The Library Collection: 21 April 2026
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Our upcoming auction, The Library Collection, presents a meticulously curated selection of rare volumes and authoritative reference works for the discerning bibliophile and art historian. This auction features a significant array of high-quality monographs and encyclopedic sets that serve as both essential academic resources and beautiful additions to any private library. Featured Categories - Art History & Monographs: A deep dive into the lives and techniques of master artists. Highlights include specialized titles on the surrealist works of Leonor Fini, the draftsmanship of Horst Janssen, and the realism of Ilya Repin. You will also find scholarly explorations such as Albert Châtelet’s "Early Dutch Painting" and surveys of Central European artistry in "Barockzeichnung." - Essential Reference Works: For those seeking a comprehensive foundation in the arts and sciences, this collection includes timeless sets like "The New World Encyclopaedia" and the foundational "Art Through the Ages" by Helen Gardner. - Technical & Specialty Guides: Enhance your technical understanding with niche publications like Frank Covino’s "The Fine Art of Portraiture," alongside various antique reference guides perfect for collectors of fine objects. Auction Details: This is an online timed auction. Browse the digital catalogue and place your bids today to secure a piece of history. • Bidding Closes: Tuesday, 21 April 2026, from 8:00 pm (Staggered) Important Closing Information: • Staggered Closing: To ensure a smooth experience, items conclude every 30 seconds. • The 2-Minute Rule: Any bid placed in the last moments adds 2 minutes to that specific item’s clock—no sniping, just fair play. • Fair Play: Bidding stays open as long as people are actively bidding. Buyer’s Commission: • EFT & Cash Payments: 10% of the final hammer price. • Card & Online Payments: 13.5% of the final hammer price.
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Auction ends: April 21, 2026 20:00
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Auction registration closes: April 21, 2026 21:00
Auction starts: April 13, 2026 18:00
Auction venue: Cowboy Town, 1 McLean Str, West Village, Krugersdorp, Gauteng, South Africa
Currency: ZAR
Bidding Extension (Lot level)
2 minutes
Buyer's premium rate: 10%
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This comprehensive volume, written and illustrated by the world-renowned heraldic artist and historian Carl-Alexander von Volborth, serves as a definitive guide to the history, development, and artistic practice of armorial bearings. Published by Tiger Books International, the work is celebrated for its exquisite detailed illustrations and scholarly exploration of heraldic design across Europe, spanning from the medieval period through to the 18th century. Von Volborth, a member of the International Academy of Heraldry, provides invaluable insight into the symbolism of mantling, crests, and shields, making this a cornerstone reference for researchers, genealogists, and art historians alike. This specific copy is in very good vintage condition, featuring a clean, tight binding and vibrant interior pages that remain crisp and free from foxing or inscriptions. The original dust jacket is present and well-preserved, showing only minor shelf wear to the edges, consistent with careful handling.
This significant art volume, titled Pintura Victoriana: De Turner a Whistler, offers an extensive exploration of 19th-century British art, specifically focusing on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the aesthetic movements that defined the era. The book features high-quality reproductions and scholarly commentary on iconic works by artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Arthur Hughes, and Thomas Webster, providing deep context on the Romantic and Medievalist influences of the period. This specific edition is a Spanish translation of the prestigious cataloging work often associated with major international exhibitions of Victorian art, making it a valuable resource for collectors of European art history and those interested in the transition from Turner's landscapes to Whistler's tonalism. The book is in good vintage condition, featuring a striking dust jacket with Rossetti's A Christmas Carol; there is light shelf wear to the edges of the jacket and some minor toning to the page margins consistent with age, but the binding remains tight and the interior plates are clean, vibrant, and free of inscriptions.
This vintage softcover art monograph, published by Aurora Art Publishers in Leningrad (1975), celebrates the mastery of Ilya Repin, the leading figure of Russian Realism. This specific edition features a Polish-language text as part of the "Wielcy malarze świata" (Great Painters of the World) series and includes high-quality color plates of Repin’s most iconic works, such as Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks (featured on the cover), Religious Procession in Kursk Province, and his powerful portraiture like Protodiakon. Repin is significant for his psychological depth and his ability to capture the social complexities of 19th-century life, making him a cornerstone of Slavic art history. The book is in good vintage condition, showing some characteristic age-related yellowing and light foxing to the covers and internal margins, though the color plates remain vibrant and the binding is secure with no significant tears or markings.
