Search Results: Authors starting with A from Ashton Rare Books ABA, PBFA, ILAB

The complete boxed set of 'Orkney : Twelve Etchings On Copper'. Number '17' of only 35 such sets issued, accompanied with map and typography and housed in a solander box measuring 14 x 1 x 11 inches. 'The paper is acid free Somerset from St. Cuthbert's Mill. Typography and letterpress printing are by Penelope Hughes-Stanton. The etchings are printed by Neil Woodall and the box is made by Francis Brown of Dorchester. The twelve etchings were published in an edition of 60 with two exhibition proofs, one printer's proof and three artist's proofs. The plates were then cancelled'. The Plates are all in Fine condition and are protected by the original loose tissue guards. Each Plate is captioned, numbered (all bear the same number 17), signed and dated by Norman Ackroyd in pencil. The Plates are 1) Marwick Head, 2) Ring of Brodgar, 3)Stenness, 4)Churchill Barriers, 5) Bring Deeps, 6) Rackwick Bay, 7) Rackwick Valley, 8) Nowt Bield, 9)St. John's Head, 10) Kame of Hoy, 11) Near Kirbister, 12) Yesnaby. The… Read More

The sole UK printing published by The Curiously Strong, London in 1971. According to Ahearn, one of only 200 copies issued. The BOOK is in Fine condition. 15 unnumbered leaves mimeographed in blue ink from typescript printed on rectos only, stapled with black and plum stiff card covers. The author's rare first book, a collection of poetry, edited by Ian Patterson and issued as 'The Curiously Strong v. 4, no. 2, Oct. 31, 1971'. Some homoerotic content. Ackroyd of course would become the famous biographer of the City of London, and his early works are suffused with the lights of the city a remarkable work. He has also been very prolific, publishing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and has won many literary prizes. This first book so scarce that his second 'London Lickpenny', is sometimes erroneously cited as his first. The first copy that we have handled with only 4 copies located on COPAC. The book is protected in a transparent archival folder. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The sole UK printing published by The Royal Academy of Arts in 2014. The BOOK is in Fine unread condition and is protected in a loose Mylar archival cover. This is number '7' of 75 copies issued as a limited edition, signed and numbered by Norman Ackroyd to the limitation page. Additionally signed by Norman Ackroyd to the limitation page. Loosely inserted to the rear is an original etching 'The Noop of Ness' which has been signed, captioned and numbered (number 7) by Norman Ackroyd. This etching is protected in the original publisher's tissue guard folder. The etching has been printed on Atsushi 67 gsm Japanese paper. The book is profusely illustrated in colour throughout. Scarce with such attributes. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The First UK printing published by Chatto and Windus, London in 1941. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Light pushing and fading at the extreme spine tips. Some mild dulling to the gilt titling to the spine. Some very slight toning and spotting to the text-block. Mild offsetting to the front blank end-papers. The crimson top-stain is still very bright. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good++ or better condition. Light edge-wear at the spine tips. Some toning to the flaps and folds. A little age related markings in places. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been inscribed and signed by the author to the front blank end-paper : 'To Herbert Van Thal, one of the very few who are kind about my writing, most gratefully, from , Harold Acton'. The recipient Herbert Van Thal, was a British bookseller, publisher, agent, biographer, and anthologist. A scarce copy with such attributes. Collectible. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The First UK Printing published by Duckworth in 1923. The BOOK is in near Fine condition being free from inscriptions and erasures. The patterned boards are wonderfully bright. The spine is complete and not toned (This title is usually found with the spine having loss and damage). Some pages remain uncut. Light spotting to the text block and to a few pages in places. The original thin paper glassine WRAPPER is present and is in near Fine condition. It is now protected in the removable Brodart archival cover. Accompanied by a loose 'Ex Libris Harold Acton' bookplate which has been Signed to the upper edge by Harold Acton. He has also written the name of the artist (Karnac Sonna) of the bookplate illustration to the lower edge. The author's scarce first book - a collection of poetry. An amazing survivor in this condition. The nicest copy we have handled to date. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The First UK printing published by Methuen, London in 1948. The BOOK is in near Fine condition. Light pushing with a little fading at the spine tips. Gilt titling to the spine remains bright. A hint of rubbing to the corners. Mild offsetting to the blank end-papers. The scarce fragile WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good+ condition. Some edge-wear with small areas of loss to the spine ends and rear upper edge areas. Some brown tape reinforcement to the edges to the verso with some small areas of this visible to the front. Some age related markings, few nicks and short closed tears with some light toning to the edges. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been inscribed by the author to the front blank end-paper : 'To Anthony Hobson, with happy memories of amazing occasions, with all best wishes, from Harold Acton'. The recipient Anthony Hobson was a noted historian, auctioneer and scholar. Hobson's personal bookplate is present on the front pastedown. 'In this… Read More

