NABOKOV, Vladimir Vladimirovich. Vesna v Fial'te i drugie rasskazy. [Spring in Fialta and Other Stories.] New York: Chekhov Publishing, 1956. 8° (216 x 141mm). (Faint staining on the endpapers.) Original printed wrappers (light wear). Provenance: Vladimir Nabokov (gift inscription and drawings to:) --Sonia Slonim-- Vladimir Nabokov (book label) -- by descent to the consignor. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTED BY THE AUTHOR, WITH A FINE BUTTERFLY DRAWING, TO HIS SISTER-IN-LAW, Sonia Slonim. The butterfly drawing is captioned 'Vladimirius Nabokovius', and the title-page shows the inscription, 'to dear Sonia from the author', and two small butterflies circling the publisher's printed device. Juliar A29.1. View on Christie's.com
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NABOKOV, Vladimir Vladimirovich. Kamera obskura. [Laughter in the Dark.] Paris: Sovremennyia Zapiski and Parabola, 1933. 8° (190 x 120mm). (Small losses in a very few margins.) Original printed wrappers (chipped, worn and soiled). Provenance: Vladimir Nabokov (gift inscription dated 13 December to:) -- Anna Feigin -- Vladimir Nabokov (book label) -- by descent to the consignor. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR to Anna Feigin, in Russian: 'to darling Anna, sweet and dear, from V. December 13'. Although Nabokov does not give the year in his presentation this was almost certainly the year of publication. Anna Feigin was Nabokov's cousin by marriage, and lived with the Nabokovs for extended periods. Rare: ABPC records only one copy selling at auction in over 30 years: the copy inscribed to his wife. Juliar A14.1. View on Christie's.com
NICHOLAS II -- KRIVENKO, V.S. (ed.). Koronatsionnyi sbornik s soizvoleniia Ego Imperatorskago Velichestva Gosudariia Imperatora. Ch. II tol'ko. [Coronation Album of His Imperial Highness the Sovereign Emperor. Volume 2 only.] St. Petersburg: Expedition for the Preparation of Government Papers, 1899. 2° (440 x 320mm). Illustrated throughout with chromolithographs and photographic reproductions, tissue guards, those for the photographic illustrations with printed captions. (Dampstain in the margins of the first few gatherings, occasional soiling, tears in a few tissue guards, a few leaves loose.) Original green leather spine and green pictorial cloth sides, the covers and spine blocked in various colours and gilt, metal medallion mounted on the front board, edges gilt, endpapers printed in silver and gilt (soiled, corners rubbed, front free endpaper adhering to the pastedown at one corner and with short tears). Provenance: H.R.H. Princess Maria Gabriella di Savoia (sold, Christie's, 27 June 2007, lot 17). FIRST EDITION. THE RARE RUSSIAN-LANGUAGE ISSUE. Volume 2, from the collection of Princess Maria Gabriella di Savoia, with the folding menu after Vasnetsov's original design. A lavish publication, illustrated throughout with reproductions of the menus and programs of festivities, and photographic portraits of noble families and dignitaries in attendance. View on Christie's.com
PORDAGE, John (1607-1681). Bozhestvennaia i istinnaia metafizika, ili divnoe i opytom priobretennoe vedenie ne vidimykh i vechnykh veshchei. [Theologia Mystica, or the Mystic Divinity of the Eternal Invisibles.] [Moscow: c.1787.] 3 vols, 8° (202 x 121mm). With all half-titles. 3 engraved plates, one of which folding, illustrations. (Occasional light spotting.) Near contemporary Russian half calf, flat spines lettered and tooled in gilt and blind (corners rubbed, small chips at spine ends, sides lightly scuffed). Provenance: a Russian reader (light pencilled marginalia). FIRST EDITION IN RUSSIAN, AND AMONG THE RAREST RUSSIAN MASONIC BOOKS.'Extremely rare' (Bitovt); 'a great rarity' (Sopikov). One of only 300 copies, printed on a clandestine press, distributed privately, and the majority of which were confiscated and destroyed. The Grand Lodge of Russia came into being in 1776. Catherine II, whose son and eventual heir was a Mason, feared that the lodges could be used for political purposes, and in 1794 banned all Masonic activity within her realm. WorldCat locates only one copy, at Harvard University. Bitovt 2152; Longinov, Novikov i Moskovskie Martinisty, p.283; Sopikov 6211; SK 5522. (3) View on Christie's.com
VOL'F, N. B., Baron. Imperatorskii farforovyi zavod 1774-1904. [The Imperial Porcelain Factory.] St. Petersburg: Golike & Vil'borg for the Imperial Factory [1906]. 2° (380 x 290mm). 12 tinted gravures printed on china and mounted on card and with printed tissue guards, one chromolithograph of marks, c.500 illustrations throughout. (Two plates detached but present, one tissue guard with a long tear.) Contemporary Russian blue half roan (extremities rubbed). FIRST EDITION OF THIS 'FUNDAMENTAL STUDY'; 'the history of this enterprise is an important part of the general history of the Russian applied arts and is of great help for students of the national crafts of the 18th-19th centuries... the book had a limited circulation. It is difficult to find a copy of it in a decent state' (Vengerov). Vengerov, Staraia Russkaia Kniga, 78. View on Christie's.com
A modern silver chalice, by Garrard & Company Ltd, London 1972, 16cm high, in a fitted case with certificate, 6oz A reproduction of the Hertford Elizabethan Chalice, numbered 740 in a limited edition of 1300, to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the first ever National Church Assembly held in England, the Synod of Hertford 673.