This insightful volume, authored by renowned art historian and curator Klaus Honnef, offers a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic shifts in the art world during the late 20th century. Published by Taschen, the book delves into the emergence of the "New Wild" painters and the global transition toward post-modernism, featuring seminal works by artists such as Jeff Koons—highlighted by the iconic Ushering the Banality frontispiece—Anselm Kiefer, and A.R. Penck. Honnef, a pivotal figure in the recognition of photography as an art form and a multi-time organizer for documenta, provides expert commentary that bridges the gap between traditional aesthetics and contemporary provocation. This Portuguese edition remains a vital reference for collectors and enthusiasts of neo-expressionism and avant-garde movements. The book is in good vintage condition with minor shelf wear to the edges and corners of the softcover, while the internal pages remain bright, clean, and securely bound with no visible markings or significant foxing.
This fascinating volume, published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., explores the evolution of three-dimensional representation in art through 160 exquisite black-and-white engravings spanning the mid-15th to the 19th centuries. Author Pierre Descargues, a noted French art critic and historian, provides insightful commentary and an introduction that traces the technique from Renaissance masters like Dürer and Piero della Francesca to its practical applications in architecture and garden design. This edition, translated by I. Mark Paris, is particularly significant for its curated selection of plates from rare historical treatises, making it a valuable reference for artists, architects, and collectors of scholarly art books. The book is in good vintage condition, showing a clean interior with crisp illustrations and a tight binding, while the cover exhibits some light age-related toning and minor shelf wear consistent with its age.
This informative volume by Tim Porter, first published in 1991 by Flow East Limited, offers a comprehensive exploration of Prague’s architectural and cultural heritage. Porter, an author known for his detailed historical guides, collaborates here with photographers Jiří Macht and Gordon Hardwick to showcase the city's transition from Romanesque foundations to the "Secessionist splendour" of landmarks like the People's House. The book is notably supported by the Czech Ministry of Trade and Tourism and the National Gallery in Prague, lending it significant scholarly weight. This softcover edition, produced by Summerfield Press in Florence, remains in good vintage condition with crisp internal pages and vibrant color plates, though the cover shows minor shelf wear and light edge rubbing consistent with its age.
This scholarly exhibition catalogue, edited by Judith A. Barter with contributions from esteemed art historians like Sarah L. Burns and Teresa A. Carbone, was published by the Art Institute of Chicago in association with Yale University Press. The volume provides a profound exploration of American art during the Great Depression, featuring fifty masterpieces by iconic artists such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Grant Wood—whose world-famous American Gothic graces the cover. It examines how artists navigated the turbulent decade through a diverse range of styles, from stark Regionalism and Social Realism to burgeoning Abstraction, all while attempting to define a unique American identity during a period of intense economic and social upheaval. The book is in good pre-owned condition, showing some light shelf wear and minor creasing to the edges of the dust jacket, though the internal pages remain clean, bright, and securely bound, featuring high-quality color plates throughout.
This comprehensive exhibition catalogue, edited by Joaneath A. Spicer with Lynn Federle Orr, explores the vibrant 17th-century art scene of Utrecht, a city that served as a vital link between Italian Caravaggism and Dutch realism. Published by Yale University Press in conjunction with major exhibitions at the Walters Art Gallery and the National Gallery, London, the volume features scholarly essays by leading art historians like Marten Jan Bok and Wayne Franits, detailing the lives and technical mastery of artists such as Gerrit van Honthorst and Hendrick ter Brugghen. The book is presented in very good condition with a clean, tight spine and crisp internal pages, though it includes a unique personal touch in the form of a vintage German newspaper clipping regarding the exhibition tucked between the pages, adding a layer of provenance for the serious collector.
This mid-century instructional volume, published by the Reinhold Publishing Corporation, serves as a comprehensive guide for artists seeking to master the complexities of the human form through the fluid medium of watercolor. The author, Herb Olsen, was a distinguished member of the National Academy of Design (A.N.A.) and a celebrated watercolorist known for his ability to translate light and shadow into atmospheric figurative works. The book is richly illustrated with full-color plates and monochrome technical studies, covering essential topics such as skin tones, folds and draperies, and the use of casein. This specific copy features the original beige cloth-bound hardcover with titled lettering; it remains in good vintage condition with some expected age-related toning to the cover and page edges, though the interior remains clean, the binding is secure, and the color plates retain their vibrancy.
This elegant, square-format monograph provides a stunning visual survey of the masterpieces of Andrea Palladio, the most influential architect in Western history, featuring high-fidelity photography by Pino Guidolotti that captures the mathematical harmony of iconic structures like the Villa Rotonda and the Olympic Theater. Published by teNeues in 2002, the volume serves as both a scholarly reference and a sophisticated coffee table piece, offering a chronological exploration of the Renaissance master’s work across the Veneto region. The book is in very good condition, showing only minor shelf wear and light surface scuffing to the dust jacket, including a small, shallow indentation near the spine, while the interior remains excellent with tight binding and clean, vibrant full-color plates.
