Annals of Cricket -
W. W. Read - For many years a Member of the Surrey County Team
1896 - Sampson Low, London - First Edition - One of 250 copies
A classic account of the early history of the game together with an autobiography of this prominent Victorian-era Surrey batsman Walter William Read, considered one of the greatest amateur cricketers of his era, second only to W.G. Grace in stature.
Read (1855-197) played in eighteen Tests for England, two as Captain of the winning eleven, and scored 338 against Oxford University in 1888, at the time the second highest first-class score ever made.
One of only 250 copies, illustrated throughout with a portrait frontispiece of Read at the crease and a further twenty-five black and white plates from early drawings and photographs.
W.G. Grace wrote of Read ‘For over twenty years [Read] was one of the most brilliant batsmen in England. The services he rendered to Surrey could scarcely be over-estimated. On scores of occasions his dashing and fearless batting snatched a victory or saved his county from defeat … His hitting was free and his scoring always rapid. Nevertheless his defence was remarkable, and though he seldom failed to punish a loose ball, he generally respected a good one. His favourite ball was a long hop to the off, which he stepped back to and hit with incredulous power in front of cover-point; he also was an expert with the ‘pull stroke’.’
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Price HK$ 2,800
1896 - Sampson Low, London - First Edition - One of 250 copies
A classic account of the early history of the game together with an autobiography of this prominent Victorian-era Surrey batsman Walter William Read, considered one of the greatest amateur cricketers of his era, second only to W.G. Grace in stature.Read (1855-197) played in eighteen Tests for England, two as Captain of the winning eleven, and scored 338 against Oxford University in 1888, at the time the second highest first-class score ever made.
One of only 250 copies, illustrated throughout with a portrait frontispiece of Read at the crease and a further twenty-five black and white plates from early drawings and photographs.
W.G. Grace wrote of Read ‘For over twenty years [Read] was one of the most brilliant batsmen in England. The services he rendered to Surrey could scarcely be over-estimated. On scores of occasions his dashing and fearless batting snatched a victory or saved his county from defeat … His hitting was free and his scoring always rapid. Nevertheless his defence was remarkable, and though he seldom failed to punish a loose ball, he generally respected a good one. His favourite ball was a long hop to the off, which he stepped back to and hit with incredulous power in front of cover-point; he also was an expert with the ‘pull stroke’.’
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Price HK$ 2,800
History of the British Turf. From The Earliest Times To The Present Day -
James Rice
1879 - Sampson Low, London - First Edition
An appropriately bound set, of this comprehensive work on the history of British horse racing, retaining the original gilt illustrated covers.
Race tracks, famous horses, famous races, peppered with anecdotes, betting, successful jockeys, owners, pedigrees, race tracks. Entertaining and comprehensive.
Penned by James Rice, a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn, educated at Queens’ College Cambridge. Illustrated with frontispieces, a plan of Newmarket Heath, enhanced with tables listing winners, and a bibliography.
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Price HK$ 10,000
1879 - Sampson Low, London - First Edition
An appropriately bound set, of this comprehensive work on the history of British horse racing, retaining the original gilt illustrated covers.Race tracks, famous horses, famous races, peppered with anecdotes, betting, successful jockeys, owners, pedigrees, race tracks. Entertaining and comprehensive.
Penned by James Rice, a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn, educated at Queens’ College Cambridge. Illustrated with frontispieces, a plan of Newmarket Heath, enhanced with tables listing winners, and a bibliography.
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Price HK$ 10,000
The Yachtsman's Handy Book for Sea Use -
W. H. Rosser
1877 - Charles Wilson (Late J. W. Norie &, London - First Edition
Everything the beginner need know when sailing a yacht in 1877, and to obtain your yachting certificate, with additional section on International Code of Signals containing a colour plates of flags, and another extra section titled ‘Questions and Answers in Fore and Aft Seamanship’. To the rear you will find thirteen illustrated pages of Advertisements of Yachting Requisites.
