Highlands Bookshop

Highlands Bookshop

Fall in love with the world, one book at a time.

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 05/02/2024

The Works of Robert Burns; with An Account of His Life, and  Criticism of His Writings. To which a prefixed, some observations on the character and condition of the Scottish peasantry. In four volumes. The seventh edition. Printed for T. Cadell and W. Davies, Strand. London, 1813.
Hardcover volumes bound in leather gilt and stamped ornamentation on cover and spine. Some wear cover boards and spine, see photos to confirm condition. Marbled page edges and end papers. Some foxing and discoloration present.
Volume I - Account of His Life and criticism of his writings (front illustration and title page partially separated from spine)
Volume II - General correspondence, including pieces of miscellaneous poetry
Volume III - Poems, formerly published with some additions, to which is added a history of these poems by Gilbert Burns (front illustration page has separated from spine, but is present)
Volume IV - Correspondence with Mr. George Thomson, including Poetry, hithero unpublished or uncollected


Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 05/02/2024

Edward Bulwer Lytton's (Lord Lytton's) Works, 16 volumes, published by George Routledge and Sons in London, late 1840s
Hardcover volumes with marbled cover boards and page edges; corners and spine - burgundy leather. Some wear and rubbing to cover. Foxing on end papers. Set is very clean, tightly bound, with no writing or markings. Very good condition!
One volume has slight damage on front cover (see photos to confirm condition.)
Volumes not dated, presumed late 1940s.
Ex libris labels on inside front cover, bearing the name of Hanbury Barclay.
This is a heavy set of 18.5kg. Extra shipping charges may apply.
Volumes in set:
What Will He Do With it? volume I
What Will He Do With it? volume II
Paul Clifford
The Caxtons: A Family Picture
The Parisians, in one volume
Harold: The Last of the Saxon Kings
Eugene Aram: A Tale
Night and Morning
Devereux
Ernest Maltravers
"My Novel" by Pisistratus Caxton,or Varieties in English Life, volume I
Last Days of Pompeii, Lucretia
Leila or the Siege of Granada; Calderon the Courtier; Pilgrims of the Rhine (front cover board wear/torn in upper right corner)
The Last of the Barons
The Coming Race; Falkland, Zicci, and Pausanias the Spartan
Kenelm Chillingly: His Adventures and Opinions
Pelham, and The Disowned
 


22/01/2024

"A Pocketful of Rye" by A. J. Cronin, published in 1969 (book club edition) delves into the complexities of human nature and societal issues. A. J. Cronin, a Scottish physician-turned-author, gained fame for his novels that often combined elements of drama, romance, and social commentary. His works typically explore the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals against the backdrop of larger societal issues.
In "A Pocketful of Rye," Cronin weaves a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, focusing on individual characters' lives while also addressing broader themes such as class, social injustice, and the human condition. The novel, like many of Cronin's works, is known for its compelling character development and intricate plot, drawing readers into a world where personal and societal conflicts intersect. The title, a reference to the well-known nursery rhyme, hints at the underlying themes of innocence, loss, and the complexities of adult life.
Cronin's writing is often praised for its vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and the ability to capture the essence of the human spirit in its struggle against various odds. "A Pocketful of Rye," with its engaging storyline and richly drawn characters, is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his understanding of the human psyche. The novel remains a significant work for those interested in mid-20th-century literature and continues to be appreciated for its narrative craft and exploration of enduring themes. $25CAD

17/01/2024

I love the look and feel of gilt on old book bindings. Lord Byron's Life and Works, published in 17 volumes in 1832, was the first set of books to be gilt stamped. Although gold tooling is far more accessible now than it was 200 years ago, it’s become rather uncommon on modern book bindings.

16/01/2024

A little bit of antiquarian fiction, exploration, poetry and theology.

15/01/2024

Reorganization of our collection is underway, a many new titles to be listed online soon!

