The Enchanted April

London, Macmillan and Co. Limited, 1922. First edition. Cloth. This original, full cloth bound first edition, first impression of Elizabeth von Arnim's most popular work. The first edition, first impression of the work, with no subsequent impressions listed. This edition and impression is scarcely found in the publisher's original cloth binding. Includes a beautiful frontispiece after a watercolour illustration by the Hon. Lady Mallet titled The View from Mrs Wilkins's Bedroom. With two pages of publisher's advertisements, for other works by Elizabeth von Arnim and Macmillan's new fiction, respectively, at the rear of the work. With the embossed mark of 'Charlecote Marple Chesire' to the recto of the front first and second free endpapers.An entrancing work, Elizabeth von Arnim's most famous novel proved to be an immediate best seller upon its first publication in 1922. This author and countess herself led a remarkably exciting life: for a time, she was the lover of H. G. Wells, married the brother of Bertrand Russell, and cultivated an intimate and often literary correspondence with her cousin, Katherine Mansfield. The Enchanted April is the mirthful story of an unusual mix of companions and their collective revitalisation on a holiday to the Italian Riviera. In the original publisher's full cloth binding. Externally, generally smart with a touch of rubbing, marginally heavier to the front board, and some bumping to the head and tail of the spine, which has resulted in fractional splitting of the cloth in the latter's case. Front hinge is slightly strained, and there is some light discolouration to the pastedowns. Pages are generally bright and clean barring the odd minor mark and light spotting, heaviest to the endpapers. One minor closed tear to the bottom edge of pp.50, not impacting text. Very Good . Ill.: Frontispiece after a watercolour drawing by the Hon. Lady Mallet. Very Good .

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Book no.: 931E18

GBP 390,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 444.5 US$ 512.78 | JP¥ 79074]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: British Fiction Modern Fiction 20th Century Modern Fiction Frontispiece after a watercolour drawing by the Hon. Lady Mallet.

Chinua Achebe

Anthills of the Savannah

London, Heinemann, 1987. First edition. Cloth. The first edition, first impression of this Booker Prize finalist novel by Chinua Achebe, a bright copy complete with its unclipped dust wrapper. The first edition, first impression of this work. Finalist for the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1987. Written by Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe. Praised by critics upon its publication, it is considered to be one of the most important novels to come out of Africa in the later part of the twentieth century. Concerning the political situation in fictional African country of Kangan, where a Sandhurst-trained officer takes power after a military coup, told from the point of view and through the experiences of three friends. Complete with the unclipped dust wrapper. In the original publisher's full cloth binding. Externally excellent with minor shelf wear only and a minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine and extremities. The dust wrapper is unclipped and very smart with minor shelf wear only. Internally, firmly bound. The pages are bright and clean. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Near Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 801A32

GBP 49,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 56 US$ 64.43 | JP¥ 9935]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: first editions booker prize chinua achebe booker prize None

Peter Ackroyd

The Clerkenwell Tales

London, Chatto and Windus, 2003. First edition. Cloth. An excellent signed copy of this truly immersive historical gothic novel set during the Lollard movement of the late 1390s. The first edition of this work.Signed by the author to the title page.The Clerkenwell Tales is a historical novel set in the late 1390s, following the Lollard movement led by Dominus (a secret society of religious fundamentalists) and on a conspiracy against Richard II of England. From prolific English novelist and critic Peter Ackroyd. His specialist novels about English history and culture and his biographies of figures such as William Blake, Charles Dickens and T. S. Eliot, earned him the Somerset Maugham Award.  In the original cloth binding. In the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, excellent with minor shelf wear only. Dust wrapper is also excellent with minor edgewear. Internally, firmly bound with bright and clean pages. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Near Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 912Y24

GBP 30,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 34.25 US$ 39.44 | JP¥ 6083]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: Historical Fiction Peter Ackroyd Signed Peter Ackroyd None