Maugham (William Somerset) Liza of Lambeth first edition second issue Colonial Edition with “[All rights reserved]” on verso of title 6pp. advertisements at end further advert for Colonial library facing title original plum cloth spine slightly dulled light marking to lower cover and lower corner-tips rubbed otherwise very good [Stott A1a (this binding not in Stott)] T.Fisher Unwin 1897.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Making of a Saint first English edition title lettered in red & black 8pp. advertisements bookplate of Sir Arthur Philip du Cros endpapers split small tear to rear free endpaper original Kendal green cloth t.e.g. hinges pulling slightly some slight rubbing [Stott A2b] T.Fisher Unwin 1898; and a reprint of the same 8vo (2) *** Sir Arthur Philip du Cros (1871-1955) industrialist founder of the Dunlop Rubber Company.(2)
Maugham (William Somerset) Orientations first edition first issue title lettered in red & black bound in later half morocco and green cloth with Maugham`s Moorish symbol against the evil eye in gilt on upper cover t.e.g. others rough-trimmed [Stott A3a] 8vo T.Fisher Unwin 1899. *** The author`s first published collection of short stories.
Maugham (William Somerset) Orientations first edition Colonial Edition foxing to endpapers and lesser extent half-title some marking owner`s ink stamp to head of front free endpaper original green cloth slight discolouration to extremities some minor rubbing [Stott A3a] 8vo T.Fisher Unwin 1899.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Explorer first edition first issue blind-stamped “presentation copy” to head of title with publisher`s pencil note “12/12/07” indicating publication date 4pp. advertisements original petrol blue cloth with gilt lettering to spine and upper cover and author`s device on upper cover but this copy without the publisher`s blind-stamp on lower cover called for by Stott minor rubbing to extremities and slight pulling but overall a very good copy [Stott A10a] 8vo Heinemann 1908 [1907].
Maugham (William Somerset) The Explorer first American & Illustrated edition colour frontispiece and 3 plain plates gothic bookplate of Mary Blyth original olive green cloth lettered in gilt a very good copy preserved in custom slip-case [Stott A10c] 8vo New York Baker & Taylor 1909. *** Mary Blyth could possibly be an actress who appeared in several plays commissioned by American theatre impresario Charles Frohman who also commissioned several works by Somerset Maugham before his untimely death aboard the Lusitania when it was torpedoed in May 1915.
Maugham (William Somerset) Lady Frederick first edition original champagne wrappers printed in red a very good copy [Stott A12] 8vo Heinemann 1912 [1911]. *** Somerset Maugham`s first commercial play written in 1903 and first performed in 1907. The play was difficult to place originally due to the pivotal scene requiring the leading lady to appear on stage completely without make-up; many of the leading actresses of the era were approached with the role but all rejected it with varying degree of horror at the prospect. Fortunately Ethel Irving agreed to take the part and the play proved a huge success with audiences and critics alike leading to Somerset Maugham becoming one of the most prolifically staged playwrights of the period.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Explorer first edition [one of 200 or less copies] stamped “made in Great Britain” on verso of title ink name on front free endpaper original grey boards with printed label on spine spine slightly darkened and rubbed but overall a very good copy Heinemann [Doran] 1912; and the 2 first Heinemann UK editions in red buckram and champagne wrappers respectively [Stott A16] 8vo (3) *** The first mentioned was made from the Heinemann sheets to be published by George H.Doran; if the edition for Doran was to exceed 200 it would have the imprint amended to Doran`s but any less would keep the original Heinemann title [see Stott p.14 Note 5].(3)
Maugham (William Somerset) Of Human Bondage first edition first issue with error present on p.257 line 4 contemporary ink owner`s inscription on front free endpaper slight splitting to lower endpapers original green cloth blocked and lettered in gilt minor fraying to corner tips otherwise very good preserved in later morocco-backed cloth drop-back box lettered in gilt and with author`s device in gilt [Stott A21a] 8vo New York Doran 1915. *** The true first edition published a day before the UK edition. Drawing again considerably on the author`s own experiences this work`s merit was initially slow to be seen by many though Theodore Dreiser reviewing the book for The New Republic in December 1915 defined it as a “novel or biography or autobiography or social transcript of utmost importance” and its author as a “genius”. As Somerset Maugham`s reputation developed further however Of Human Bondage was soon given the reverence and canonical status it deserved.