This elegant softcover monograph serves as the official exhibition catalogue for the 1988 Salzburger Festspiele, documenting the profound sculptural works of Anna Mahler (1904–1988), the daughter of composer Gustav Mahler and Alma Mahler-Werfel. The volume features a curated selection of her stone carvings and figurative busts—many of which were destroyed during the war—while showcasing the "Grand Prix" winning marble figures that established her as a major force in 20th-century sculpture. The book is notable for its minimalist design and high-quality monochromatic plates that capture the raw texture and emotional depth of her work. This specific copy is highly significant as it is hand-signed by Anna Mahler on the flyleaf, likely during the year of the exhibition and the year of her passing. The book is in very good vintage condition, showing only light age-related toning to the white covers and minor shelf wear consistent with its age, while the internal pages remain crisp, clean, and securely bound.
This comprehensive scholarly volume explores the life and illustrious collection of Baron Maximilian Speck von Sternburg, a preeminent art collector of the 19th century whose legacy remains central to the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig. The text offers deep academic insight into European art history, featuring detailed entries on Old Master works by artists such as Matthias Grünewald and Jan van Wijckersloot, and serves as a vital record of the Sternburg Foundation’s holdings. This particular edition is a robust, large-format hardcover printed in Germany, characterized by high-quality reproductions and extensive German-language commentary. The book is in excellent condition, showing minimal shelf wear to the dark illustrated boards and crisp, clean internal pages with no visible foxing, inscriptions, or structural damage to the binding.
This captivating hardcover volume, titled Art of McSweeney’s, edited by the editors of McSweeney's and published by Chronicle Books, offers an expansive behind-the-scenes look at the visual evolution of one of the most influential literary journals of the modern era. Since its founding by Dave Eggers in 1998, McSweeney’s has been celebrated for its avant-garde design and commitment to physical craftsmanship; this book compiles a decade’s worth of experimental covers, intricate illustrations, and internal design notes that define the brand's whimsical yet scholarly aesthetic. The interior pages are filled with vibrant full-color spreads, archival sketches, and quirky inserts that reflect the publication's "circus-like" atmosphere of creative experimentation. This particular copy is in very good condition, showing a clean, well-preserved dust jacket with sharp edges and a strong spine. The internal pages are bright and free of markings, highlighting the high-quality paper and original design elements that make this a must-have for collectors of contemporary art and literature.
This comprehensive scholarly volume was published by Prestel-Verlag in association with the Royal Academy of Arts, London, to accompany a landmark 1985 exhibition. Edited by distinguished art historians Christos M. Joachimides, Norman Rosenthal, and Wieland Schmied, the book provides an expansive panorama of German modernism, featuring the work of 52 influential artists including Max Beckmann, Joseph Beuys, Otto Dix, and Wassily Kandinsky. Across more than 500 pages and 600 illustrations, it traces the evolution of German art from Expressionism through Neo-Expressionism, offering deep cultural and historical context for the movement's continuity and shifts. The book is in good vintage condition, showing some light shelf wear and minor age-related toning to the dust jacket and page edges, but remains a clean, tightly bound, and authoritative reference for any serious art collector or historian.
This hardcover art volume, published by Berghaus Verlag and translated by Stephen Gorman, offers a scholarly exploration of the Viennese Avant-Garde and the Secessionist movement at the turn of the 20th century. Written by Dr. Hans Bisanz, a distinguished Austrian art historian and former curator at the Wien Museum, the book provides deep insight into the works of icons like Gustav Klimt, whose "Judith I" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" are prominently featured. The text covers the early history of the movement and the influence of the journal Ver Sacrum, supplemented by an extensive list of illustrations and biographical notes on key artists. This 1995 edition is in good vintage condition, showing some expected shelf wear and light creasing to the edges of the dust jacket, while the internal pages remain clean, crisp, and securely bound.
This large-format biographical volume, published by Hamlyn in 1978, offers a rich and visually engaging exploration of the life and times of one of English literature's most beloved novelists. Written by Brian Wilks—a noted scholar and author who has also written extensively on the Brontë family—the book serves as an illustrated companion to Austen’s world, featuring a detailed family tree, historical maps, and contemporary engravings that bring Regency England to life. The narrative skillfully weaves together Austen’s personal letters and domestic history with the larger global events of the Napoleonic era, providing essential context for both the casual reader and the serious collector. This particular copy is in fair to good vintage condition; while the internal pages remain clean, bright, and securely bound, the dust jacket shows significant wear, including noticeable tearing and loss along the top edge as seen in the photographs.
