Confessions of an English Opium-Eater

[Thomas De Quincey]

1823

Taylor and Hessey

Second Edition

Description:

De Quincey's most notable work detailing both the pleasures and terrors of drug addiction.

Published anonymously, originally in The London Magazine, De Quincey recounts his early life as an impoverished runaway in London and his subsequent reliance on laudanum, initially taken to alleviate severe stomach pains but eventually transforming into a consuming 10 year long dependency. Rare Second Edition.

Condition:

Fair Condition. Bound in plain blue boards with brown paper to spine. New end papers. Without half title. Rough-cut edges. Contents are tanned and foxed. 6 pages of ads to rear. Gathering B2 in slightly loose, otherwise binding is firm. Boards have some slight staining with mark to front board. Moderate edge-wear with bumping to corners.

The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie

Richard Wagner, Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

1910

William Heinemann

First Trade Edition

4to

Description:

This volume presents the first two parts of Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen cycle, translated into English. The text follows the mythological narrative of the Nibelung’s ring and the subsequent trials of the Valkyrie. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham, featuring his distinctive colour plates and line drawings throughout. This particular copy is notable for retaining the original dust jacket, significantly rare and in good condition.

Condition:

Very Good Condition. Brown pictorial jacket over brown cloth with gilt vignette to front board. Decorated end papers. Binding is firm and contents are lightly tanned with minor spotting. All plates and tissue guards are present. Small ex libris plate to front end paper. Boards are clean with minimal wear, ever so slight fraying to spine tail. Light sunning to spine head. Jacket is good with slight loss to spine ends, top edge of rear panel and corners. Some notable creasing along edge and small closed tears. Only notable tear is along spine head but only approx 1 inch. All as photographed.

A Commentary upon the Third Book of Moses, Called Leviticus

Symon Lord Bishop of Ely [Simon Patrick 1626-1707]

1698

Ri Chiswell

Small 4to

Description:

Written by Symon Patrick, the Bishop of Ely, this book provides a clear and thorough guide to the laws and ceremonies found in the biblical book of Leviticus. The text explains the meaning behind the ancient rules and religious duties of the time, making the complex lessons of the Old Testament easier for readers in the late seventeenth century to understand.

Condition:

Very Good Condition. Brown calf binding with gilt panelling to boards. Binding is firm and contents are clean. Slight trimming to top-edge. Wonderful 17th century marble end papers and armorial plate of Vanhattem of Dinton Hall, Bucks to front pastedown. Boards have some notable shelf-wear to boards and some bumping to corners causing slight peeling to leather edges. Lettering has faded to spine. Slight loss to spine tail (1cm). A very nice copy overall.