Maugham (William Somerset) Of Human Bondage first English edition 16pp. advertisements hinges pulling slightly with splitting to rear endpapers original petrol blue cloth lettered in gilt with author`s device in gilt on upper cover and publisher`s device in blind on lower rubbed at joints and corners a few very small abrasions early dust-jacket with price-sticker 3`6 on spine browned at spine rubbed at fore-edges with some chipping and minor loss to corners and spine ends [Stott A21b] 8vo Heinemann 1915. *** The first English edition of possibly Somerset Maugham`s most famous work; this edition was printed from plates made from the American type. The dust-jacket is contemporary to the publication as it lists the same 6` titles on the rear panel as the page facing the book`s title-page but it has the price-sticker on it with 3`6 whilst Stott calls for 6` and this has a differing number of 1` titles listed on the inside front flap than called for by Stott. The matter of a suppressed edition of the dust-jacket being identifiable from the side of Philip Carey`s club-foot illustrated on the upper panel of the jacket is it seems somewhat moot as certainly some subsequent impressions (examples of which are included in the following lots) also still have the club foot the wrong way round.
Maugham (William Somerset) Of Human Bondage first illustrated edition number 108 of 751 copies signed by the author & illustrator 24 plates by Randolph Schwabe title printed in black & brown with author`s device ownership inscription on front free endpaper original brown buckram t.e.g. others uncut [Stott A21d] 4to New York Doubleday Doran & Co. 1936.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Moon and Sixpence first edition first issue (with original advertisements and last integral gathering of 6 ff.) inscribed from the author to Edward & Mary Johnston 4pp. advertisements usual browning sage green cloth blocked in black with author`s device a very good copy with facsimile dust-jacket [Stott A22a] 8vo Heinemann 1919. *** Edward Johnston was the British Vice-Counsel in Seville living with his wife Mary in the Santa Cruz quarter; Somerset Maugham lodged with them for a period in the 1890s. Edward Johnston is credited with being the inspiration for the moral but somewhat “snobbish” Resident in the author`s short-story The Outstation whilst Mrs Johnston was the dedicatee in his first collection of short stories Orientations.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Moon and Sixpence Acme Library edition signed presentation copy from the author to Wentworth Huyshe with further inscription from Huyshe both on half-title original wrappers mounted in parts and bound-in handsomely bound in later morocco-backed marbled boards g.e. marbled board slip-case 8vo Heinemann 1921. *** Wentworth Huyshe was a friend of both Harry & William Somerset Maugham proving a wonderful mentor to the latter introducing him to many of the notable artforms and artists of the day and helping develop Somerset Maugham`s passion for paintings. Huyshe`s inscription describes the presentation of this book to him “Given to me by W.S.M. at his house 2 Wyndham Place Bryanston Square London on August 3rd 1922. Wentworth Huyshe.” Maugham sent one of the initial six presentation copies of his first book Liza of Lambeth to Huyshe with a letter acknowledging their friendship and the inspiration Huyshe had provided “I can never forget how kind you were to me when I was a stupid boy...I can honestly say that I owe a great deal to you and now it is a pleasure to be able to send you my first born...I do feel confident that you will give me the helping hand.”