This comprehensive official guide to the Museo Nacional del Prado offers an illuminating journey through one of the world’s most prestigious art institutions, featuring a curated selection of its vast masterpieces. Published by the Museo Nacional del Prado and edited by María Dolores Jiménez-Blanco—a noted art historian and academic—this 2016 sixth revised edition provides expert commentary on the Spanish Painting Collection, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, alongside significant Italian, Flemish, and Dutch galleries. The cover is graced by a detail from Velázquez's iconic Las Meninas, signaling the high-caliber scholarship and high-resolution imagery found within. This softcover volume is in very good condition, showing only minor shelf wear and a small crease at the bottom right corner of the front cover, while the internal pages remain crisp, clean, and securely bound, making it an excellent resource for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
This comprehensive 1984 hardcover edition from the renowned Time-Life "Home Repair and Improvement" series serves as an essential manual for restoring and maintaining antique and modern pieces. Featuring expert consultation from furniture designers Albert Jackson and David Day, the book provides detailed, step-by-step illustrated instructions on everything from renewing worn upholstery and rescuing damaged finishes to complex tasks like reweaving cane seats and duplicating broken parts. The guide is highly regarded for its clear technical diagrams and professional woodworking techniques tailored for the home restorer. This particular copy is in good vintage condition, showing some light shelf wear and minor age-related toning to the pages, but the binding remains tight and the internal illustrations are crisp, clean, and fully legible.
Published in 1973 by the Greystone Press, this comprehensive volume is an essential reference for collectors, featuring contributions from renowned experts including the celebrated English antiques connoisseur and broadcaster Arthur Negus. The book provides a rich, scholarly exploration of global decorative arts, covering diverse topics from Victorian lusterware and Arts & Crafts furniture to intricate watchmaking and cameo glass. This particular copy is in good vintage condition, showing some expected age-related shelf wear and light foxing to the exterior boards, while the internal pages remains crisp, clean, and securely bound, preserving the vibrant full-color illustrations and detailed plates throughout.
This comprehensive guide by Carole Thomerson, published by Frances Lincoln, serves as an essential resource for both novice and experienced restorers, covering a vast range of traditional techniques from basic stitching and webbing to complex deep-buttoning. Thomerson, a respected authority in the field, provides a historical overview of furniture styles alongside eight detailed step-by-step projects—including a Victorian easy chair, a chaise longue, and a Chesterfield sofa—illustrated with over 400 photographs and diagrams. This copy is in good vintage condition, featuring a well-preserved dust jacket with vibrant colors and minor shelf wear to the edges, while the internal pages remain clean, tightly bound, and free from significant foxing or markings, making it a functional and attractive addition to any craft library.
This comprehensive scholarly work, first published in 1961 with this specific second edition released in 1966, remains a definitive geographical and economic study of the region during the mid-20th century. Authored by Monica Cole, a distinguished Professor of Geography at Bedford College, University of London, the volume provides an exhaustive analysis of South Africa's physical background, mineral resources, and industrial emergence. The book is highly regarded for its academic rigour, featuring a wealth of maps, diagrams, and plates that document the country’s development from early settlement to its status as a burgeoning industrial nation. This particular copy presents in good vintage condition, retaining its original red and cream dust jacket which shows some expected age-related shelf wear, minor tanning to the spine, and light foxing. The internal pages are clean and well-preserved.
This comprehensive volume offers a scholarly exploration of five centuries of South African history, compiled under the expert editorship of Professor C.F.J. Muller, a prominent historian and former head of the history department at UNISA. The work features contributions from respected academics like W.J. de Kock and A.J. Böeseken, covering pivotal eras from early maritime exploration and the Dutch East India Company era to the complex socio-political shifts of the late 18th century. As an illustrated edition, it serves as both a significant academic resource and a collectible piece of Africana literature, featuring historical maps and detailed thematic chapters. This specific copy is in good vintage condition, showing some expected shelf wear and light creasing to the original dust jacket, though the binding remains secure and the internal pages are clean, crisp, and free from major blemishes or inscriptions.
This comprehensive biography, authored by the acclaimed royal historian Sarah Bradford, offers an authoritative and intimate look at the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Published by Heinemann (London), Bradford is highly regarded for her meticulous research and previous royal biographies, including works on King George VI and Princess Grace. This specific volume is noted for its depth, utilizing extensive interviews and confidential sources to build a portrait of the monarch as both a public figure and a private woman. The book is presented in its original hardcover format with the dust jacket intact; the exterior shows some light shelf wear and age-related toning to the spine and edges, but the internal pages appear clean, tightly bound, and in good vintage condition.
