Buy and sell, Art, collectibles with in Canada, British Columbia, Port Alberni / Oceanside.
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1
The Ferns of Bombay
By E. Blatter & J. F. d’Almeida
Published by D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co., Bombay, 1922
First Edition — 236 pages total (including 8 pages of front matter)
Illustrated with 2 coloured and 15 black-and-white plates, and 43 text figures
A rare regional botanical study documenting the ferns of the Bombay Presidency, authored by Ethelbert Blatter (1877–1934) and J. F. d’Almeida. Blatter, a Swiss Jesuit botanist, was one of the foremost figures in early 20th-century Indian botany, widely respected for his detailed fieldwork and publications on the flora of Western India.
This 1922 first edition presents careful descriptions and illustrations of Bombay’s fern species, offering insight into the biodiversity of the region during the colonial period. It remains an important reference work in Indian pteridology.
Physical copies of The Ferns of Bombay are exceptionally scarce — most available today are scanned reproductions held in university and botanical library collections.
All pages are present and secure to the hinge. There is a slight seam split between the last page and index, and a partial upper page separation between the frontispiece and title page. Plates and text figures are intact, showing light toning consistent with age.
A genuine rarity for collectors of historical botany and Indian natural history, and a notable example of early 20th-century botanical publishing in India.
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2
The Heroes or Greek Fairy Tales for My Children by Rev. C. Kingsley
Published by S. W. Partridge & Co., Ltd.
This charming volume features a remarkable deep red panel in outstanding condition, with no fading. The cover is beautifully embossed with a gilt design, making it a stunning addition to any collection. Though undated, this edition is deduced to be circa 1900s based on its features and historical context.
Condition: The pages are clean, aside from a previous owner's gift inscription on the front free paper. There is a minor seam split between pages 132 and 133 at the top half of the seam (refer to image in the gallery area for example of this), but overall, this book is beautifully preserved, with 264 pages and a charming spine characteristic of the era.
Adorned with enchanting illustrations, this edition captivates both children and adults alike. Charles Kingsley, an English clergyman and historian, was a significant figure in Victorian literature, reflecting the 19th-century interest in folklore. His works aim to educate young readers through entertaining narratives, blending moral instruction with storytelling. In doing so, Kingsley introduced readers to the virtues of bravery, wisdom, and morality found in Greek mythology.
As a rare piece of literary history, this book is a treasure for collectors and literature enthusiasts.
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3
The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion by Sir James George Frazer Published: 1951 by The Macmillan Company, New York Edition: Abridged edition, “Reset and printed from new plates 1951”.
Delve into the enchanting world of “The Golden Bough,” an abridged edition of Sir James George Frazer’s groundbreaking work, published in 1951 by The Macmillan Company, New York. This book, based on the original masterpiece from 1890, offers a captivating exploration of magical and religious beliefs across the globe, making it a timeless classic for those intrigued by the realms of mythology and comparative religion.
Condition: This copy is in good condition, with all 864 pages remaining clean and securely bound to the hinge. Whether you’re an antiquarian book collector or a lover of scholarly literature, you’ll appreciate the good quality of this edition.
Book Synopsis:
The Golden Bough” by Sir James George Frazer is a monumental work in the fields of anthropology, mythology, and comparative religion. The book explores the evolution of human belief systems and rituals, offering a comprehensive and detailed analysis of magical and religious practices from various cultures around the world.
The central thesis of the book is the idea that there is a commonality in the development of human beliefs, which Frazer argues progress through three stages: primitive magic, followed by organized religion, and ultimately supplanted by the scientific worldview. Frazer draws parallels between different cultures and mythologies to support his argument, shedding light on the universal themes and similarities that underlie seemingly disparate belief systems.
“The Golden Bough” is a rich and fascinating exploration of the human psyche, revealing the deep connections between myth, ritual, and the human experience. It’s a work that has had a profound influence on the study of folklore, religion, and anthropology, making it a must-read for anyone interested in these subjects.
About the Author:
Sir James George Frazer, born in Glasgow, Scotland on January 1, 1854, and passing away on May 7, 1941, left an indelible mark on the field of social anthropology. He played a pioneering role in the early development of the study of mythology and comparative religion. Frazer’s magnum opus, “The Golden Bough,” argues persuasively that human belief evolved through three distinct stages: from primitive magic to organized religion, and ultimately to the scientific worldview we embrace today. His work continues to be a cornerstone in the exploration of the human spiritual experience.
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4
The Tragedy of the Lusitania: Embracing Authentic Stories by the Survivors and Eye-Witnesses of the Disaster, Including Atrocities on Land and Sea, in the Air, Etc. — Memorial Edition (1915) by Captain Frederick D. Ellis
Published by George W. Bertron, Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D.C.