Peter Ackroyd

The Lambs of London

London, Chatto and Windus, 2004. First edition. Cloth. A flawless first edition copy of this acclaimed historical fiction novel by author Peter Ackroyd, in a beautiful and bright unclipped dust wrapper and signed by the author. Noted historical fiction writer Peter Ackroyd brings nineteenth-century London to life with this novel about the Lamb family, young Mary Lamb in particular. This gripping novel of love and betrayal is a wonderful depiction of the nineteenth-century London world. The first edition, second printing of this work.Peter Ackroyd is a noted British writer, and is well-known for his extensive English biographies and works of historical fiction. He well known for his biographies of William Blake, Charles Dickens, and T.S. Eliot, as well as his 1987 novel, Chatterton. He is a winner of the Somerset Maugham Award and a two-time winner of the Whitbread Awards. Signed by the author to the title page. In the bright unclipped dust wrapper. Dust wrapper has a Hatchard's sticker to the front of the wrap, which can be professionally removed. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, excellent, with no discernible shelf wear. Original unclipped dust wrapper is excellent and bright, with a Hatchard's sticker to the front of the wrap, which can be professionally removed. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: Not Stated. Fine/Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 799J30

GBP 32,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 36.5 US$ 42.07 | JP¥ 6488]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: historical fiction 19th century lamb london 19th century Not Stated

Jane Adams

Bird

London, Macmillan, 1997. First edition. Cloth. A beautiful signed first edition copy of Jane Adams' suspense novel, in the original unclipped dust wrapper. First edition, first impression. Signed by the author to the title page. In the original unclipped dust wrapper.'Bird' follows the life of main protagonist Marcie, who has come to the bedside of her dying grandfather to make peace with him. Marcie vows to uncover the dark secrets that are haunting Jack, 'despite bitter opposition and recriminations from her grandmother Mary&apos. Jane Adams is a British writer who predominantly writes psychological thrillers. Her first novel, 'The Greenway', was nominated for a John Creasey Award in 1995. She has published over thirty novels in total.Collated, complete. In the publisher's original cloth binding, in the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, excellent, with no noticeable faults. Dust wrapper is in an excellent condition. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean throughout. Author's ink signature to front of title page. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 805D12

GBP 38,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 43.5 US$ 49.96 | JP¥ 7705]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: Bird Jane Adams psychological suspense Jane Adams None

Jane Adams

Cast the First Stone

London, Macmillan, 1996 . First edition. Cloth. A signed, first edition of this entertaining mystery novel by psychological thriller writer, Jane Adams. First edition, in the publisher's original cloth binding, with the original, unclipped dust wrapper.Signed by the author to the title page. Written by British Psychological thriller writer, Jane Adams; 'Cast the First Stone' was Adams's second novel, published as a sequel to her highly acclaimed debut novel 'The Greenway', which received an 'Author's Club Best First Novel' award. 'Cast the First Stone' features characters Mike Croft, Maria Lucas and Jack Tynan who were first introduced in 'The Greenway' and follows the story of Ellie Masouk when Eric Pearson and his family move into her cul-de-sac. Featuring the original photographic unclipped dustwrapper, designed by Richard Ivey. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with the original, unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, lovely. Dust wrapper is also excellent, with minor shelf wear and a touch of sunning to the spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages very bright and clean, with the author's signature to the title page. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Near Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 891Q48

GBP 55,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 62.75 US$ 72.32 | JP¥ 11151]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: Jane Adams mystery novel first edition signed mystery novel The Greenway None

Jane Adams

The Greenway

London, Macmillan, 1995 . First edition. Cloth. An uncorrected proof copy and a first edition of this entertaining mystery novel by Jane Adams, both signed by the author. Comprised of the first edition and the uncorrected proof copy of 'The Greenway&apos. Both copies are signed by the author to the title page. The first edition is bound in the publisher's cloth, with the original, unclipped dust wrapper. The uncorrected proof is bound in the publisher's paper wraps. Written by British Psychological thriller writer, Jane Adams; 'The Greenway' was Adams's debut novel, leading her to receive an 'Author's Club Best First Novel' award. This intriguing novel follows the story of Cassie when her cousin Suzie vanishes while taking a walk through the Greenway. The first edition is bound in the publisher's cloth, with the original, unclipped dust wrapper. The uncorrected proof is bound in the publisher's paper wraps. Externally, both are excellent, with minor shelf wear. The proof is fine. The first edition has a gold mark to the head of the front and rear boards. The dust wrapper is excellent, with light edge wear and creasing. A small closed tear to the tail of the spine and the front flyleaf of the wrap. Internally, firmly bound. Pages very bright and clean, with author's signature to title page. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Near Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 891Q47