The First UK printing published by Viking / Penguin in 1985. The BOOK is in near FINE condition. A sharp copy free from inscriptions, erasures and markings. The WRAPPER is complete and is in near FINE condition. The wraparound artwork looks very striking in the removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been SIGNED by both Richard Adams and John Lawrence (Illustrator) to the title page. 'This', says Richard Adams of his "Nature Diary," is not a catalogue of rare and seldom seen things, but an authentic day-to-day record made during a calendar year. I simply write down what I saw or heard every day. There is always something to enjoy in nature, even in January or November.' Beautifully illustrated thoughout by John Lawrence - each planned and sketched 'on the spot' in close co-operation with Richard Adams. Wonderful B/W and colour illustrations throughout. A very attractive title and collectible with such attributes. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The First UK printing published by Viking / Penguin in 1985.The BOOK is in near FINE condition.A sharp copy free from inscriptions, erasures and markings.The WRAPPER is complete and is in near FINE condition. The wraparound artwork looks very striking in the removable Brodart archival cover.The book has been SIGNED by both Richard Adams and John Lawrence (Illustrator) to the title page. 'This', says Richard Adams of his "Nature Diary," is not a catalogue of rare and seldom seen things, but an authentic day-to-day record made during a calendar year.I simply write down what I saw or heard every day.There is always something to enjoy in nature, even in January or November.' Beautifully illustrated thoughout by John Lawrence - each planned and sketched 'on the spot' in close co-operation with Richard Adams.Wonderful B/W and colour illustrations throughout.A very attractive title and collectible with such attributes. Ashtonrarebooks welcomes direct contact.

The First printing published by Harrison of Paris. Minton, Balch and Company, New York, 1931. Number '33' of only 615 copies printed on Auvergne hand-made paper, of which twenty copies were not for sale. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. The boards are clean. Free from inscriptions and erasures. Light toning to the text-block and the extreme page edges. Many pages remain uncut. The Wrapper is complete and is toned to the edges with a little light spotting in places. The original inner chemise is present and is in Very Good- condition with rubbing to the folds and a small clear tape repair to the upper spine. The printed label to the spine of the chemise is present but rubbed. This copy is missing the original paper knife and slipcase. The book is now housed in a custom cloth slipcase. The fifth publication of Harrison of Paris with 50 striking line drawing illustrations by Alexander Calder. Increasingly scarce to find in collectible condition. More images available on request. Ashton… Read More

The sole UK printing published by the Gregynog Press, Newtown : 1931. Number '125' of only 250 copies issued. Illustrated with thirty-seven wood engravings by Agnes Miller Parker and wood-engraved initials by her husband William McCance (typographer and sculptor). This title was Parker's first collaboration with the Press. Bound in the publisher's original tanned sheepskin, with the title blocked in black foil on the spine. Printed in Bembo Type on Barcham Green hand-made paper. The BOOK is in Very Good++ condition with minor rubbing to the spine and the extremities, else a fine copy with only a very occasional light spot in places. A book that is seldom encountered in such sharp condition. The book is protected in a removable Mylar archival cover. Together with Gertrude Hermes and Blair Hughes-Stanton, Parker helped to usher in a period of masterly illustrated editions at Gregynog, with the Esope title considered one of the masterpieces of the Press. Housed in the original plain card slipcase which… Read More

The First UK printing published by Heinemann, London in 1977. The Book is in Very Good++ condition. Original pictorial laminated boards with no wrapper as issued. Small repair to the lower edge of the rear board. Internally free from inscriptions with just little light toning and spotting (in places) to the page edges. The book is protected in a loose mylar archival cover. One of the Ahlberg's early classic titles and scarce to find in this condition. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The first UK printing published by Victor Gollancz London in 1964. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Original red cloth with gilt titles to the spine. The binding remains square and firm, the cloth bright, the corners very gently bumped. The contents, with light spotting to the upper text-block and also very slightly to the fore-edge, are otherwise clean and are free from inscriptions. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good++ or better condition. Some light toning to the spine. Correctly priced '21/- net' to the bottom of the front flap. Some nicking to the spine tips and flap corners, and a short closed tear to the front flap fold with a neat tape repair to the verso. Two further neat tape repairs to the verso for two short closed tears. A little faint spotting and some light unobtrusive marks to the upper panel. The wrapper is protected in removable Brodart archival cover. A very attractive example. Robert Aikman was a prolific writer of supernatural short stories which he… Read More

The First UK printing published by Collins, London in 1964. The BOOK is in near Fine condition. Just a hint of toning to the text-block otherwise in exceptional condition. Free from inscriptions. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Near Fine condition with just the lightest of age related markings to the rear cover. The wrapper looks very striking in the removable Brodart archival cover. The author's second published work, a collection of short stories. A very elusive title but extremely scarce to find in such condition. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

