscription.

Handy, Charles

The Age of Unreason.

London : Business Books Limited, 1989.

First edition, early printing of  the Irish economist’s classic treatise. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by the author on the front free endpaper. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Craig Dodd.

The Campaign Text Book. Why The People Want A Change. The Republican Party Reviewed: Its Sins of Commission and Omission.

New York 1876.

First edition of this 19th century summary of the leading events in American history under Republican administration. Octavo, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine. From the library of William Safire although not marked. William Safire was an important American author, columnist, journalist, and presidential speechwriter. He joined Nixon’sContinue reading "The Campaign Text Book. Why The People Want A Change. The Republican Party Reviewed: Its Sins of Commission and Omission."

Messner, Reinhold. [Peter Habeler]

Everest: Expedition to the Ultimate.

London : Kaye & Ward, 1979.

First edition of Messner’s thrilling account of the first ascent of Everest without the use of artificial oxygen. Octavo, original cloth, pictorial endpapers, illustrated. Boldly signed by Reinhold Messner and by Peter Habeler on the first page of the book’s first section, The Idea. Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Translated by Audrey Salkeld.Continue reading "Everest: Expedition to the Ultimate."

King, Stephen

The Plant: Part Three Stephen King Original Annotated Galley Proof.

Bangor, Maine : Philtrum Press, 1985.

The original publisher’s galley proof of Part Three of King’s rare unfinished epistolary novel, initially published in parts and sent to his close friends in lieu of Christmas cards. Folded, the proof measures 60 inches by 19 inches with a typed note from King’s publisher on the title page and King’s inscription, “copy-edit complete. SteveContinue reading "The Plant: Part Three Stephen King Original Annotated Galley Proof."