“BY FAR THE BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN ABOUT AMERICA, AND THE MOST PENETRATING BOOK EVER WRITTEN ABOUT DEMOCRACY”

TOCQUEVILLE, Alexis de. Democratie en Amerique. Paris, 1835. Two volumes.

First edition presentation copy in the original French of the first two volumes of Tocqueville's classic work, one of no more than 500 copies published, inscribed by Tocqueville in Volume I "Donne par l'Auteur, 1836." "One of the most important texts in political literature" (PMM 358). Accompanied by the two volumes of the second edition of Part II in a contemporary binding. $62,000.

SIGNED BY ALBERT EINSTEIN

(EINSTEIN, Albert). Annalen der Physik. Leipzig, 1906.

First printing of two early and important Einstein papers: a revised edition of his doctoral dissertation, and his paper on Brownian motion, signed by Einstein in 1950 ("A. Einstein (50)") on page 289, the first page of his dissertation. $52,000.

"ONE OF THE GREAT NOVELS OF WORLD LITERATURE"

TOLSTOY, Leo. Voina i Mir (War and Peace). Moscow, 1868-69. Six volumes bound in three.

Rare first edition of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, one of the greatest novels ever written, in the original Russian. Handsomely bound, with the original printed paper front wrappers of parts 2-5 bound in. $48,500.

“THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WORK OF MODERN TIMES”

JOYCE, James. Ulysses. Paris, 1922.

First edition of the novel that changed the path of modern literature, number 670 of only 750 numbered copies on handmade paper, in the now-iconic original paper wrappers. $36,000.

“WISHING YOU GOOD READING AND LOVE AND JOY ALWAYS!”

FARLEY, Walter. The Black Stallion. New York, 1941. Extremely rare first edition of the first novel in Farley’s beloved “Black Stallion” series, accompanied by an autograph presentation letter on Black Stallion stationery signed by the author: “For all our good friends attending the Special Education School in [Corpus] Christi [?], Texas—wishing you good reading and love and joy always! Walter Farley and The Black Stallion.” Exceedingly rare. $22,000.

"A REVOLUTION WHICH HAS NO PARALLEL IN THE ANNALS OF HUMAN SOCIETY" (MADISON)

(CONSTITUTION) (MADISON, James; WASHINGTON, George; HOPKINSON, Francis, et al.). Pennsylvania Packet. Five issues. Philadelphia, December 25, 27-29, 31, 1787. Five newspaper issues.

Five December 1787 issues of the Pennsylvania Packet (December 25 & 27-29, 31), containing a exceedingly rare chronicle of fierce debates in state conventions over ratification of the proposed federal Constitution, with the first Pennsylvania printing of the substantial and eloquent passage from Madison's Federalist Essay No. 14, together with key speeches by pro- and anti-ratification leaders, coverage of ratification conventions in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey—the first three states to ratify—and first publication of the pro-ratification allegory, "The New Roof," by Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration, and much more. An important collection of Americana, together housed in a custom portfolio. $18,500.

“NO OTHER AMERICAN PUBLIC MAN LEFT SO ENDURING A MARK ON LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE”

JEFFERSON, Thomas. Manual of Parliamentary Practice. Washington City, 1801.

Influential 1801 edition of Jefferson's Parliamentary Manual, containing "the foundations of some of the most important parts of the House's practice" (Malone, 456). the earliest extant edition, this is arguably the first edition, since the earlier listed by Sabin apparently never existed. This especially distinctive association copy with a presentation inscription by Alexander J. Dallas, President Madison's Secretary of the Treasury and Acting Secretary of War, inscribed entirely in Dallas' hand and signed by him, "Presented by A. J. Dallas to [unclear] Levy in 1815." $18,000.

"HERE IS THIS ROTTEN LITTLE BOOK"

LAWRENCE, T.E. Revolt in the Desert. WITH: Autograph letter signed. London, 1927.

First trade edition, very rare presentation copy, of this popular abridgement of Seven Pillars of Wisdom, illustrated with 16 portraits and a large folding map, with signed autograph presentation letter from Lawrence to a Mrs. J. Donnat—part of a social group including Lawrence's mother, Charlotte Payne-Townshend (the wife of Bernard Shaw), and Lady Astor—affixed to the front pastedown explaining the financially driven circumstances of publication, insulting the book's quality, and explaining his intentions not to sign any copies of the title. $17,500.

INSCRIBED BY EMERSON TO HIS CLOSE FRIEND AND LONGTIME ADVISER

EMERSON, Ralph Waldo. Essays: Second Series. Boston, 1844.

