Biography/ autobiography

The Memoirs of Sarah Bernhardt – and her novel “In the Clouds” – Edited Sandy Lesberg

Original memoirs from early childhood through the First American Tour edited and introduced by Sandy Lesberg. Also, the first English language publication of her only novel “In the Clouds”.

Large octavo, 256 pages of which the last 52 comprise the short novel.

A first edition 1977 published by Peebles Press, New York and London. A very good copy.

Nicely illustrated from period photographs, and Clouds illustrated with line drawings by Georges Clairin.

The adventurous Bernhardt not satisfied with being the most admired actor of the 19thC took to some strange activities … riding whales, collecting exotic animals, early ballooning and, was a accomplished artist and sculptor.

Sarah Bernhardt by Sarah Bernhardt

$45.00

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Linus Pauling [Two Times Nobel Prize Winner] – Biography – A Man and His Science – Anthony Serafini (Introduction Isaac Asimov)

A first edition published by Simon and Schuster in 1989.

Large octavo, 310 pages with illustrations from period photographs. Very good condition.

A super biography by the thorough and readable Professor Serafini. With and introduction from Isaac Asimov which also beats his own drum.

A monumental scientist of the 20th Century … the only person to single handed won the Nobel Prize twice … Chemistry and Peace. His application of quantum mechanics to molecular orbital theory and the lead into the helix and, for others, consequently DNA was way ahead. His competition with William Bragg and the Oppenheimer conflict (not the least that he made a pass at Pauling’s wife) add some intrigue. Ban the Bomb and Vitamin C the elixir came later …

Pauling’s Life will prove an inspiration for any budding scientist.

$30.00

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Edward Wilson of the Antarctic – Naturalist and Friend – George Seaver

Published by John Murray, London in 1963. Soft cover issue. Excellent condition. Octavo, 228 pages. Illustrated and with maps.

Edward Wilson (known as “Uncle Bill”) was one of the four men who reached the South Pole in January 1912 together with Captain Scott and later perished in their tent after failing to return to their base.

This is a magnificent book; we rarely have paperback, but this one is such good condition we couldn’t resist. Folding map courtesy Apsley Cherry- Garrard and his “Worst Journey”

Great book about a Great Man

$20.00

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Threnos for T.E. Lawrence – Henry Williamson (Author of Tarka the Otter)

Threnos … a lament over a victim of a tragedy … no better definition than here … Henry Williamson regarding T.E. Lawrence of Arabia.

Includes other writings by Henry Williamson together with “A Criticism of Henry Williamson’s – Tarka the Otter – by T.E. Lawrence”

Published by the Henry Williamson Society, an only edition 1994. Octavo, 134 pages, yellow card covers, fine condition. Frontispiece from a photograph of Williamson, taken in 1930.

The relationship between Lawrence and Williamson was an unusual one. Born out of publisher Putnam asking Lawrence to review a draft of Traka. He did and sent his written criticism to Putnam who onforwarded it to Williamson. Two year into printing Williamson took up some of T.E.L.’s comments and recognised his involvement in later editions.

When Lawrence crashed his motorcycle and died from the injuries he had just posted a letter to Williamson making arrangements to visit, strangely making their relationship all that stronger. Williamson understood the complex man that Lawrence was and this was reflected in Lawrence’s friendship with him.

A rare Lawrence Item that reveals a very personal side of the Williamson Lawrence relationship … and Tarka

$80.00

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The Life of Captain James Cook – J.C. Beaglehole

Published by Adam & Charles Black, London 1974 a first of this issue having been previously published by the Hakluyt Society.

Large “royal” octavo, 760 pages with 4 sketch maps, 1 foldout map, 4 coloured plates and 67 black and white illustrations. Slight sunning of dust jacket spine and hint of foxing as often the case. A very good copy. A heavy book that will require an Overseas postage supplement.

Many would agree the best authority on James Cook. John Beaglehole wrote the definitive analysis of James Cook’s three monumental voyages published by the Hakluyt Society. Likewise, this book, on the man himself, is a superb digestible (albeit 700+ pages) account and a must for Cook admirers with a thirst for knowledge.

Best “Cook Book” by far …

$90.00

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The Art of Georges Lepape – From the Ballets Russes to Vogue by Claude Lepape and Thierry Defert

The book on the work of the talented Georges Lepape. Written and compiled by his son Claude Lepape with the assistance of Thierry Defert.

Folio, 175 pages published by Thames and Hudson. London a first UK edition 1984. Lavishly illustrated, with 196 images of which 135 are in colour encompassing the start to finish of Lapape’s work. Excellent biographical content.

Very good near fine condition. A heavy book which may require a postage supplement depending on buyers location.

From his childhood in Paris and the Montmartre and Beaux-Arts that influenced his developing style. The important long relationship with top fashion designer Paul Poiret. La Gazette du Bon Ton (see Voyager’s original pochoirs – a number referenced in this work). The 1920’s and the Theatre and on to Vogue and New York.

Most beautiful illustrated book – the work on Lepape

$80.00

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The Memoirs of Sarah Bernhardt – and her novel “In the Clouds” – Edited Sandy Lesberg

Linus Pauling [Two Times Nobel Prize Winner] – Biography – A Man and His Science – Anthony Serafini (Introduction Isaac Asimov)

Edward Wilson of the Antarctic – Naturalist and Friend – George Seaver

Threnos for T.E. Lawrence – Henry Williamson (Author of Tarka the Otter)

The Life of Captain James Cook – J.C. Beaglehole

The Art of Georges Lepape – From the Ballets Russes to Vogue by Claude Lepape and Thierry Defert

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