This vintage hardcover volume from the acclaimed "Master Musicians" series offers a comprehensive biographical and critical study of the French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy. Authored by Edward Lockspeiser, a world-renowned authority on Debussy and a recipient of the Légion d'honneur for his musical research, the book provides an authoritative analysis of the composer's life, his revolutionary musical style, and his deep connections to the Symbolist poets and Impressionist painters of his era. This specific copy is the revised 1963 edition, reprinted in 1966 by J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, and features evocative black-and-white plates, including the famous portrait of Stéphane Mallarmé by Manet. The book is in good vintage condition, featuring its original orange and yellow dust jacket which shows some light shelf wear and minor chipping at the top of the spine, while the internal pages remain clean, tightly bound, and free from significant foxing or inscriptions.
This collectible first edition reference volume, published in 1980 by Guinness Superlatives Ltd., offers a comprehensive chronological and alphabetical review of every British hit single to reach the charts during the 1970s. Compiled by a powerhouse team of legendary broadcasters and music historians—including Jo and Tim Rice, Paul Gambaccini, and Mike Read—the book serves as an essential archive for the "decade in pop," featuring detailed chart positions, artist discographies, and iconic photography of era-defining stars like David Bowie, Paul McCartney, and the Bee Gees. The book is in good vintage condition, showing some expected shelf wear and light creasing to the edges of the colorful laminated softcover, though the internal pages remain crisp, clean, and securely bound with no visible inscriptions or significant foxing.
26 1946 The War in Pictures: Sixth Year
Per lot
This 1946 edition by Odhams Press Limited serves as a profound historical record of the final year of World War II, providing a visceral, chronological narrative through high-quality photography and detailed captions. Odhams Press was a leading British publisher during the mid-20th century, and this specific volume—part of a commemorative series—is highly regarded by collectors for its comprehensive coverage of the Burma campaign, the liberation of Europe, and the eventual Allied victory. This copy features a distinctive deep red faux-leather (leatherette) binding with a blind-embossed emblem on the front cover and evocative sepia-toned endpapers depicting crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace. The book is in good vintage condition for its age; the binding remains structurally sound and the internal pages are clean and legible, though there is noticeable foxing and age-related yellowing throughout the text block, particularly on the title page, along with some light scuffing and shelf wear to the cover edges and corners.
This significant coffee-table volume, authored by renowned railway enthusiasts C.P. Lewis and A.A. Jorgensen, serves as a nostalgic and technically rich chronicle of the golden age of steam in South Africa. First published in 1978, the book is highly regarded for its stunning large-format photography, capturing the raw power of iconic locomotives like the 25NC and Garratt types against the dramatic South African landscape. It offers deep historical insight and technical anecdotes that appeal to both serious railway historians and casual collectors of Africana. The copy presents in good vintage condition, showing some light edge wear and minor creasing to the original dust jacket, while the internal pages remain clean, tightly bound, and vibrant with no significant foxing or markings.
This charming mid-century children's novel, Susan in the Sixth, was written by Margaret Biggs and published in 1955 by Blackie & Son Limited. Biggs was a prolific British author known for her engaging "school stories" that captured the post-war boarding school experience, with this particular title being a sought-after entry in her popular Melling series. The story follows the protagonist, Susan, as she navigates the responsibilities and social dynamics of her final year in the sixth form, featuring illustrations by Ruth Murrell that exemplify the era's aesthetic. This hardcover copy is a stated first edition and presents in good vintage condition, featuring the original red cloth boards with crisp black lettering on the front and spine. The internal pages remain clean and well-preserved with a firm binding, though the paper shows some natural age-related toning, and the exterior boards exhibit minor bumping at the corners and light shelf wear consistent with its age.
Vintage medical reference that was published in London by The Educational Book Company Ltd. and features contributions from a "distinguished group of general practitioners and specialists." Spanning two volumes with illustrations, it serves as a fascinating historical record of early 20th-century medical knowledge, surgery, psychology, and even veterinary practice. A standout feature is the inclusion of detailed anatomical plates and full-color illustrations intended for domestic guidance. The book is presented in a striking red and gold decorative binding with a faux-leather textured finish on the covers. The set is in good vintage condition, showing some light shelf wear to the edges and corners of the boards, while the interior remains remarkably clean with crisp pages and vibrant color plates. The bindings are secure, and the gilt lettering on the spines remains bright, making this a handsome and informative addition to a collector’s library or a study.
