Fiction

Australian Poetry – The Walk along the Beach – R.A. Simpson – 1960

A first edition of Ronald Albert Simpson’s first published book of poetry. He would go on to published ten collections over the next couple of decades.

Simpson (1929-2002) was a member of what was to be called the “Melbourne Group” his and their style being focused on Australian suburban themes. He was awarded the Christopher Brennan prize for his poetry.

Slim octavo, published by Edwards and Shaw, Sydney. 45 pages, a poem per page. Decorative but understated dust jacket. A very good copy of a very nice production.

Gift worthy poetry Simpson’s first collection.

$25.00

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Traitors’ Gate – Dennis Wheatley

First edition published by Hutchinson, London in 1958. One of Wheatley’s classics.

The Book Club edition which had this classic jacket designed by Sax – so period. Octavo 383 pages. End paper plan of Budapest and schematic of the Tower of London. Bit of age to top edge otherwise a very good copy..

One of a series on novels concerning the secret agent Gregory Sallust. Set in Budapest in 1942 where the effects of the war had yet to fully felt. The main plot centres around how the enemy were so brilliantly misled regarding the Allies intentions in North Africa.

Dennis Wheatley established a cult following during his lifetime. He was hugely successful and bought a large “Georgian Pile” in Hampshire were he kept a very large collection of rare and antiquarian books … his appetite for serious historical memoirs is reflected in the depth and solidity of his writing.

Wheatley in Budapest during WWII – dressed by Sax

$30.00

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Lord Rochester’s Monkey (Being the Life of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester) – Graham Greene – First Edition 1974

Graham Green had written this lengthy biography in the early 1930’s. Rochester’s work and life were considered rather racy for the period and there was difficulty getting it published.

Moving the clock forward to 1974 and it is finally published backed up by some very good relevant illustrations.

Published by the Bodley Head, London in 1974. Large octavo (25cm by 19cm) 231 pages with numerous illustrations many in colour. A very good copy.

Rochester the second Earl (the first having hidden Charles up the Oak tree) was well favoured by the restored King Charles II. He had an incredible brain, although at Oxford spent the entire time drunk. He entered the King’s Court at an early age after a surprisingly distinguished naval career. His writing of odes and poetry was of the highest standard although cutting; a wit to the extreme. A wit not held back on the King himself who saw Rochester off to the Tower to reflect. Supposed to be the author of the erotic play Sodom, based on the debauch Court of Charles. None of his work was published in his lifetime … he died at an early age from medical complications associated with his wild life.

Lord Rochester his life was not Monkey Business

$60.00

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Ernest Hemingway – Fiesta – Cape Edition

Our favourite edition Published by Jonathan Cape, London this issue 1975. Presented in that classic wrap around cover. Scarce and sought after in this Cape form. All about the bullfight in Hemingway.

The dust jacket designed by Hans Tindall. Octavo, 286 pages, a pretty good copy. The strong bull image on the dust jacket is repeated boldly on the front board. Stunning.

This is the Fiesta

$60.00

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Biggles Delivers the Goods – Captain Johns – First 1946

First Edition of an early Biggles published by Hodder and Stoughton, London in 1946.

Octavo, 182 pages, coloured frontispiece and nine full page plates by Stead. Front end paper map of the Bay of Bengal – India – Burma – Siam [Thailand] and the Malay Peninsula where all the actions takes place.

Chip at back top of jacket back, otherwise a super first edition.

Biggles does all he is asked for and delivers the goods.

$70.00

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Fire-Bird – A Study of D.H. Lawrence – Dallas Kenmare – First Edition 1951

A quality book on D.H.L. published by James Barrie, London a First Edition in 1951.

The author Dallas Kenmare was fascinated by the poetry of Lawrence and it’s the great man’s poetry that is the focus of this unique book. Written in 1951 so before Penguin had a shot at publishing Lady Chatterly’s Lover – Kenmare has a view on that prospect which is a tad old-fashioned to modern views.

Slim octavo, 81 pages, all in very good condition with a nice example of the dark fire-bird dust jacket.

D.H. Lawrence get to know the man better with Fire-Bird [Reference Lawrence Phoenix] …

$30.00

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Australian Poetry – The Walk along the Beach – R.A. Simpson – 1960

Traitors’ Gate – Dennis Wheatley

Lord Rochester’s Monkey (Being the Life of John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester) – Graham Greene – First Edition 1974

Ernest Hemingway – Fiesta – Cape Edition

Biggles Delivers the Goods – Captain Johns – First 1946

Fire-Bird – A Study of D.H. Lawrence – Dallas Kenmare – First Edition 1951

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