GBP 150,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 171 US$ 197.22 | JP¥ 30413]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: Jane Adams mystery novels first edition signed mystery novels None

Jane Adams

The Greenway Cast the First Stone

London, Macmillan, 1995-96. First edition. Cloth. Two first edition volumes of thrillers from Jane Adams. Two volumes of work from Jane Adams.First editions, first impressions of the work, with complete numberlines.In the publisher's original cloth with the original unclipped dust wrapper. These works are written by British Psychological thriller writer, Jane Adams. This set includes two thrillers from the author, including 'The Greenway', Adams's first novel. 'The Greenway' follows the story of Cassie when her cousin Suzie vanishes while taking a walk through the Greenway. This work received an 'Author's Club Best First Novel' award. 'Cast the First Stone' features characters Mike Croft, Maria Lucas and Jack Tynan who were first introduced in 'The Greenway' and follows Ellie Masouk when Eric Pearson and his family move into her cul-de-sac. In the original publisher's cloth with the original unclipped dust wrappers. Externally excellent with light bumping only. The wraps are also lovely. Internally firmly bound with clean and bright pages. Fine . Ill.: none. Fine/Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 875Z19

GBP 65,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 74.25 US$ 85.46 | JP¥ 13179]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: First edition Thriller Jane Adams Thriller none

Douglas Adams

The Illustrated Hitch Hiker&Apos;S Guide to the Galaxy

London, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1994. First edition. Hardback. The first illustrated edition of this popular sci-fi, a colourful edition signed by the author. The first illustrated edition, a incredibly striking edition, with colourful and unique illustrations throughout, with photographs of a "humanoid" cast, and entertainingly designed sets, including one large folding plate.Signed boldly by the author to the title page.In the original unclipped dust wrapper.'The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is one of the most popular modern science fiction novels, the first book in a "trilogy of five books" by Douglas Adams.A comedic sci-fi novel, following the only human survivor after the destruction of the earth, Arthur Dent, as he explores space.The novel is named after an electronic guide book which advises Dent on the galaxy and its many variant inhabitants. In the original publisher's paper covered boards, in the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, smart, with only a few light marks to the boards. Very light edge wear and a couple of small marks to the dust wrapper, including to the reverse. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: Various. Fine/Near Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 939P32D

GBP 2.750,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 3133.5 US$ 3615.77 | JP¥ 557572]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: The Illustrated Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy hitch hiker's guide to the galaxy douglas adams space hitch hiker's guide to the galaxy Various

Douglas Adams

Life, the Universe and Everything

London, Arthur Barker Limited, 1982. First edition. Cloth. The uncommon first edition of the third book in Douglas Adam's 'Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' series, enclosed in the original bright dust wrapper. Life, the Universe and Everything is the third book in Douglas Adam's 'Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy' science fiction series, often called 'the trilogy of five books&apos. This series is known as one of the most influential science fiction series of all time, particularly in the sub-genre of science fiction comedy, which often mocks or satirises common science fiction tropes, such as alien invasion, futuristic technology, and time travel.Life, the Universe and Everything refers to 'The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything', which, in the first novel of this series, is determined to be 42. The uncommon first edition of this work.Enclosed in the original bright dust wrapper.This copy was previously held in a library, and contains a library stamp to the title page and some evidence of the removal of circulating library stickers to the front pastedown and front free-endpaper. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, lovely, with very minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine and extremities. Original unclipped dust wrapper is very smart and bright, with some light age-toning to the rear of the wrap and a small amount of staining to the front flyleaf. Internally, front hinge is starting. A few light spots and handling marks to the pages, which are otherwise bright and clean. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good/Very Good Indeed.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 829J1

GBP 350,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 399 US$ 460.19 | JP¥ 70964]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy douglas adams life the universe and everything trilogy of five books douglas adams Not Stated

Herbert Adams

The Queen&Apos;S Gate Mystery

London, Methuen & Co LTD, 1927. First edition. Cloth. A very scarce first edition of a Herbert Adams cosy murder mystery novel featuring Jimmie Haswell. The first edition of this work.A very scarce work.'The Queen's Gate Mystery' is a Jimmie Haswell cosy mystery novel, an exciting whodunit.Written by Herbert Adams, the author of fifty mystery novels.Prior owner's ink inscription to the recto to the front endpaper, 'Annie Copperwhite&apos.Eight pages of publisher's adverts to the rear. In the original publisher's cloth binding. Externally, smart, with just a few marks. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spine. A little discolouration to the spine. Prior owner's ink inscription to the recto to the front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright with the occasional spot. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 753P81

