Gift Recommendations

What gift could be more personal than a favorite book that has been loved throughout one’s life? Especially a copy of that book with significant value—a copy that is rare, original and, in some cases, unique? We offer books in a wide range of subjects and price ranges. Our staff will be delighted to answer your questions and to help you find a book that matches the interests of the recipient.

Found 67 books(s). Showing results 1 thru 67.
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"ONE OF THE MOST DURABLE WORKS IN AMERICAN LITERATURE"

TWAIN, Mark. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Hartford, 1876.

First American edition, first state of one of the great masterpieces of American literature and a true touchstone of American childhood, in the exceptionally rare publisher's morocco binding. An essential addition to any Mark Twain collection. Only 200 copies were issued in the publisher's three-quarter morocco binding. $69,000.

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UNIQUE PAIR OF CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS WITH ORIGINAL DRAWINGS ON THEM OF A WILD THING AND THE NUTCRACKER BY MAURICE SENDAK

SENDAK, Maurice. Christmas Ornaments. No place, circa 1978.

A wonderful and unique item: two plain white Christmas ornaments, one with a drawing of Wild Thing on it done in red, black and yellow markers and the other with a drawing of the Nutcracker on it done in black, yellow and green markers by Maurice Sendak for a neighbor and close friend. $35,000.

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PRESENTATION COPY WARMLY INSCRIBED BY BEATRIX POTTER

POTTER, Beatrix. The Tailor of Gloucester. London, 1902.

True first edition, one of only 500 privately printed copies of Potter’s second book, which she called “my own favorite amongst my little books,” with frontispiece and 15 illustrations in color, three of which do not appear in the first trade edition of October, 1903, inscribed just a month after publication to a tenant in her rental cottage: “For Miss Murray MacGregor from Beatrix Potter. Jan. 16th 03.” $32,000.

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FIRST COLLECTED AND FIRST ILLUSTRATED EDITION OF THE NOVELS OF JANE AUSTEN, 1833

AUSTEN, Jane. Novels. London, 1833. Five volumes.

Important first collected and first illustrated edition of the novels of Jane Austen, "mother of the English 19th-century novel" (Kunitz & Haycraft), printed from the plates of Bentley's "Standard Novel" editions of 1833, each volume with engraved frontispiece illustration and vignette title page, finely bound. "Very rare in any state" (Gilson). $28,000.

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MILNE’S “POOH QUARTET,”FIRST AMERICAN EDITIONS SPLENDIDLY BOUND,SIGNED BY MILNE IN THE FIRST VOLUME

MILNE, A. A. Four Pooh Books. New York, 1924-28. Four volumes. First American editions of Milne’s beloved “Pooh quartet”—including the signed limited first American edition of When We Were Very Young, number 24 of 100 copies signed by Milne—elegantly bound in full morocco-gilt. A beautiful set. $19,500.

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SIGNED BY THE BAMBINO

RUTH, Babe and CONSIDINE, Bob. The Babe Ruth Story. WITH: The first paperbound edition. New York, 1948. Two volumes.

First edition of Babe Ruth’s autobiography, illustrated with 49 photographs, signed by Ruth on the half title in the year of publication. Accompanied by a copy of the “paper-bound illustrated edition,” as advertised on the rear flap of the hardbound dust jacket. $18,500.

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AUTOGRAPH LETTER OF CONDOLENCE FROM WINSTON CHURCHILL TO LADY CAVE

CHURCHILL, Winston. Autograph letter signed. London, April 16, 1928.

Autograph letter signed from Churchill to Lady Anne Cave, expressing condolences on the death of her husband, Viscount George Cave, the Lord Chancellor of the United Kingdom, handsomely framed with an early portrait of Churchill. $16,000.

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“’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS…”: PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY CLEMENT MOORE, OF THE RARE FIRST COLLECTED EDITION OF HIS POEMS, FEATURING THE FIRST APPEARANCE IN A BOOK BY HIM OF “A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS”

MOORE, Clement C. Poems. New York, 1844.

Rare first edition, presentation copy, of the volume containing the first appearance in a book by Moore of his immortal poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas(pages 124-27), inscribed by Moore on the half title, “Mr. Miller, from the author. Dec. 1849. $15,000.

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“HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS”

BROWNING, Elizabeth Barrett. Poems. London, 1850. Two volumes.

Important and preferred second edition of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Poems, containing the first appearance of her famous love poems to her husband, Sonnets from the Portuguese, which did not appear in the 1844 first edition of Poems. A lovely copy in fine contemporary calf-gilt. $15,000.