This vintage Afrikaans novel, titled Die Heilige Kewer (The Sacred Beetle), was written by the prolific South African author Reinhardt Hendriks and published in 1947 by Voortrekkerpers Beperk in Johannesburg. Hendriks was a central figure in mid-century Afrikaans popular fiction, known for his fast-paced suspense, detective stories, and "ontspanningslektuur" (leisure reading) that often featured noir-inspired themes, as hinted at by chapter titles like "In die nagklub" and "Die Hangertjie." This specific volume is a hardback edition that serves as a nostalgic example of post-WWII South African publishing and remains a collectible piece for enthusiasts of period Afrikaans literature. The book is in fair to worn vintage condition, showing significant shelf wear and fraying to the red cloth spine and edges, with the binding starting to loosen at the hinges, though the internal pages remain intact, legible, and free from major staining, possessing the characteristic tanning associated with 1940s paper stock.
This comprehensive South African architectural resource, written by André Grobbelaar, serves as a nostalgic and practical deep dive into early 1980s residential design. The volume is notably rich in visual content, featuring detailed floor plans, cross-sections, and vibrant artistic renderings of various architectural styles, including the "Spanish" villa aesthetic popular during the era. André Grobbelaar was a significant figure in South African home design documentation, known for creating accessible guides that bridged the gap between professional architecture and the aspiring homeowner. This second edition, dated 1982, remains a sought-after reference for collectors of vintage design books and those interested in the evolution of South African suburban landscapes. The book is in good vintage condition, showing some expected shelf wear and minor bumping to the corners and edges of the blue hardcover, while the internal pages remain bright, clean, and securely bound with no visible inscriptions or significant foxing.
This psychological thriller is the debut novel by celebrated Canadian author Tim Wynne-Jones, which notably won the $50,000 Seal First Novel Award upon its release. Set in a remote, cliffside house in Nova Scotia, the story follows a couple whose lives are systematically dismantled by a mysterious, unseen intruder who begins living in the "odd ends" of their home. This copy is a first edition published by André Deutsch and is presented in good vintage condition; the dust jacket is protected by a clear plastic sleeve, showing some minor age-related toning and light shelf wear to the edges, while the internal pages remain clean, tightly bound, and free of significant foxing or inscriptions.
This is a significant first edition of Moerbeibos (The Mulberry Forest), published in 1987 by Tafelberg-Uitgewers. Written by the renowned South African author Dalene Matthee, this novel is part of her celebrated "Forest Novels" series set in the Knysna forest. The story follows a group of Italian silk-immigrants who arrive in the Cape in the 1880s, only to find themselves misled and struggling for survival in a landscape far harsher than promised. Matthee is widely regarded as one of the most important Afrikaans writers, known for her meticulous historical research and her ability to highlight the deep connection between the forest and its inhabitants. The book is in good vintage condition, featuring its original dust jacket with cover art by Helmut Starcke; there is some light shelf wear and minor chipping to the top edge of the jacket spine, but the binding remains firm and the internal pages are clean with a crisp first edition imprint.
34 Platkops Children by Pauline Smith (1935)
Per lot
This collectible volume, first published in 1935 by Jonathan Cape, is a celebrated work by South African-born author Pauline Smith, known for her evocative and sensitive portrayals of life in the Little Karoo. Platkops Children consists of a series of sketches and stories told from a child's perspective, capturing the unique dialect and rural atmosphere of early 20th-century South Africa. Smith is a significant figure in South African literature, highly regarded for her mastery of the "Karoo English" idiom and her ability to blend tenderness with the harsh realities of colonial farm life. This edition features charming illustrations by Barbara Shaw, including a detailed frontispiece and a distinctive yellow cloth cover with stamped vignettes. The book is in good vintage condition, showing some expected age-related wear including minor sunning and shelf wear to the spine, and light foxing/spotting to the internal pages and endpapers, though the binding remains firm and the text and illustrations are clear.
This charming antique edition of Wee Macgreegor by Scottish author and journalist J. J. Bell follows the humorous misadventures of a young Glaswegian boy and his working-class family. Originally published in 1902, the stories gained immense popularity for their endearing use of the Glasgow dialect and became a classic of Scottish humorous literature. This particular copy was published by Thomas Nelson and Sons and features a blue cloth binding with a swastika on the front cover; in this early 20th-century context, the symbol was a common sign for good luck and auspiciousness before its later political adoption. The book is in fair vintage condition, showing visible wear and sunning to the cloth spine and boards, along with some staining and small tears to the internal pages, particularly at the hinges and bottom edges. The binding remains intact, though it shows some loosening consistent with age.