Maugham (William Somerset) Cæsar`s Wife first edition signed by the author with one line inscription to “Violet” on half-title original red buckram spine slightly sunned otherwise very good 1922; and 2 of the first wrappered editions of the same one blind-stamped “presentation copy” the other with Samuel French`s representation fee note mounted on verso of title [Stott A26] 8vo Heinemann (3) *** Probably inscribed to Fay Compton who played Violet in this play when it began its run of 241 performances from March 1919. The brief inscription reads “W. Somerset Maugham 1922 / Violet let us hope for the best”. Fay Compton was seen by many to have made the play a triumph the author himself stating “[it will] remain to me a pleasing memory for the beautiful performance that Miss Fay Compton gave in the part of Violet.” [Collected Plays]. Alternatively it could possibly be Violet Hunt with whom Somerset Maugham had a relationship.(3)
Maugham (William Somerset) East of Suez first edition Eric Quayle`s copy with bookplate original red buckram spine slightly dulled [Stott A27a] Heinemann 1922; East of Suez first American edition stage instructions in pencil throughout related newspaper clipping tipped onto front pastedown small tear to front free endpaper original boards very good small tape burns to covers split to one fore-edge frayed and darkened at spine [Stott A27b] New York Doran 1922; and the wrappered edition of the first mentioned 8vo (3)(3)
Maugham (William Somerset) The Painted Veil first edition first impression with publisher`s monogram on verso of title original cloth dust-jacket with advertisements on inside chip from top edge of lower panel frayed at head of spine slight rubbing small repairs to inside at upper corners [Stott A33b] 8vo New York Doran 1925.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Casuarina Tree first edition initialled inscription from the author on front free endpaper original dark blue cloth lettered in gilt and with author`s device in black minor bumping overall very good dust-jacket by Ralph Keene slight fraying to spine ends but otherwise very good [Stott A34a] 8vo Heinemann 1926. *** An excellent copy of a fine set of Maugham`s short stories. The inscription reads “To a critic of plays / from a writer of novels / W.S.M.” and was written for his friend the critic & playwright St John Ervine.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Constant Wife first English edition from the American sheets [one of 750 copies] frontispiece portrait of Ethel Barrymore original black cloth with yellow printed labels excellent condition printed dust-jacket small chip from head of spine small closed tear to one corner otherwise very good [Stott A35b] Heinemann 1927; and the first Doubleday edition of the same 8vo (2) *** The first Heinemann edition was issued in September from Doran`s sheets in a print run of 750 copies only (compared to Doran`s US run of 2000). The play was first performed at the Ohio Theatre in November 1926 with Ethel Barrymore in the lead; the actress apologised to the author after the first night for suffering stage fright but she vowed it would nevertheless run for two years which it did...(2)
Maugham (William Somerset) The Letter first American edition special souvenir issue given away to audience members on the opening night with the compliments of the producer & publisher frontispiece portrait of Katharine Cornell additional tipped-in cast list added for this edition only original orange wrappers light sunning to spine otherwise very good [Stott A36b Note] 8vo Doran 1927. *** An excellent collector`s item especially in such condition.
Maugham (William Somerset) Ashenden or The Briti first edition original blue cloth titled in gilt with publisher`s & author`s devices in black a fine sharp example dust-jacket priced 7/6 minor loss to upper fore-corner tips overall a very good example with no restoration Stott A37a] 8vo Heinemann 1928. *** An excellent copy of the author`s spy stories based largely on his own undercover experiences in Europe & Russia. It is believed that initially there were 31 stories but 14 had to be destroyed on Churchill`s orders as they were in breach of the Official Secrets Act. Many authors of spy fiction have acknowledged the importance and merit of this work over the years including John Le Carré Graham Greene Eric Ambler Julian Symons and Raymond Chandler.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Gentleman in the Pa first edition signed & inscribed by the author for Raymond Marriott trimmed and bound in full green morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe g.e. [Stott A39a] 8vo Heinemann 1930. *** Raymond Marriott (1911-1992) drama critic journalist and author The Blazing Tower (1949). Marriott knew Maugham via a mutual acquaintance George Bullock whom Maugham had assisted with medical expenses for many years. The three fell out somewhat when Bullock & Marriott become conscientious objectors during WW2 much to Maugham`s displeasure though Bullock was far too ill to serve anyway. The inscription reads: “For Raymond Marriott They often ask me which is my favourite book a foolish question because one likes one book for one thing and one for another however if I had to decide I think I should choose this one. W. Somerset Maugham”
Maugham (William Somerset) Cakes and Ale first edition first impression this copy with 2 of the 3 misprints described by Stott signed inscription from the author on front free endpaper original blue cloth lettered in gilt with author`s & publisher`s devices in black a couple of light marks very slight lightening to spine dust-jacket a very good example [Stott A40a] 8vo Heinemann 1930. *** A wonderful copy of for many Somerset Maugham`s best book continuing the autobiographical trend he had developed in previous works and with the familiar representations of people and places he had come into contact with notably in this work Thomas Hardy (as Edward Driffield) and Hugh Walpole (as Alroy Kear). The inscription reads “For the British War Relief auction / W.Somerset Maugham 16 Oct 1940.”
