20th Century Classics

The Ballad of Reading Gaol – Oscar Wilde [John Vassos Illustrated Edition First of Type - Special] – Published by Dutton New York 1930

Oscar Wilde was convicted of gross indecency in 1895 and spent two years in Reading jail in England. He was released in May 1897 and went into self exile in Berneval-le-Grand, France where he wrote this work the Ballad of Reading Gaol.

It was first published in 1898 and re-issued many times and still in print today. This edition is something special.

Published by Dutton, New York, 1930, a first of type. Quarto, 124 pages, with 16 striking monochrome plates by John Vassos (1898-1985). Vassos had designed promotional material for the Oscar Wild play “Salome” and had been spotted by Dutton who brought him in to add his special touch to the Ballad.

Black over blue papered boards, scarce dust jacket in black and gold. A very good copy.

Oscar Wilde – Ballad of Reading Gaol – Striking Presentation.

$290.00

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Daphnis et Chloe By Longus with aquarelles by G. P. Jornard – Surely the world’s prettiest book

Published on the Champs-Elysees, Paris in the 1920’s by Editions Nilsson.

This superb book contains six mounted watercolours (aquarelles) that match the quality of the watercolour adorning this beautiful onion skin paper front cover.

Small quarto, 154 pages. This book often found as effectively a soft cover – this copy hard bound, pretty basic half red cloth over brown papered boards, top edge gilt. Whilst we say basic it’s done a good job in protecting the aquarelles … the odd bit of spotting in the text. Overall, a very worthwhile copy.

A Greek pastoral novel written by Longus during the second century AD. Based on the island of Lesbos a young couple having been brought up adopted by a goat herder and a shepherd respectively having been abandoned at birth eventually find love. It was a difficult road but it ends well.

The artist was Germaine Paule Jounard, she was a highly respected artist of the period and completed many illustrations particularly for the frencg fashion industry at the time.

What better romantic gift than this

French 1920’s with beauty and style

$190.00

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Summer Storm – Frank Swinnerton – First Edition 1926

1926 First US Edition in very good condition. Published by George Doran, New York. Octavo, 341 pages, complete decorative dust jacket.

Frank Swinnerton (1884-1882) nearly made the century and was a prolific writer with over 50 novels. He was a contemporary of Wells, Bennett et al. His first real job was as a receptionist at Dent publishers, London .. and it all went from there. Later he supplemented his income with editorial work and worked with/on Aldous Huxley.

Summer Storm is a swift dramatic story about two young women in the summertime of their lives. A story about growing up. Swinnerton detested false overblown language which makes this book all the more readable and maybe unlike its period.

1926 First Edition in gift worthy condition

$60.00

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The Trial of Mary Dugan – William Almon Wolff – First Edition 1928

First Edition published by Grosset & Dunlap, New York in 1928. Octavo, 335 pages, ownership inscription on front end paper. A very good copy in an excellent dust jacket.

At trial, Broadway showgirl, Mary Dugan is accused of murdering her lover with a knife. She appears done for when her lawyer pulls out … but a twist and turn provides an uncertain and baffling mystery. Superb adaptation of the 1920’s play. Was to be made into a successful talkie in 1929 by MGM and then a second go in the 1940’s

1928 First edition – Courtroom Drama keeps you alert

$50.00

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The Counterfeit Eye – Erle Stanley Gardner – First Edition 1935

A first edition from the esteemed Erle Stanley Gardner. Published by Grosset & Dulap, New York in 1935. Octavo, 304 pages, dust jacket edge worn otherwise a very nice copy.

Pete Brunold had not one artificial eye but six. It was the bloodshot number, for use the morning after that was stolen – Someone is going to try to frame me …. And they did!

A gripping Perry Mason story – hold on to your false eyes!

1935 Perry Mason First

$60.00

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The Shorn Lamb – William Locke – First edition 1930

Published by Dodd, Mead etc., New York in 1930. Octavo, 331 pages, a little age otherwise a super copy in a classic dust jacket albeit chipped to top. Protected in Brodart.

A classic art deco period novel by the prolific and brilliant writer William Locke. Our “shorn lamb” is near the end of his road when good fortune shines down on him. A case of mistaken identity helps along with the skill of a master conjurer. Plot with humour.

1930 First Edition about improved circumstances!

$60.00

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The Ballad of Reading Gaol – Oscar Wilde [John Vassos Illustrated Edition First of Type - Special] – Published by Dutton New York 1930

Daphnis et Chloe By Longus with aquarelles by G. P. Jornard – Surely the world’s prettiest book

Summer Storm – Frank Swinnerton – First Edition 1926

The Trial of Mary Dugan – William Almon Wolff – First Edition 1928

The Counterfeit Eye – Erle Stanley Gardner – First Edition 1935

The Shorn Lamb – William Locke – First edition 1930

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