First edition, presentation copy, of the second series of Emerson's essays including such important works as "Experience," "The Poet," and "Nature," usual mixed first and second printing but composed almost entirely of first printing sheets, inscribed in the year of publication to his close friend and trusted adviser: "Abel Adams from his friend, R.W.E. 15 October, 1844." $17,500.

“HAD MORE TO DO WITH PREPARING THE MINDS OF AMERICAN COLONISTS FOR THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION THAN… COKE, SIDNEY AND LOCKE”

(CARE, Henry). English Liberties. London, 1682.

Rare first edition, containing printings of the Magna Charta and other seminal documents on the separation of church and state, the right to religious liberty, trial by jury and other founding principles. It was designed to "slip into one's pocket… [and] had more to do with preparing the minds of American colonists for the American Revolution than the larger but less accessible works of Coke, Sidney and Locke" (Hudson, 580-85). Care's influence is clear "in the writings of the founding fathers of the United States—Samuel Adams, John Adams, John Dickinson and Alexander Hamilton… Jefferson added two copies of English Liberties to his library and arranged that it be included in the library of the University of Virginia" (Schwoerer, 231-5). A handsome copy in contemporary sheep. $16,000.

“’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.

“FOR 160 DAYS WE MARCHED THROUGH THE FOREST, BUSH AND JUNGLE”

STANLEY, Henry M. In Darkest Africa. New York, 1890. Two volumes.

Deluxe signed limited first edition, American issue, number 39 of only 250 copies signed by Stanley, of the classic 19th-century account of African exploration. Profusely illustrated with engraved frontispieces, 38 mounted plates on India paper, six additional full-page etchings (each signed by the artist), three color folding maps (two backed in cloth), a folding table of comparative vocabularies, and numerous mounted, in-text India-prints. $15,000.

PHILIP PULLMAN’S HIS DARK MATERIALS TRILOGY, FIRST EDITIONS SIGNED BY HIM IN ALL THREE VOLUMES

PULLMAN, Philip. His Dark Materials Trilogy. London, 1995, 1997, 2000. Together three volumes.

First editions of Pullman’s celebrated trilogy—including the very scarce first volume, Northern Lights—each volume signed by Pullman on the title page. $13,000.

PICTORIAL DOCUMENTATION OF WELLINGTON’S DEFEAT OF NAPOLEON, THE MARTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF GREAT BRITAIN, 1799-1815, WITH 53 SPLENDID HAND-COLORED FOLIO AQUATINTS

JENKINS, James. The Martial Achievements of Great Britain. London, 1814-15.

First edition, early issue, of this dramatically illustrated record of British military action during Lord Wellington’s Peninsular Campaign, with hand-colored frontispiece, hand-colored dedication page not present in all copies, and 51 vividly hand-colored aquatints of battle scenes by Thomas Sutherland after drawings by William Heath. A beautiful production in attractive contemporary morocco-gilt. $12,800.

"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.

"IF YOU EVER BECOME DISSATISFIED WITH YOUR LIFE WITH BENCHLEY AND THAT WHOLE GIN CRAZED SATURNALIA AND WANT TO LEAD A CLEANER LIFE BRING YOUR SHORTWAVE SET DOWN TO KEY WEST AND WE COULD TRY TO TURN AN HONEST PENNY"

HEMINGWAY, Ernest. Autograph letter signed. St. Louis, circa October 1931.

Fine autograph letter signed from Hemingway to Charles MacGregor, secretary to Robert Benchley, one of the members of the famed Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s. $9500.

COMPLETE 12-VOLUME COLLECTION OF FIRST EDITIONS OF CHURCHILL'S WWII AND POST-WAR SPEECHES, 1941-61, IN ORIGINAL DUST JACKETS AND MATCHING CLAMSHELL BOXES

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, in original dust jackets. Each volume housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. $9500.

INSCRIBED BY JFK

KENNEDY, John F. Profiles in Courage. New York, 1956.

Later printing of Kennedy’s Pulitzer-winning examination of “that most admirable of human virtues,” inscribed by him, "To Florence Zaks, Best regards, John Kennedy." Recipient Zaks worked on Kennedy's presidential campaign in Maryland. $9000.

INSCRIBED BY RICHARD YATES

YATES, Richard. Revolutionary Road. Boston and Toronto, 1961.

First edition of Yates' explosive debut novel, named "the Great Gatsby of our time" by Vonnegut, inscribed in the year of publication, "For N— G— with best wishes Richard Yates Bread Loaf—8/24/61." $7800.

JERUSALEM WINDOWS, BOLDLY INSCRIBED BY CHAGALL, WITH TWO ORIGINAL COLOR LITHOGRAPHS

CHAGALL, Marc. Vitraux pour Jerusalem. Monte Carlo, 1962.