[Maugham (William Somerset) The Book Bag] in 20 Best Short Stories in Ray Long`s 20 Years as an Editor pp.558-604 inscribed by Ray Long on front free endpaper original blue cloth gilt [Stott A43a] 8vo New York Ray Long & Richard R.Smith 1932. *** This is the first appearance of this work by Somerset Maugham in print preceding the Orioli edition by 3 months. The inscription from the editor Ray Long is to another contributor Sir Philip Gibbs. Long himself was to subsequently take inspiration from Maugham`s character Strickland in Moon & Sixpence throwing his job in at the age of 50 and moving to an island in the South Pacific to become an artist something that he decided eventually he had no aptitude for committing suicide.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Book-Bag first separate edition one of 725 copies (this unnumbered) frontispiece portrait of bust original cloth-backed blue boards with author`s device in red on upper cover minor discolouration to extremities otherwise very good uncut dust-jacket a very good copy [Stott A43b] large 8vo Florence G.Orioli 1932.
Maugham (William Somerset) The Narrow Corner first edition original blue cloth lettered in gilt with author`s & publisher`s devices in black dust-jacket by Youngman Carter slight fraying and a few small closed tears otherwise very good [Stott A44a] Heinemann 1932; and 2 other copies one the first edition trimmed and rebound for the ?Times Book Club the other the Vanguard Library edition 8vo (3)
Maugham (William Somerset) For Services Rendered first American edition signed presentation copy from the author original cloth dust-jacket slightly rubbed at spine New York Doubleday Doran & Co. 1933; and the first English edition of the same also in dust-jacket [Stott A45] 8vo (2) *** The inscription in the American edition reads “For Karl the author`s penultimate play. W. Somerset Maugham”; presumably a slightly later inscription therefore. Karl could be Karl Pfeiffer whom Somerset Maugham inscribed several books of this period for; Pfeiffer went on to write a unauthorized biography of Somerset Maugham leading to the latter`s refutation of the work in the Sunday Express and his commenting to Robin Maugham “Karl Pfeiffer`s book was unpleasant and vulgar. He appears to have known me far better than I knew him.” [Robin Maugham Conversations with Willie 1978].(2)
Maugham (William Somerset) Ah King first trade edition signed & inscribed by the author on half-title original blue cloth dust-jacket minor surface rubbing Heinemann 1933; and the American edition of the same [Stott A46a & c] 8vo (2) *** The inscription reads “I was in Singapore about to start...” part of the opening line of the book.(2)
Maugham (William Somerset) Don Fernando first edition signed inscription from the author on half-title with dedicatee`s bookplate on front pastedown and pencil signature on half-title original black buckram gilt dust-jacket minor marking to lower panel otherwise very good [Stott A49a] 8vo Heinemann 1935. *** This copy is inscribed to “Fryn” the full inscription reading “For Fryn thanking her for wishing me to write my name in her book. W. Somerset Maugham”. Fryn is the author & criminologist Wynifried Margaret Jesse (1888-1958) who wrote under the pseudonym F[ryniwyd] Tennyson Jesse. She also lived on the Côte d`Azur and was one of a small group of people that Maugham socialised with when there. The bookplate uses her pseudonym whilst the pencil signature gives her married name as F.Harwood. Maugham particularly enjoyed her novel set in Burma The Lacquer Lady published in 1929.
Maugham (William Somerset) My South Sea Island first edition in book form one of 50 copies pictorial title bookseller`s small sticker on front inside wrapper original sewn green wrappers with author`s device in pale green minor bumping to corner tips splitting slightly at spine but overall an excellent copy [Stott A51a] 8vo Chicago Black Cat Press 1936. *** This copy is in fact probably one of only a few surviving thus; the author`s name is misspelt on the title page as `Sommerset` and the printer Norman Forgue comments in the foreword to the miniature edition of the same work (see following lot) that only seven copies with this error were printed the remaining 43 amended. Ben Abramson who commissioned the work added that all but two of these copies were destroyed (see Stott A51). Stott himself expresses a certain irritation with the prices this edition was garnering at auction on occasion when he was working on the bibliography feeling that the ephemeral nature of such an “insignificant article” reprinted from a piece the author wrote for the Daily Mail in 1922 did not merit such attention decrying it as “bibliomania carried to extremes”. Nevertheless an incredibly scarce item seemingly and rare to find in such condition.
Maugham (William Somerset) Theatre first edition [Stott A52a] New York Doubleday Doran & Co. 1937; Theatre first English edition first issue with integral pp.7-8 with error small closed tear to upper panel of jacket [Stott A52b] Heinemann 1937; and the second issue of the same original cloth dust-jackets minor rubbing but overall very good 8vo (3)(3)

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118894 item(s)/page