Rare first edition of this standard instructional, that went through a further five editions over 45 years. Illustrated throughout including a folding map of Europe, two other plates , one full page colour plate of flags, tables, in text illustrations of instruments, signals, and so on.
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Price HK$ 2,000
1877 - Charles Wilson (Late J. W. Norie &, London - First Edition
Everything the beginner need know when sailing a yacht in 1877, and to obtain your yachting certificate, with additional section on International Code of Signals containing a colour plates of flags, and another extra section titled ‘Questions and Answers in Fore and Aft Seamanship’. To the rear you will find thirteen illustrated pages of Advertisements of Yachting Requisites.Rare first edition of this standard instructional, that went through a further five editions over 45 years. Illustrated throughout including a folding map of Europe, two other plates , one full page colour plate of flags, tables, in text illustrations of instruments, signals, and so on.
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Price HK$ 2,000
Venus in Furs -
Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch Von Lemberg
1947 - Privately printed for the Sylvan Press, New York - The First American Trade Edition
First trade edition in English of Von Sacher-Masoch’s classic novel. Although not approved of by Sacher-Masoch, the terms Masochism and Sadomasochism (together with the Marquis de Sade) are derived from his name.
‘Severin, Severin, speak so slightly
Severin, down on your bended knee
Taste the whip, in love not given lightly
Taste the whip, now bleed for me’ [Venus in Furs – The Velvet Underground, 1967]
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Price HK$ 3,000
1947 - Privately printed for the Sylvan Press, New York - The First American Trade Edition
First trade edition in English of Von Sacher-Masoch’s classic novel. Although not approved of by Sacher-Masoch, the terms Masochism and Sadomasochism (together with the Marquis de Sade) are derived from his name.‘Severin, Severin, speak so slightly
Severin, down on your bended knee
Taste the whip, in love not given lightly
Taste the whip, now bleed for me’ [Venus in Furs – The Velvet Underground, 1967]
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Price HK$ 3,000
A Trilogy of Epic Historic Poems - Marmion; The Lady of the Lake; Rokeby -
Sir Walter Scott
1808 - Archibald Constable &, Edinburgh - Fourth, Twelfth, and Second Editions respectively
An early trilogy of three of Sir Walter Scott’s most popular epic historical poems, uniformly bound in contemporary tan tree-calf.
‘Marmion; A Tale of Flodden Field’ – ‘Marmion was Walter Scott’s second historical romance and one of his most popular epic poems. The chivalric tale of love, betrayal, loyalty and honour ends with the English victory over James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.’
‘The Lady of the Lake, A Poem’ – ‘Scott’s Highland poem concerning the struggle between King James V and the powerful clan Douglas. Composed of six cantos, and set in the Trossachs of the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century, it mines Gaelic history to retell a well-known legend of graceful, feudal heroine, Ellen Douglas, and the contest between three young men to win her love.
A huge critical and commercial success at the time of its first publication, breaking all records for the sale of poetry, and cementing Scott’s fame and reputation as a poet in both Britain and the United States.
‘Rokeby; A Poem’ – ‘After the monumental success of his Highland poem The Lady of the Lake (1810), for his next historical epic poem, Walter Scott moved the setting to England, perhaps to appease his increasing English readership. Set in County Durham during the English Civil Wars, in the immediate aftermath of the Parliamentary victory at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644.’
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Price HK$ 5,000
1808 - Archibald Constable &, Edinburgh - Fourth, Twelfth, and Second Editions respectively
An early trilogy of three of Sir Walter Scott’s most popular epic historical poems, uniformly bound in contemporary tan tree-calf.‘Marmion; A Tale of Flodden Field’ – ‘Marmion was Walter Scott’s second historical romance and one of his most popular epic poems. The chivalric tale of love, betrayal, loyalty and honour ends with the English victory over James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.’
‘The Lady of the Lake, A Poem’ – ‘Scott’s Highland poem concerning the struggle between King James V and the powerful clan Douglas. Composed of six cantos, and set in the Trossachs of the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century, it mines Gaelic history to retell a well-known legend of graceful, feudal heroine, Ellen Douglas, and the contest between three young men to win her love.