A 2 Volume Set: The First UK printings published by The Tartarus Press & Durtro Press (London) in 1999. The sets were limited to a limitation of only 500 copies. The BOOKs are in near Fine condition with just a hint of toning to the text-block. Free from inscriptions, erasures and markings. The WRAPPERs are complete and are in near Fine condition. The wrappers are protected in removable Brodart archival covers. A scarce set of all the author's short stories. Subsequently reissued by the publishers in 2001. This, the first printing set is very scarce and collectible. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The First UK Printing published by Jonathan Cape, London in 1962. The BOOK is in near Fine condition and appears unread. A hint of pushing at the upper spine tip and very slight toning to the text-block. Internally clean apart from one tiny foxing spot to the edge of the last 3 pages. The WRAPPER is complete and is in Very Good++ or better condition. Some very few tiny nicks and rubs to the edges. The spine is slightly faded and toned. The wrapper artwork looks striking in the removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been signed by the author to the upper blank endpaper : 'Best wishes from the author, Joan Aiken'. This title is the first in the acclaimed 'Wolves Chronicles' and is very scarce to find as a signed title. Joan Aiken 'made her name as an exceptional writer for children 'with 'The Wolves of Willoughby Chase', 'a dramatic gothic adventure with a strong Dickensian feel' (ODNB). Illustrated B/W frontispiece and numerous illustrations in the text by Pat Marriott. Now a children's classic… Read More

The First UK Printing published by Abelard Schuman, London in 1960. The BOOK is in near FINE condition. The correct First Issue with black boards and bronze coloured lettering to the spine. Light pushing at the lower spine tip. Free from inscriptions and erasures. The WRAPPER is complete and is in near FINE condition. It is neatly price-clipped and has also been clipped at the upper front flap fold corner as on issue, it was also jointly priced for the USA market as well. The wonderful wrapper artwork looks very striking in the removable Brodart archival cover. B/W illustrations throughout by Dick Hart. The Author's very scarce first novel and now a children's classic. Very scarce to find with the correct first issue points. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The First UK printing of this illustrated edition, published by Paul Elek, London in 1947. The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Slight cocking with light pushing at the spine ends. Gilt titling to the spine remains bright. Light toning to the text-block and page edges. Free from inscriptions. The fragile wrapper is complete and is in Very Good+ condition. Edge-wear with a little loss in places. Light fading and toning to the spine. Some creasing and rubbing in places. The colour panel images are all complete. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. Striking B/W illustrations throughout by John Minton who was also responsible for the wrapper artwork. The author's only book which was based on his childhood, and originally published in 1928. It has twice been made into a film. One of John Minton's highlight titles and very scarce to find with the wrapper in any condition. This copy's wrapper is one of the best I have handled. More images available on request. Ashton… Read More

4 Vols. : The Stone Book Quartet - 'The Stone Book', 'Tom Fobble's Day', 'Granny Reardun', and 'The Aimer Gate'. All First UK printings published by Collins, London between 1976-78. All four BOOKS are in near Fine condition. A hint of offsetting and a couple of light spots to the front blank end-paper of the second volume. The WRAPPERS are complete and are in near Fine condition. A small closed tear and a little lifting of the laminate to the upper edge of the front panel of volume two. Some light age related marking to the lower edges of volume two. Some fading of the red lettering to the spine of volumes three and four. All four wrappers are protected in removable Brodart archival covers. The single bookplate of Jill Paton Walsh and John Rowe Townsend to the front blank end-paper of volume one. All four books have been signed (without dedication)and dated to the title page by the author : 'Alan Garner, 19. 1X. 98'. All four volumes are with etched illustrations and wrapper designs by Michael… Read More

The First UK printing published by Hutchinson, London in 1986. The BOOK is in near Fine condition and appears unread. A hint of toning to the text-block. Free from inscriptions and internally clean. The WRAPPER is complete and is in near Fine condition. Very slight toning of the spine and upper rear edge but barely discernible. A hint of fading to the red lettering to the spine. The 'Booker Prize' shortlist wraparound Band is complete and is in Very Good++ or better condition with just a little fading of the yellow colouring to the plain spine portion. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. The book has been signed (without dedication) by the author to the title page. The winner of the 1986 Booker Prize, with Amis having been shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice before, for 'Ending Up' (1974) and 'Jake's Thing' (1978). In 2008, The Times ranked Kingsley Amis 13th on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. A very sharp copy. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

The First UK printing published by George Allen & Unwin, London in 1959. The BOOK is in near Fine condition. Light pushing at the spine ends. Slight toning to the text-block. Free from inscriptions. Some offsetting to the blank end-papers. The WRAPPER is complete and is in near Fine condition. Light edge wear at the spine ends with a little rubbing to the folds. Light toning to the flap edges. Some light toning ( or possibly fading of colouring) to the lettering on the spine. The wrapper looks very striking in the removable Brodart archival cover. This novel which won the author the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1961 is considered a major European work and the best Bosnian novel, covering 350 years of Bosnian history. The first English edition translated from the Serbo-Croat by Lovett F. Edwards. Extremely scarce. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.