GBP 175,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 199.5 US$ 230.09 | JP¥ 35482]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: The Queen's Gate Mystery herbert adams mytsery jimmie haswell herbert adams murder crime None

Samuel Hopkins Adams

The World Goes Smash

Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1938. First edition. Cloth. A smart first edition copy of this sci-fi novel set in American after a devastating civil war. The first edition.In the original unclipped dust wrapper.A Near-Future sci-fi novel by American author Samuel Hopkins Adams, following the fate of America after a civil war in 1940 destroys New York.Adams' other works include 'It Happened One Night' and 'The Flying Death&apos. In the original publisher's cloth binding, in the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, smart, with a few small marks to the boards and spine. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. Dust wrapper is lightly edge worn, heavier to the head and tail of the spine, including a small closed tear to the head of the front wrap. Backstrip is sunned. Some minor handling marks to the dust wrapper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Very Good Indeed.

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Book no.: 876P28

GBP 250,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 285 US$ 328.71 | JP¥ 50688]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: The World Goes Smash samuel hopkins adams near future civil war samuel hopkins adams new york None

Joan Aiken

The Butterfly Picnic

London, Victor Gollancz Ltd, 1972 . First edition. Cloth. An excellent first edition of Joan Aiken's popular thriller, complete with an iconic yellow dust wrapper. Written by Joan Aiken, an English writer best known for her supernatural fiction and children's novels. This work was Aiken's sixth thriller, and it is set upon a Greek island. Georgia arrives at Aghios Georgios, a millionaire's home filled with all manner of exciting people..The first edition, complete with the Gollancz yellow dust wrapper. In the publisher's original full cloth binding with an unclipped dust wrapper. Externally lovely. Dust wrapper is in excellent condition. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 802R56

GBP 90,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 102.75 US$ 118.33 | JP¥ 18248]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: The Butterfly Picnic Joan Aiken Modern Fiction Thrillers Joan Aiken Yellow Dust Wrapper Gollancz Yellow Dust Wrapper1 None

Joan Aiken

The Butterfly Picnic

London, Victor Gollancz Ltd, 1972. First edition. Cloth. The first edition of Joan Aiken's thriller set in Greece, with the original unclipped dust wrapper. The first edition. In the publisher's original cloth with the original unclipped dust wrapper. This thriller was written by Joan Aiken, an English writer best known for her supernatural fiction and children's novels. This work was Aiken's sixth thriller, and is set upon a Greek island. The story follows Georgia as she arrives at a millionaire's home filled with all manner of exciting people. In the publisher's original cloth with the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally lovely. The wrap is also lovely with only slight creasing to the head and tail of the spine. Internally firmly bound with clean and bright pages. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Fine.

Rooke Books Professional seller

Book no.: 890Z18

GBP 93,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 106 US$ 122.28 | JP¥ 18856]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: First edition Thriller Joan Aiken Crime Thriller None

Joan Aiken

Emma Watson: The Watsons Completed

London, Victor Gollancz, 1996. First edition. Cloth. A charming first edition of a novel completing Jane Austen's "The Watsons". Joan Aiken has hundreds of titles to her name and is a well known fiction writer. "The Watsons" is an unfinished novel by Jane Austen, abandoning it in 1805 after her father's death. With "Emma Watson" Aiken completes and compliments Austen's work from her own admiration of the classic writer. With the bookplate of Chris Viveash, a Jane Austen scholar and contributor to the Austen Society Reports. In a cloth binding with original dustwrapper. Externally, in excellent condition. Tape mark to rear pastedown. Dustwrapper in great condition with some light chipping to the extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean. Personal bookplate to title page. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Near Fine.

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Book no.: MOD2-B-8

GBP 27,00 ≈ [Appr.: EURO 31 US$ 35.5 | JP¥ 5474]

Catalogue: Modern Fiction

Keywords: Jane Austen The Watsons Continuation Joan AIken The Watsons None