This Memorial Edition, published the same year the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat (May 7, 1915), serves as one of the earliest collected records of the disaster. Compiled by Captain Frederick D. Ellis, it draws together firsthand survivor accounts, eyewitness testimony, and reports of atrocities occurring both at sea and on land during the wider context of World War I.
324 pages. Hardcover. Illustrated throughout with photos and depictions of the ship, passengers, and the broader wartime setting.
Full Title: The Tragedy of the Lusitania: Embracing Authentic Stories by the Survivors and Eye-Witnesses of the Disaster, Including Atrocities on Land and Sea, in the Air, Etc.
Bound in black cloth with gilt spine title, this copy remains dark and unfaded, protected in a removable cellophane wrap.
Condition Notes:
Seam split between the front board and title page. The front free endpaper is fully detached but present.
All other pages remain securely attached to the hinge.
Light edge rubbing, consistent with age.
Internally clean and unmarked.
Published swiftly in response to the tragedy, this Memorial Edition stands as a raw and immediate tribute to the lives lost, and as a window into how the event was understood in its time—before the political and historical lenses of later decades reframed its legacy.
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5
The Complete Book of Gardening
by John Coutts, A. Osborn & A. Edwards
Published in 1937 by Ward, Lock & Co., Limited (London)
Fourth Impression | Hardcover | 768 pages | 9.5″ x 6.5″
A beautifully illustrated and highly detailed gardening reference compiled by John Coutts along with A. Osborn and A. Edwards, then the curator and assistant curators of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. First published in 1930, this revised 1937 edition offers an expansive look at nearly every aspect of home gardening.
The content ranges from soil preparation, lawn care, and grafting to the design of rock gardens, flower borders, and fruit cultivation. Practical yet comprehensive, it’s the kind of book that walks you through the details of levelling your lawn just as easily as planning a perennial bed or planting bulbs by season.
What makes this volume especially compelling is not just its scope, but the credibility of its authors, whose work at Kew Gardens adds weight to the advice offered. Their writing reflects the gardening ideals of the early 20th century, a time when self-sufficiency and landscape beauty were held in equal regard. The tone is instructive but warm—encouraging patience, observation, and a respectful connection with the land.
Lavishly illustrated with sixteen colour plates (collated, complete) and numerous black-and-white vignettes throughout, this is both a practical manual and a piece of horticultural history.
Features:
– Covers traditional British gardening methods in detail
– Sixteen colour plates and many black-and-white illustrations
– Original publisher’s dark green cloth binding
– Bright gilt title on spine
– Uncommon in this condition and edition
Condition:
Very good overall. Clean and tightly bound, with minimal wear. The cloth boards retain their rich tone and the gilt spine lettering remains bright.
A substantial and elegant volume, ideal for collectors of vintage horticultural works or anyone who enjoys gardening books with depth, charm, and historical relevance.
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6
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Astor Edition, Published by Thomas Y. Crowell & Co.
Undated, circa 1890s – early 1900s
New York: 46th 14th Street; Boston: 100 Purchase Street
This uncommon, undated Astor edition of Sense and Sensibility was published by Thomas Y. Crowell & Co. in the late 19th to early 20th century, around the 1890s to early 1900s. Its maroon boards with gold gilt titling on the spine provide a timeless elegance. Light foxing on the front pastedown and endpapers serves as subtle evidence of its age, while the 316 clean, unmarked pages ensure this copy is in excellent condition for its time.
First published in 1811, Sense and Sensibility follows the contrasting lives of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations in late 18th-century England. Austen’s brilliant social commentary and wit balance the emotional depth of her characters, making it a beloved classic.
This clean and well-preserved, undated copy, in its uncommon Astor edition, stands as a fine example of Austen’s lasting literary legacy.
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7
Vintage McDonalds "Muppets" Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Fozzie,
All are 11" New in package. $40.00 set
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8
The Outline of History by H.G. Wells
Vol. I of II volumes (undated, likely late 1920s)
Published by George Newnes Limited, London
This is Volume I of H.G. Wells’ The Outline of History; Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind. The book itself is undated, but based on the publisher’s imprint and design, it appears to be from the late 1920s. Oversized hardcover bound in red cloth boards with gold gilt lettering on the front panel and spine.
About the work:
First published in 1920, The Outline of History offered a sweeping narrative of human history—from the formation of the Earth to the aftermath of the First World War. The work was a major success, selling over two million copies worldwide and influencing how history was taught in classrooms and universities. Wells, inspired by Diderot’s Encyclopédie, sought to create a modern, accessible history supported by research and the input of scholars like Ernest Barker, Harry Johnston, E. Ray Lankester, and Gilbert Murray.