A huge critical and commercial success at the time of its first publication, breaking all records for the sale of poetry, and cementing Scott’s fame and reputation as a poet in both Britain and the United States.
‘Rokeby; A Poem’ – ‘After the monumental success of his Highland poem The Lady of the Lake (1810), for his next historical epic poem, Walter Scott moved the setting to England, perhaps to appease his increasing English readership. Set in County Durham during the English Civil Wars, in the immediate aftermath of the Parliamentary victory at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644.’
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Price HK$ 5,000
An Authentic Account of an embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China -
Sir George Staunton, Earl of Macartney, Sir Erasmus Gower
1797 - Printed by W. Bulmer and Co. for G, London - First Edition
A majestic set of this cornerstone of China related travel literature in contemporary bindings, together with the magnificent Elephant Folio Atlas showing forty-four engraved maps and plates (mainly after Alexander, of which one is folding and six are double-page.
‘An account of the first British embassy to China, under Lord Macartney. Great Britain was anxious to establish formal diplomatic relations with China and thus open the way for unimpeded trade relations, but centuries of Chinese reserve and self-sufficiency presented a formidable obstacle to the embassy, and the Chinese emperor effectually resisted Lord Macartney’s arguments and gifts. The visit of the British embassy nonetheless resulted in this remarkable account of Chinese manners and customs at the close of the eighteenth century’ - The Hill Collection of Pacific Voyages.
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Price HK$ 120,000
1797 - Printed by W. Bulmer and Co. for G, London - First Edition
A majestic set of this cornerstone of China related travel literature in contemporary bindings, together with the magnificent Elephant Folio Atlas showing forty-four engraved maps and plates (mainly after Alexander, of which one is folding and six are double-page.‘An account of the first British embassy to China, under Lord Macartney. Great Britain was anxious to establish formal diplomatic relations with China and thus open the way for unimpeded trade relations, but centuries of Chinese reserve and self-sufficiency presented a formidable obstacle to the embassy, and the Chinese emperor effectually resisted Lord Macartney’s arguments and gifts. The visit of the British embassy nonetheless resulted in this remarkable account of Chinese manners and customs at the close of the eighteenth century’ - The Hill Collection of Pacific Voyages.
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Price HK$ 120,000
Kidnapped. Being Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour in the Year 1751. -
Robert Louis Stevenson
1886 - Cassell &, London - First Edition
‘There are two things that men should never weary of, goodness and humility;
we get none too much of them in this rough world among cold, proud people.’
First edition of the classic Scottish adventure set in the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite uprising, telling the story of the kidnap of David Balfour and his subsequent journey across Scotland on foot, with Alan Breck between 27 June and 25 August 1751, pursued by redcoats.
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Price HK$ 6,000
1886 - Cassell &, London - First Edition
‘There are two things that men should never weary of, goodness and humility;we get none too much of them in this rough world among cold, proud people.’
First edition of the classic Scottish adventure set in the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite uprising, telling the story of the kidnap of David Balfour and his subsequent journey across Scotland on foot, with Alan Breck between 27 June and 25 August 1751, pursued by redcoats.
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Price HK$ 6,000
Eloise - inscribed, together with Eloise in Paris, Eloise at Christmastime & Eloise in Moscow -
Kay Thompson, Hilary Knight (illustrator)
1955 - Simon and Schuster, New York - First Editions
A complete first edition set of Kay Thompson’s fabulous Eloise series brought to life by Hilary Knight’s inimitable illustrations, combining child-like wonder with warmth and comedy. Starring the magnificently precocious Eloise, who can become dangerously influential to a daughter's life.
The first book is inscribed by Hilary Knight on front free endpaper, with "ME ELOISE!!!" underneath in red ink, in another hand by Kay Thompson. A review copy with promotional material laid in (review slip, reproductions of two Eloise illustrations on slick photo paper, and a photo portrait of Kay Thompson with bio blurb).