First French edition of Chagall's Jerusalem Windows, boldly inscribed by Chagall and dated "1965, Vence" on the photographic front flyleaf, with two original full-color lithographs specially prepared by Chagall for this edition and with numerous beautiful color lithographic reproductions of the artist's work. From the collection of Joseph Liverant, a fellow Russian Jewish emigré and friend of Chagall. $7500.

FIRST EDITION OF THE BOOK OF AMERICAN NEGRO SPIRITUALS, INSCRIBED BY JAMES WELDON JOHNSON

JOHNSON, James Weldon. The Book of American Negro Spirituals. New York, 1925.

First edition, presentation copy, of the Harlem Renaissance classic, inscribed to a famous sports columnist and short story writer: "For Ring W. Lardner with sincere regards—James Weldon Johnson." $6500.

INSCRIBED BY CLARENCE DARROW

DARROW, Clarence. Plea of Clarence Darrow In Defense of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold. Chicago, 1924.

First edition, “authorized and revised” by Darrow from the trial speech, of his passionate defense of teenage murderers Leopold and Loeb, a presentation copy inscribed in the year of publication by him to the widow of his friend and legal colleague famed for a plan on permanent government ownership of the rails, "To Marie Plumb from a long time friend and admirer of her and her husband Glenn Plumb with the best wishes of Clarence Darrow Oct 9, 1924," in fragile wrappers. $6500.

“HIS BODY WAS BEAUTIFUL, AND WELL PROPORTION’D;HIS MIND BRISK AND ACTIVE; HIS COURAGE WONDERFUL…”:BUDGE’S LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT,ONE OF ONLY 250 LARGE-PAPER COPIES

(ALEXANDER THE GREAT) BUDGE, E.A. Wallis. Life and Exploits of Alexander the Great. London, 1896. Two volumes.

First edition, number 47 of only 250 large-paper copies, of Budge's translations of several key Christian Ethiopian accounts of Alexander the Great, with frontispiece portrait in Volume II, in publisher's morocco. $5500.

SIGNED LIMITED EDITION OF RACKHAM’S THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

MOORE, Clement C. Night Before Christmas. London, 1931.

Signed limited first edition, number 31 of only 275 copies printed for England (out of a total edition of 550 copies), with four color plates and 17 in-text line cuts, signed by Arthur Rackham, in publisher's vellum. $4600.

INSCRIBED BY AUTHOR JAMES PURDY TO FEMINIST ICON SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR

PURDY, James. Color of Darkness. New York, 1957.

First edition, first printing, presentation copy, of the first complete published work of James Purdy—acclaimed for "dialogue reminiscent of Hemingway… he can do more with a whisper than most fiction writers do with a shout"—inscribed to French feminist and intellectual Simone de Beauvoir: "For Simone de Beauvoir with great admiration and sincere good wishes from James Purdy. August 6, 1958." $4200.

HUMAN ACTION, INSCRIBED BY LUDWIG VON MISES

MISES, Ludwig von. Human Action. A Treatise on Economics. Chicago, 1966.

Third revised edition in English of the landmark work by the head of the “Austrian school” of economics, inscribed, "To Mr. Isidor Hodes. New York , January 12, 1967. Ludwig Mises." $3800.

INSCRIBED BY KURT VONNEGUT

VONNEGUT, Kurt. Between Time and Timbuktu. New York, 1972.

First edition of this “experimental television script composed mainly of bits and pieces of stories written by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., over… 20 years,” illustrated throughout with photographs by Jill Krementz, as well as stills from the original March 13th, 1972 television broadcast, boldly inscribed by him on the half title: "For R— Kurt Vonnegut." $3600.

“HONEY, NEVER YOU MIND…”

MCMURTRY, Larry. The Last Picture Show. New York, 1966.

First edition of McMurtry's popular third novel, warmly inscribed: "For Brian Curtiss—whose delicacy in regard to the feelings of harassed —— novelists is both admirable and rare—with my Best Wishes—Larry McMurtry. 1-8-72." $3000.

SHAKESPEARE IN HARLEM, INSCRIBED BY LANGSTON HUGHES

HUGHES, Langston. Shakespeare in Harlem. New York, 1942.

First edition of Hughes' major book of poetry—"a work of genuine talent and artistry"—inscribed by him,"For Doris L. Kaufmann, Sincerely, Langston Hughes." $2800.

INSCRIBED BY CLAUDE BROWN

BROWN, Claude. Manchild in the Promised land. New York, 1965.

First edition of Claude Brown's moving 1965 account of his journey out of poverty and crime in Harlem, inscribed by him, "To B— L— from Claude Brown," in scarce original dust jacket. $2400.