This significant Dutch-language work, written by the Reverend Andries Dreyer (1872–1938), serves as a spiritual and practical guide for Christian parenting in South Africa. Dreyer was a prominent "Zendeling-Leeraar" (Missionary-Teacher) at the Hanover Street congregation in Cape Town and a respected historian and archivist for the Dutch Reformed Church (Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk). This "Vierde Uitgaaf" (Fourth Edition), noting a total circulation of 18,000 copies by 1910, underscores the book's immense popularity and influence in early 20th-century South African households. Printed by J.H. Kok in Kampen, Holland, specifically for the author's distribution in Cape Town, the volume features historical prefaces dated between 1898 and 1910, reflecting its evolution over several printings. This copy is in fair to good vintage condition, showing characteristic age-related wear to the softcover wraps, including heavy foxing, staining, and some fraying/loss to the spine, though the internal text block remains complete and legible with expected toning.
This vintage volume, selected and introduced by Anne Ridler, was published by Oxford University Press in 1963 as part of their prestigious "The World's Classics" series. It serves as a scholarly sequel to previous anthologies, compiling essential mid-20th-century essays from renowned critics such as R.W. Chambers, T.S. Eliot, and W.H. Auden. Ridler herself was a distinguished British poet and editor known for her keen literary insight, and this collection remains a significant resource for understanding the evolution of Shakespearean scholarship during a transformative era. The book is in fair to good vintage condition, featuring its original cream dust jacket which shows some age-related toning, minor foxing, and small tears along the edges; the internal pages remain clean and the binding appears secure.
This lot features three notable vintage Afrikaans titles, offering a nostalgic glimpse into mid-20th-century South African publishing and storytelling. The collection includes "Olan Moeder se Knie" by Minnie Postma, an author celebrated for her folklore and tales influenced by Sotho culture; "Die Ruiter in die Nag" by the prolific C.H. Kühn (writing under the pseudonym Mikro), a classic of Afrikaans adventure literature often centered around historical or rural themes; and a school reader titled "Sprokies en Ander Stories" from the Silwerboom-Reeks (Standerd Drie), which serves as a charming example of period educational material. These books are significant for collectors of "Africana" or those interested in the evolution of Afrikaans prose and pedagogical history. The condition is fair to used; all three volumes show significant age-related wear, including staining and foxing to the covers, frayed spine ends, and visible bumping to the corners, with "Die Ruiter in die Nag" showing a partially detached spine strip. The interiors remain intact but reflect the heavy handling typical of well-loved library or school copies.
This comprehensive volume offers a chronologically structured journey through the evolution of flight, spanning from the pioneering achievements of the Wright brothers through the intense technological advancements of both World Wars and into the modern jet age. Authored by Christopher Chant, a prolific and highly respected military and aviation historian known for his meticulous research, the book features a wealth of technical data and historical context supported by striking illustrations, including the iconic Lockheed Super Constellation showcased on the title page. Published by Orbis, this revised edition remains a cornerstone reference for enthusiasts and scholars of aeronautical history alike. The book is in good vintage condition, featuring a solid blue cloth-bound hardcover with crisp gilt lettering on the spine, though the original dust jacket is absent; the internal pages are clean, the binding remains tight, and while there is some light shelf wear and minor spot fading to the boards, it presents as a sturdy and well-preserved study copy.
This comprehensive vintage volume, published by The Hamlyn Publishing Group in 1970 (third impression), serves as an encyclopedic reference for traditional textile arts including embroidery, dressmaking, mending, patchwork, knitting, and crochet. Originally curated by Newnes, a publisher renowned for technical and practical handbooks, the book features 245 pages of detailed instructions, over 60 useful stitches, and specialized chapters on home upholstery and international embroidery styles. This particular copy is in good vintage condition, featuring a vibrant mustard-yellow textured cloth hardcover with a stylized owl needlework design; while the internal pages remain clean and securely bound with bright illustrations, there is some light shelf wear to the edges and corners of the boards consistent with its age.
This beautifully illustrated hardcover book by Ellen Dyrop and Hanna Kristinsdóttir explores the art of creative repurposing, offering readers a wealth of inspiration for transforming everyday vintage finds into charming home decor. Published by New Holland, the work is celebrated for its soft, romantic aesthetic and practical "instructions" section that guides enthusiasts through projects involving everything from old cutlery and china to linens and baskets. The authors, known for their expertise in Nordic-inspired vintage styling, provide clever ideas like using silver toast racks for postcards or old plate racks as bookshelves. This copy is in very good condition with a clean, vibrant cover and crisp internal pages, showing only minimal shelf wear to the edges and a tight binding.
This comprehensive vintage atlas, planned under the direction of Frank Debenham—a renowned Professor of Geography at Cambridge University and a founding member of the Scott Polar Research Institute—is a distinguished example of mid-20th-century cartography. Known for its innovative "Face of the World" section, which utilizes three-dimensional relief maps to illustrate the earth's topography, this edition remains a significant reference for collectors of historical geography and scholarly publications. The book is in fair to good vintage condition; while the interior pages and vibrant fold-out maps remain clean and intact, the exterior shows visible age-related wear, specifically significant fraying and loss of material at the top and bottom of the spine, along with some light scuffing to the gold-embossed cover boards.