‘I am Eloise. I am six. I live at the Plaza hotel.’
With those immortal words, we are introduced to the irreverent and hilarious young occupant of the Plaza, the quirky and ever-lovable Eloise, (rumoured to have been modelled on Kay Thompson’s young goddaughter, Liza Minnelli)...
Accompanied by her English Nanny, loyal pug, and pet turtle, Eloise enjoys spending her days riding the elevator, adding her crayon art to the walls, and avoiding homework at all costs.
Eloise then leaves her room at the Plaza and flies to Paris, with her entourage of nanny, turtle and pug plus 37 pieces of luggage...
‘Oh my Lord we are going to Paris France, to get roses in our cheeks!’
‘Pas de quoi d'accord and zut!’
Following on from Paris, Eloise is back in the third of the series, ready to create Christmastime mischief and havoc, dashing Nanny’s hopes for a quiet and calm celebration... (a super dooper copy with the ‘To’ and ‘From’ label still waiting to be filled in...)
‘Then it’s zippity jingle and dash away ping,
Hang holly and berries in all the halls,
Tie tassels on all the thermostats and Write Merry Christmas on all of the walls!’
After an eventful Christmas, and despite Nanny’s pleading, nothing can deter Eloise from her trip to Moscow! Armed with her natural charm and somewhat questionable diplomacy skills, she’s determined to put on her Ushanka, pack up her sled, and get to the Aragvi in time for tea.
An interesting glimpse into a Cold War 1959 view of Soviet Russia, including stunning fold-out panorama of ‘Ancient Kremlin Citadel’, adding colour and humour, albeit with slightly less pink than Eloise would have wished for...
More details
Price HK$ 40,000
1955 - Simon and Schuster, New York - First Editions
A complete first edition set of Kay Thompson’s fabulous Eloise series brought to life by Hilary Knight’s inimitable illustrations, combining child-like wonder with warmth and comedy. Starring the magnificently precocious Eloise, who can become dangerously influential to a daughter's life.The first book is inscribed by Hilary Knight on front free endpaper, with "ME ELOISE!!!" underneath in red ink, in another hand by Kay Thompson. A review copy with promotional material laid in (review slip, reproductions of two Eloise illustrations on slick photo paper, and a photo portrait of Kay Thompson with bio blurb).
‘I am Eloise. I am six. I live at the Plaza hotel.’
With those immortal words, we are introduced to the irreverent and hilarious young occupant of the Plaza, the quirky and ever-lovable Eloise, (rumoured to have been modelled on Kay Thompson’s young goddaughter, Liza Minnelli)...
Accompanied by her English Nanny, loyal pug, and pet turtle, Eloise enjoys spending her days riding the elevator, adding her crayon art to the walls, and avoiding homework at all costs.
Eloise then leaves her room at the Plaza and flies to Paris, with her entourage of nanny, turtle and pug plus 37 pieces of luggage...
‘Oh my Lord we are going to Paris France, to get roses in our cheeks!’
‘Pas de quoi d'accord and zut!’
Following on from Paris, Eloise is back in the third of the series, ready to create Christmastime mischief and havoc, dashing Nanny’s hopes for a quiet and calm celebration... (a super dooper copy with the ‘To’ and ‘From’ label still waiting to be filled in...)
‘Then it’s zippity jingle and dash away ping,
Hang holly and berries in all the halls,
Tie tassels on all the thermostats and Write Merry Christmas on all of the walls!’
After an eventful Christmas, and despite Nanny’s pleading, nothing can deter Eloise from her trip to Moscow! Armed with her natural charm and somewhat questionable diplomacy skills, she’s determined to put on her Ushanka, pack up her sled, and get to the Aragvi in time for tea.
An interesting glimpse into a Cold War 1959 view of Soviet Russia, including stunning fold-out panorama of ‘Ancient Kremlin Citadel’, adding colour and humour, albeit with slightly less pink than Eloise would have wished for...
More details
Price HK$ 40,000