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BOLDLY INSCRIBED BY KEN KESEY

KESEY, Ken. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. New York, 1962.

First edition of Kesey's most "popular and enduring" work, a distinctive presentation copy inscribed by him in red and black ink, "for N— Ken Kesey," in original dust jacket, housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. $12,500.

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“A GREAT SLOB OF A MAN IN VIOLENT REVOLT
AGAINST THE ENTIRE 20TH CENTURY”

TOOLE, John Kennedy. Confederacy of Dunces. Baton Rouge and London, 1980.

First edition of this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, one of only 2500 copies printed, inscribed by the author's mother in the year of publication, "Nov. 2, 1980. Appreciation and Regards from John Kennedy Toole's mother, Thelma Ducoing Toole." $12,500.

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SIGNED BY SYLVIA BEACH

BEACH, Sylvia. Shakespeare and Company. New York, 1959.

First edition of Sylvia Beach's memoir, "particularly valuable for the many insights into Joyce's work and the authentic personal views it provides of the man himself" (New York Times), signed on the half title by Sylvia Beach, in original dust jacket. $12,000.

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"PLEASE LOOK AFTER MY DEAREST LITTLE FRIEND JOANNE FOR ME"

CAPOTE, Truman. One Christmas. New York, 1983.

First trade edition of Capote's heartwarming childhood recollection, inscribed by him to a television director and mentioning his close friend Joanne Carson, "For John and Joy, two very special people. please look after my dearest little friend Joanne for me. love, Truman." $12,000.

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HANDSOMELY BOUND AND ILLUSTRATED DELUXE SET OF THE WORKS OF TOLSTOY

TOLSTOY, Leo. The Complete Works of Count Tolstoy. Boston, 1904-05; 1912. Twenty-eight volumes.

Finely bound "Edition de Luxe," number 377 of only 1000 sets, of Tolstoy’s entire canon, finely printed and wide-margined, with title pages on Japanese vellum and over 100 engraved, etched, and photogravure illustrations. $12,000.

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SCARCE COMPLETE 12-VOLUME COLLECTION OF FIRST EDITIONS OF CHURCHILL’S WWII AND POST-WAR SPEECHES, 1941-61

CHURCHILL, Winston S. War Speeches and Post-War Speeches. London, 1941-61. Together, 12 volumes. First editions of Churchill's separately published World War II and post-war speeches, including his rare last book, handsomely bound. $9500.

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“…BUT HE WAS STILL HUNGRY”

CARLE, Eric. Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York and Cleveland, 1969.

First edition of Carle's most famous children's book, boldly inscribed: "Oct. 1970. For Jonathan with best wishes. Eric Carle," with an original drawing of a caterpillar and a smiling crescent moon. $9500.

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1839 CRIES OF LONDON, EXTENSIVELY EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED

SMITH, John Thomas Smith. Cries of London. London, 1839, 1883.

First edition of this collection of this work on the street cries of London, extensively extra-illustrated (some of which are hand-colored) for a total of 114 plates. Bound together with London Cries, which is also extra-illustrated, with a total of 43 plates and almost 40 in-text illustrations, some of each of which are hand-colored. $6800.

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"ONE OF THE FINEST CHILDEN'S FANTASIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY"

WHITE, T.H. The Sword in the Stone. WITH: The Witch in the Wood. WITH: The Ill-Made Knight. London, 1938, 1940, 1941. Three volumes.

Lovely first edition set of White’s renowned Arthurian trilogy, including the first edition of the first book, The Sword in the Stone, published in London, and the preferred first English editions of the two sequels. $6500.

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“ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT TREATISES ON WAR THAT HAS EVER BEEN WRITTEN”

CHURCHILL, Winston. World Crisis. London, 1923-31. Six volumes.

First English editions of Churchill’s important history of World War I. "Not only the best account of the most tremendous convulsion the world has ever seen, but one of the most brilliant treatises on war that has ever been written" (Spectator). $6000.

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"A COMPREHENSIVE AND WIDE-RANGING VIEW INTO AMERICAN BREWING IN 1901"

WAHL, Robert; HENIUS, Max. American Handy-Book of the Brewing, Malting and Auxiliary Trades. Chicago, 1901.

First edition of this scarce guide to brewing by the founders of the Wahl-Henius Institute of Fermentology in Chicago. Considered one of the two most important pre-prohibition texts on beer and brewing from that time due to its encyclopedic scope and numerous detailed wood-engraved illustrations. A desirable copy in nicely restored original wallet-flap morocco binding. $5800.

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RACKHAM’S MIDSUMMER-NIGHT’S DREAM

(RACKHAM, Arthur) SHAKESPEARE, William. A Midsummer-Night's Dream. London and New York, 1908.