Wells believed understanding history could guide humanity toward a more thoughtful and peaceful future, blending storytelling with critical reflection on civilization, culture, and progress.
Physical details:
Publisher: George Newnes Limited, London
Undated (believed to be late 1920s)
Volume I only (of two)
Oversized: approximately 10 x 7.5 inches (25 x 19 cm)
Red cloth boards with gold gilt lettering
383 pages
Condition notes (please see gallery for details):
The contents page section is completely separated from the seam (full separation).
All pages are present.
Top of spine is soft and shows wear / roughing to the cloth.
General shelf wear to the corners and edges; spine remains intact.
An influential work from one of the 20th century’s most recognized writers, offered here in its early UK edition.
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9
The Titanic and the Californian by Peter Padfield
Published in 1965 by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., Second Impression
Printed in Great Britain | 318 pages | Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and diagrams | Index
Published in 1965, The Titanic and the Californian examines one of the most debated aspects of the 1912 disaster: the actions and position of the Leyland liner Californian on the night Titanic struck the iceberg.
Rather than retelling the sinking in general terms, Padfield focuses on the long-standing controversy surrounding whether the Californian was within visual range of Titanic and failed to respond to her distress signals. Writing from the perspective of both historian and professional mariner, he analyzes testimony from inquiries, navigational data, witness accounts, and maritime practice of the period in order to reassess the events of that night.
The book is notable for challenging conclusions reached by the original British and American inquiries, particularly the widely held belief that the Californian could have intervened and that her inaction directly contributed to the loss of life. Padfield presents an alternative interpretation of distances, visibility, and the identification of rockets observed at sea, offering readers a detailed case study in how maritime evidence is weighed and re-examined.
This work has remained part of the broader historical discussion of Titanic, frequently cited in later scholarship both by those who find its reassessment persuasive and by those who argue for different conclusions. As such, it serves as a significant mid-20th-century contribution to the ongoing examination of one of maritime history’s most scrutinized events.
Physical details:
Green cloth boards with gilt lettering to the spine. 318 pages with index. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs and figures. Pages are clean and securely bound. Housed in a clear protective slipcover.
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10
1927 James Watt and the Steam Engine: The Memorial Volume Prepared for the Committee of the Watt Centenary Commemoration at Birmingham 1919
By H.W. Dickinson & Rhys Jenkins
Published by Oxford at the Clarendon Press | Printed in Great Britain
This rare and oversized 1927 edition was published as a lasting tribute to James Watt, one of the great figures of the Industrial Revolution. It was prepared by noted engineers and historians H.W. Dickinson and Rhys Jenkins for the Watt Centenary Commemoration Committee.
Dickinson was a leading historian of technology and former Curator of Mechanical Engineering at the Science Museum, London. His co-author, Rhys Jenkins, was Secretary of the Newcomen Society and an authority on industrial archaeology. Together, they offer a detailed and rigorously documented account of Watt’s inventions and legacy, including diagrams, historical photographs, and technical commentary.
This volume was printed primarily for libraries, professional societies, and subscribers, so it doesn’t often turn up in the general collector’s market.
This is an ex-library copy with expected markings, but remains securely bound and free of mustiness or major damage. There is a 2-inch tear on the bottom of the first page of the contents section (shown in the gallery). Otherwise, pages are clean and illustrations remain crisp and intact.
A wonderful volume for anyone passionate about industrial history or railway innovation. The level of detail and scholarship makes it not only a rare collectible, but also a reference work in its own right.
If you'd like to see the book in hand or hear a bit about its context, I included this title in my latest Collector’s Blog vlog, where I also speak to a two-volume locomotive history set. You can watch the video here: Locomotives & Legacy: Two Collectible Railway Books:
https://ashtreebooks.com/%f0%9f%9a%82-locomotives-legacy-two-collectible-railway-books
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11
1907 Rare First Edition: "The Right To Be Lazy" by Paul Lafargue
Intriguing and Historically Significant - A Masterpiece by Karl Marx's Son-in-Law
Description:
Discover a true gem of social and political thought with our rare first edition copy of "The Right To Be Lazy" by Paul Lafargue. This book, published in 1907 by Charles H. Kerr & Co. in Chicago, is not just a collectible item; it's a piece of history that explores the concept of liberation from the relentless grind of work.
Condition: A+
This meticulously preserved copy is in pristine condition, boasting an A+ rating. It bears no markings, and the 164 pages remain securely bound, promising a delightful reading experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
About the Author:
In 1883, Paul Lafargue, the son-in-law of the renowned philosopher Karl Marx, penned "The Right To Be Lazy," a thought-provoking political pamphlet that championed the idea of breaking free from the chains of relentless toil. Lafargue saw this as an essential aspect of the broader workers' struggle for a more humane and just workplace.