This fascinating volume offers a comprehensive visual record of the world’s most famous consulting detective, tracing his evolution from the original Strand Magazine illustrations to iconic portrayals on stage, film, and television. Author Michael Pointer was a renowned Sherlockian scholar and founding member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, recognized for his meticulous research into the performance history of Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation. The book features a wealth of rare photographs and illustrations, covering "The Great Impersonators" such as William Gillette, Basil Rathbone, and beyond. This copy is in good vintage condition, showing a well-preserved dust jacket with vibrant colors and minimal edge wear, while the internal pages remain clean, crisp, and securely bound.
This second edition volume, published in 1912 by Morgan & Scott, provides a definitive biographical account of James Hudson Taylor, the influential British Protestant missionary who founded the China Inland Mission. Authored by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor, the narrative focuses on Taylor’s formative years and the spiritual development that led to his monumental work in China; the cover notably features a red inset with Chinese characters, reflecting his deep cultural immersion. The book is in fair to good antique condition, showing significant shelf wear and fraying to the spine and edges of the green cloth boards, along with some light marking on the cover. Internally, the binding remains intact, and the pages show expected age-toning but appear clean, featuring a well-preserved frontispiece portrait of Taylor from 1852.
45 1945 Kultuurgeskiedenis van die Afrikaner
Per lot
This 1945 edition of Kultuurgeskiedenis van die Afrikaner represents a significant academic effort to document the cultural evolution of the Boer-volk, edited by the prominent South African figures Prof. Dr. C.M. van den Heever and Prof. Dr. P. de V. Pienaar. Produced by Nasionale Pers with contributions from 37 Afrikaner authorities, this first volume covers a wide range of historical and sociological topics, including an opening chapter on the South African soil by J.H. Moolman. The book is bound in its original green cloth with black embossed lettering and the "Het Daghet Overal" publisher's logo. Structurally, the volume remains sound with secure binding, though the cover shows minor shelf wear and light bumping to the corners. The interior pages have aged naturally with light tanning and some minor foxing consistent with a work of this vintage, but the text remains clear and legible throughout.
This charming fifth revised edition of The Wonder Book of Railways for Boys and Girls, edited by Harry Golding and published by Ward Lock & Co., is a quintessential example of early 20th-century British educational publishing. Golding was a prolific editor for Ward Lock, famously known for the "Wonder Book" series which captured the imagination of children by exploring the technological marvels of the era. This specific volume features twelve vibrant colored plates and nearly 350 illustrations, documenting iconic trains such as the Cornish Riviera Express and the Victorian Railways in Australia, making it a valuable historical record of the golden age of steam. The book is in fair to good antiquarian condition, showing visible shelf wear to the illustrated boards and spine, with some fraying at the crown and corners typical of its age. Internally, the pages have taken on a gentle age-related toning, though the binding remains intact and the black-and-white illustrations and text remain clear and legible.
47 Costume in the Theatre by James Laver (1964)
Per lot
This comprehensive volume offers a detailed historical survey of theatrical attire, tracing its evolution from primitive dance and the classical traditions of Greece and Rome through to the mid-20th century. Written by James Laver, the esteemed former Keeper of the Victoria and Albert Museum and a world-renowned authority on the history of fashion, the book explores pivotal eras including the Commedia dell'Arte, Shakespearean drama, and the lavish spectacles of opera and ballet. This first edition, published in 1964 by George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd, is a quintessential reference for collectors of art history and costume design. The book is in good vintage condition, featuring a vibrant red cloth-bound cover with crisp gold lettering on the spine; the internal pages remain clean and securely bound, showing only light age-related toning and minimal wear to the edges of the boards.
This lot features two vintage copies of Psalms en Gesange, the foundational hymnal used by the Dutch Reformed churches in South Africa. These editions contain the metrical psalms and hymns that have shaped Afrikaans liturgical music for generations, featuring the prominent Chi-Rho Christogram on the covers—a symbol combining the first two Greek letters of "Christ." While these hymnals are collective liturgical works rather than the product of a single author, they represent the 1944 and subsequent revisions that standardized worship music across the DRC (NG Kerk) and NH Kerk. The larger volume is housed in a handsome, hand-stitched leather protective cover, while the smaller companion displays the original cloth-bound texture. Both books show fair to good vintage condition, with visible shelf wear, edge fraying on the cloth volume, and some oxidation to the gold-leaf lettering, consistent with regular devotional use and age.
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