Signed limited first edition, number 839 of 1000 copies signed by Arthur Rackham, one of his most desirable and most profusely illustrated works, with 40 full-page mounted color plates and numerous pen-and-ink line cuts. $4800.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF SPENSER'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

SPENSER, Edmund. The Poetical Works. New York and London, 1891. Five volumes.

Later Aldine edition of the poems of Spenser, including The Faerie Queene, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with 25 window-mounted engravings, ten hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $4800.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF SCOTT'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

SCOTT, Walter. The Poetical Works. New York and London, 1892. Five volumes.

Later Aldine edition of the poems of Walter Scott, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with 25 window-mounted engravings, 11 hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $4500.

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ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND IN PUBLISHER’S ORNATELY GILT-DECORATED MOROCCO

(ENGLAND) (SCOTLAND) ARCHER, Thomas. Pictures and Royal Portraits. London, 1880. Two volumes.

Early edition of this comprehensive illustrated history, with 69 fine full-page sepia-toned steel engravings, very handsome in publisher’s deluxe morocco-gilt. $4500.

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"ONE OF THE BEST I EVER WROTE" (GRAHAM GREENE)

GREENE, Graham. Brighton Rock. New York, 1938.

First edition of Greene's electrifying noir novel—"his first enquiry into the ways of man and God"—this American edition preceding the English edition by one month, adapted to the screen in 1947 with Greene's co-authored screenplay and Richard Attenborough as the sadistic killer Pinkie. $4200.

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"HE NEVER RODE OFF ANY FIELD EXCEPT AS A VICTOR"

CHURCHILL, Winston. Marlborough: His Life and Times. London, (1933-38). Four volumes.

First trade editions of this important biography of Churchill's famed ancestor, with hundreds of maps and plans (many folding), plates, and document facsimiles, in original dust jackets. $4000.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF SHAKESPEARE'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

SHAKESPEARE, William. The Poetical Works. New York and London, 1892.

Later Aldine edition of the Bard's poems, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with five window-mounted engravings, two hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $3800.

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FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION/ASSOCIATION COPY, OF VIZETELLY'S FACTS ABOUT SHERRY

VIZETELLY, Henry. Facts About Sherry. London, 1876.

First edition, presentation copy, of this complete 19th-century guide to sherry, with over two dozen illustrations of vineyards and sherry production, inscribed on the title page to a well-known British journalist and playwright: "Blanchard Jerrold Esq. with the Author's cordial regards," in original pictorial cloth-gilt. $3800.

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"THE FIRST GREAT AFRICAN AMERICAN WRITER"

CHESNUTT, Charles W. Wife of His Youth. Boston, 1899.

First edition of Chesnutt's decisive second collection of richly engaging and "subversive" stories that "explode myths about American history and racial supremacy," with frontispiece and three full-page illustrations, in original gilt-stamped cloth. $3500.

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IMPRESSIVE ILLUSTRATED JAMIESON FOLIO BIBLE, HANDSOMELY BOUND

(BIBLE) JAMIESON, Robert, editor. The Holy Bible. London, 1861-65. Two volumes.

Large illustrated Victorian family Bible, presenting the text of the King James version with editor Robert Jamieson’s extensive commentary, and illustrated with vignette title pages, 37 steel-engraved plates after old masters—including four after the epic paintings of John Martin—and two maps, in two handsomely bound folio volumes. $3400.

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"THE MAJESTIC LORD WHO BROKE THE BONDS OF ROME"

(HENRY VIII) POLLARD, Albert Frederick. Henry VIII. London, 1902.

Limited first edition, number CI of only 250 copies printed on Japanese paper of this authoritative account of the "personal power" of the Throne, illustrated with 32 rich full-page browntone photogravures in double-suite, many after portraits by Holbein (including the vividly hand-colored frontispiece portrait of Henry). A splendid folio volume bound in contemporary full morocco by the renowned French bindery Chambolle-Duru. $3200.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF POPE'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

POPE, Alexander. Poetical Works. New York and London, 1891. Three volumes.

Later Aldine edition of the poems of Alexander Pope, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with 15 window-mounted engravings, six hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $3200.

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"THE LIVES OF THOSE MEN WHOSE GENIUS AND ENTERPRISE HAVE AIDED IN THE UPBUILDING OF THIS GREAT NATION"

HARRISON, Frederick G. Biographical Sketches of Preeminent Americans. Boston, 1892. Three volumes.