SIGNED BY CAPOTE

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

First trade edition of Capote's heartwarming childhood recollection, signed on the title page by Capote. $1500.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE, INSCRIBED BY NELSON ALGREN

ALGREN, Nelson. Walk on the Wild Side. New York, 1956.

First edition of Nelson Algren's "most critically acclaimed and best-known novel," boldly inscribed by him opposite the title page, "Best wishes to R— & T— R— from Nelson Algren March 27 198[?]" $1250.

"VERY EARLY CHRISTMAS MORNING… A LITTLE CHILD WAS BORN IN THE BIRD HOUSEHOLD"

WIGGIN, Kate Douglas. Birds' Christmas Carol. San Francisco, 1887.

First edition, the privately published true first edition of Wiggin's beloved holiday tale, in fragile original wrappers. $1200.

INSCRIBED BY JULIA CHILD

CHILD, Julia. Cooking with Master Chefs. New York, 1993.

First edition of Julia Child’s lively presentation of signature recipes from 16 famous contemporary chefs (a companion volume to her PBS series of the same name), inscribed on the half title by her, "For N— Julia Child." $1200.

WITH THREE ILLUSTRATED PLATES BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK

(CRUIKSHANK, George) [BERENS, Edward.]. Christmas Stories. Oxford, 1823.

First edition of this collection of three religiously themed stories, with three etched plates by George Cruikshank, handsomely bound in full morocco-gilt. $1000.

"VISUALLY ARRESTING… ILLUSTRATED IN RINGGOLD'S DISTINCTIVE STYLE": O HOLY NIGHT, INSCRIBED BY FAITH RINGGOLD

RINGGOLD, Faith. O Holy Night. New York, 2004.

First edition of this "beautifully designed volume" of Christmas carols wonderfully illustrated by Ringgold, inscribed in the year of publication by her on the title page, "Faith Ringgold 11/27/04," accompanying CD with Christmas carols performed by the Boys Choir of Harlem, featuring 20 full- and double-page color illustrations (including endpapers and dust jacket), a fine copy. $850.

"A JOYOUS REMEMBRANCE"

PORTER, Katherine Anne. Christmas Story. New York, 1958.

First separate edition, warmly inscribed on the title page to her old friend and publisher from the thirties, the co-founder of Harrison of Paris, Barbara [Harrison] Wescott: “For Barbara this belated New Year Greeting. With love, Katherine Anne. 12 January 1962. Her personal 12th or 3 King’s Night!”. $750.

INSCRIBED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN

BOURDAIN, Anthony. Bobby Gold Stories. New York, 2003.

First American edition, issued soon after the first English edition, of Bourdain's critically-praised novel about a lovable gangster—"a Manhattan tale with Elmore Leonard flavor"—inscribed on the title page by him, "To A— Anthony Bourdain." $750.

"A IS FOR ALPHABET, MERRY AND GAY, WHICH SPELLS THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS DAY"

(SAALFIELD'S MUSLIN BOOKS). Christmas ABC. New York; Akron, Ohio; Chicago, 1910.

Original classic 1910 Saalfield Muslin Book with pages of rhymes and illustrations for each letter of the alphabet, and a beaming Santa Claus on the bright linen cover—because "X is for Christmas. All children say of the whole round year, it's the happiest day." $500.

BRITISH EDITION OF HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS, FEATURING FOUR BEAUTIFUL TABLE-TOP POP-UPS IDEAL FOR CHRISTMAS DISPLAY

(CHRISTMAS). Here Comes Santa Claus. London, circa 1950.

Mid 20th-century edition of this charming British pop-up Christmas book, with four unusual table-top pop-ups, in house-shaped die-cut boards depicting a jolly Santa Claus and his reindeer. $450.

COLLABORATION OF GREAT TYPOGRAPHERS

(ROGERS, Bruce) ALLEN, Hervey. Christmas Epithalamium. New York, 1925.

Limited private-press edition of Allen’s Christmas poem, one of only 350 copies, designed by Bruce Rogers and printed by William Rudge. $450.

SANTA'S BAD DAY, FEATURING SEVEN INNOVATIVE POP-UPS AND MOVEABLES

(CHRISTMAS). Santa's Busy Day. United States, 1953.

Fascinating 1950s pop-up book about Santa searching all over the North Pole home for Blitzen, with seven lovely working pop-ups and moveables, many double-page. $250.

"OUR HEARTIEST WISH FOR EVERY BOY AND GIRL—'A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS'"

(CHRISTMAS). Frank and Seder's Toyland activity book. New York, 1939.

First edition of this advertising booklet intended as a giveaway to children visiting Santa at the Toyland at Frank & Seder's Department Store, with six pages in color, in original pictorial wrappers. $225.