Synopsis:
Paul Lafargue's masterpiece, "The Right To Be Lazy," is an eloquent blend of wit and profound social commentary. It expands upon Thomas Jefferson's notion of "The Right to the Pursuit of Happiness," as articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Notably, this book was not only widely popular but also instrumental in inspiring movements for the eight-hour workday and equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.
This edition features a new translation by Len Bracken, providing a richer and more complete reading experience. It includes Lafargue's lesser-known lecture on "The Intellectuals," shedding light on the intellectual climate of the time.
In the author's own words: "Confronted with this double madness of the laborers killing themselves with over-production and vegetating in abstinence, the great problem of capitalist production is no longer to find producers and multiply their powers, but to discover consumers, excite their appetites, and create fictitious needs."
Why This Book Matters:
Cultural Significance: This work by Karl Marx's son-in-law is a cultural treasure, offering unique insights into the intellectual ferment of the 19th century.
Historical Impact: It played a pivotal role in advocating for improved labor conditions, making it a valuable artifact of the labor movement's history.
Collectible Rarity: Owning a rare first edition copy of "The Right To Be Lazy" is a privilege reserved for the discerning collector who recognizes its historical and intellectual value.
Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history. Embrace the wit and wisdom of Paul Lafargue's "The Right To Be Lazy" and add this exceptional book to your collection today.
This exceptional first edition of ‘The Right To Be Lazy’ by Paul Lafargue is a literary treasure that stands alone in its rarity, a true testament to its uniqueness among collectible books.
Quotes from Paul Lafargue:
“Our epoch has been called the century of work. It is in fact the century of pain, misery and corruption.”
“Confronted with this double madness of the labourers killing themselves with over-production and vegetating in abstinence, the great problem of capitalist production is no longer to find producers and to multiply their powers but to discover consumers, to excite their appetites and create in them fictitious needs.”
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12
Fairy Stories by Hans Christian Andersen
Published by Ward, Lock & Co., Limited (undated)
A rare and striking edition whose title varies across its pages: Andersen’s Stories on the cover, Andersen’s Fairy Stories on the pre-title, and Fairy Stories by Hans Christian Andersen on the title page. This layered titling, combined with the absence of a publication date, suggests an uncommon printing not easily found today.
Undated, but likely published circa 1900s (late Victorian to Edwardian period), when Ward, Lock & Co., Limited produced a range of gilt‑decorated gift editions for the prize and holiday book market.
Bound in handsome blue panel boards with gold gilt lettering on the front panel and spine, accented by decorative gilt embellishments. The book offers 384 pages on unusually thick stock, giving it a satisfying, substantial feel in hand. A frontispiece illustration of The Ice Maiden precedes the main text; there is a seam split between the pre-title and this image, though the binding remains sound overall.
Hans Christian Andersen’s work holds a foundational place in literary history. His fairy tales transformed folklore into literature, blending imaginative storytelling with deeper themes that continue to resonate. This edition, with its period charm and scarce imprint, is a distinctive piece for collectors of classic children’s literature, Victorian bindings, or those drawn to the enduring influence of Andersen’s timeless stories.
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13
Candled by Stars by Jean Percival Waddell. Published in 1944 by Ryerson Press. First Edition.
Embark on a literary journey with “1944 Candled by Stars” by Jean Percival Waddell, a rare First Edition with a bright blue cloth hardcover binding adorned with Gold Gilt lettering on the spine. Published by Ryerson Press, this poetic treasure beckons readers into the enchanting world of Waddell’s timeless verses.
Excerpt: Unveil the magic of Waddell’s poetry with a glimpse into the soul-stirring piece “Rainbowed”:
Rumble away to your storm-cave, Thunder,
Far in the grim hills of dull despair.
Laughs the valley,
Up to the sky on the rain-washed air.
Over my valley of storm-swept sorrow
Heart of me, tear-washed,
Prism the sun
Into a rainbow of carilloned colour.
Spent,
Your hot passion of pain is done.
Condition:
This edition features a tight binding, with no missing pages and no markings. The bright blue cloth cover is unfaded, preserving the timeless beauty of Waddell’s verses.
Why It’s Special:
“1944 Candled by Stars” is a poetic masterpiece that not only captures the essence of its time but also serves as a poignant reflection on the human experience. Published by Ryerson Press, this First Edition offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of literary history that transcends its era. It makes for a thoughtful and unique gift idea, perfect for poetry lovers and collectors alike.
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