First edition of this collection of prominent Americans and founding fathers, among them Washington, Franklin, Adams, Hancock, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Clay, Webster, Irving, Houston, Brown, Poe, Lincoln, Barnum, Sherman, Grant, Custer, Edison, and many more, with 120 photogravure portraits, in handsome publisher's morocco bindings. $2900.

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"WITH VERY OLD—VERY GOOD NUTCRACKING AFFECTION!"

(SENDAK, Maurice) HOFFMAN, E.T.A. The Nutcracker. New York, 1984.

First trade edition, presentation copy, of this delightful blend of Hoffman’s Christmas tale and Sendak’s magical color illustrations, inscribed to Sendak's close friend and neighbor: "For Elizabeth, with very old—very good nutcracking affection! Maurice Sendak Oct. '84," with an original drawing of the Nutcracker saying, "Happy Christmas!" $2800.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF SWIFT'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

SWIFT, Jonathan. The Poetical Works. New York and London, 1893. Three volumes.

Later Aldine edition of the poems of Swift, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with 15 window-mounted engravings, six hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $2800.

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ONE OF ONLY 250 COPIES SIGNED BY BOTH EVELYN WAUGH AND ILLUSTRATOR STUART BOYLE, WITH AN ADDITIONAL PRESENTATION INSCRIPTION BY WAUGH

WAUGH, Evelyn. Loved One. London, 1948.

Signed limited large-paper first book edition, presentation copy, number 74 of only 250 copies signed by Evelyn Waugh and illustrator Stuart Boyle, additionally inscribed by Waugh on the limitation page: "Mr. M. Man's copy." In the rare and fragile original printed glassine wrapper. $2800.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF RALEIGH'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

RALEIGH, Walter. The Poetical Works. New York and London, 1892.

Later Aldine edition of Walter Raleigh's poems, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with five window-mounted engravings, two hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $2500.

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“ONE OF THE BEST POLITICAL BIOGRAPHIES IN ENGLISH"

CHURCHILL, Winston. Lord Randolph Churchill. London, 1906. Two volumes.

First edition of Churchill’s distinguished biography of his father, with two photographic frontispiece portraits of Lord Randolph, handsomely bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe. $2000.

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“I DREW THESE TIDES OF MEN INTO MY HANDS AND WROTE MY WILL ACROSS THE SKY IN STARS”

LAWRENCE, T.E. Seven Pillars of Wisdom. London, 1935.

First trade edition of Lawrence's account of his legendary part in the Arab rebellion against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, in original dust jacket. $1650.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF YOUNG'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

YOUNG, Edward. The Poetical Works. New York and London, 1892. Two volumes.

Later Aldine edition of the poems of Edward Young, including his immortal long poem Night Thoughts, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with ten window-mounted engravings, four hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $1600.

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SIGNED BY MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS AND ILLUSTRATOR ROBERT CAMP

RAWLINGS, Marjorie Kinnan. Cross Creek Cookery. New York, 1942.

First edition, first issue, of novelist Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' beloved cookbook, signed by both Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and illustrator Robert Camp, with scarce dust jacket. $1200.

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“THE NAMES AND VIRTUES OF THESE HERBS… WERE FAMILIAR AS HOUSEHOLD WORDS”

(COOKERY) (AVERY, Susanna). ALEXANDER, Russell George, editor. Plain Plantain. Ditchling Sussex, 1922. Limited first edition, one of only 400 copies from the acclaimed St. Dominic’s Press, preserving numerous 17th-century recipies and herbal remedies. $1200.

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EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED ALDINE EDITION OF GOLDSMITH'S POEMS, EXQUISITELY BOUND

GOLDSMITH, Oliver. The Poetical Works. New York and London, 1895.

Later Aldine edition of Oliver Goldsmith's poems, with portrait of the poet and extra-illustrated with five window-mounted engravings, two hand-colored, splendidly bound in full morocco-gilt with multi-colored morocco inlays in floral designs. $1100.

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GREAT MOMENTS IN BASEBALL, INSCRIBED BY METS LEGEND TOM SEAVER

SEAVER, Tom. Great Moments in Baseball. New York, 1992.

First edition of the Hall of Famer's unique tribute to baseball, featuring Seavier's insights into 51 World Series and its legendary players, inscribed on the half title by him, "To L— Tom Seaver." $750.

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“GAY WAS TO DEPICT RUSTIC LIFE WITH THE GILT OFF”

GAY, John. The Shepherd's Week. London, 1714.

First edition, first printing, of this famous 18th-century rural “proem”, illustrated with 7 engraved plates depicting scenes from the text and numerous woodcut headpieces, tailpieces, and initials, attractively bound by Stikeman. $650.

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