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 14/01/2024

Hanes Ysgrythyrol, gyda Bucheddau yr Apostolion enmocaf: er Difyrwch a Lles Ieuengctid Cymru, Llyfryn I. in Welsh, is a volume of scripture history meant for improvement of youth.
This first volume was published in 1829 in London.
The beautifully illustrated, miniature hardcover volume, provides a comprehensive scripture history designed to educate and inspire young readers. Despite some wear and tear, including rubbing and fading, this book remains a valuable addition to any collection, offering insight into the teachings of the apostles and the history of the Christian faith.
$105CAD

13/01/2024

First edition of "Their Village" by Wilfried Gavin-Brown, published by Ludgate Press in 1958. This 129-page account is a thought-provoking exploration of a small village and its inhabitants. Set in an idyllic countryside, the story follows the lives of various characters as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and community.�The blue hardcover volume with gilt lettering on the spine is in very good + condition, with no writing or markings anywhere in the book. The tightly bound pages ensure a durable reading experience. The dust jacket shows minor wear and a couple of small mended tears at the top edge. https://www.highlandsbookshop.ca/book/1958-first-edition-their-village-by-wilfried-gavin-brown/ �$65CAD

12/01/2024

Our wall of favourite and .

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 11/01/2024

"The Last Mogul" is a comprehensive biography of Jack Kent Cooke, written by Adrian Havill and published by St. Martin's Press in New York in 1992. This first edition, first printing copy is in new condition and has never been read. The book is signed by the author and includes a personalized message to a Redskins fan.
The book delves into the life of Cooke, a successful businessman who owned several sports teams, including the Washington Redskins. It explores his rise to success, personal life, and legacy. This is a must-read for sports fans and those interested in the business world.


Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 09/01/2024

“Dry Guillotine: Fifteen Years among the Living Dead” is a compelling memoir written by Rene Belbenoit, a former prisoner (No. 46635) in the French penal system of Guyana. The account sheds light on the harsh realities of the prison system during that time, offering a gripping narrative that delves into the themes of survival, resilience, and the quest for justice.

the present copy is the first edition, 22nd printing, published in 1939 by E. P. Dutton and Company, translated by Preston Rambo, with an introduction by William La Varre.

Black hardcover volume, with some wear to the cover boards and spine, 345 pages. The book is in very good+ condition, with no writing or markings, tightly bound pages, and only slight fading. It also includes 11 sepia-toned plates and deckled fore-edges.

08/01/2024

Lo**ta, by Vladimir Nabokov, is a controversial and thought-provoking novel that follows the story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged literature professor, who becomes infatuated with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames "Lo**ta." The novel explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the destructive power of desire.

The present copy is a paperback edition published by Berkley Books in New York in 1981, 27th printing. The softcover volume is in good to very good condition, with some wear to the cover and spine, fold creases on the front and back, and minor tear along the spine. Despite the yellowing of pages due to the age of the book, it is very well bound with no writing or markings.


08/01/2024

"Pictor's Metamorphoses and Other Fantasies", written by Hermann Hesse and translated by Rika Lesser, is a collection of enchanting tales that transport readers into a world of imagination and introspection. Published by The Noonday Press, Farrar, Straus and Giroux in New York in 1990, this edition features an insightful introduction by Theodore Ziolkowski.
The compilation showcases Hesse's mastery in storytelling, exploring themes of transformation, identity, and the power of art. Slight rubbing on cover, as good as new otherwise. While a slight crease on the spine indicates that the book has been opened, it has never been fully read.


Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 06/01/2024

2 volume set, part of The Plays by Bernard Shaw series, publiblished by Constable and Company, Ltd in London:
1) Three Plays for Puritans: The Devil's Disciple, Caesar and Cleopatra, Captain Brassbound's Conversion, 1927. 308 pages.
2) Saint Joan, The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, 1929. 227 pages.
Blue softcover "leatherette", with gilt lettering and ornamentation on cover and spine. Some wear and rubbing around tops and bottoms and spines. Slight yellowing to pages due to time.
Includes a newspaper/magazine clipping dating to 1924. One volume contains inset vintage portrait of Shaw. Both volumes are inscribed in old faded ink on inside covers.


05/01/2024

Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett is a thrilling historical fiction novel set during World War II. Published by Arbor House in New York in 1978, this is a first book club edition. The story follows a German spy, known as "The Needle," who becomes the target of a determined British intelligence agent. As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a suspenseful journey filled with espionage, romance, and the high stakes of war.
This 1978 Book Club Edition is brand new, mint condition (in a protective sleeve) is numbered on the back flip of the dust jacket (5394).

05/01/2024

Kitchener and Other Poems, by Robert J.C. Stead, published by The Musson Book Company in Toronto in 1917. Second edition. With an introduction by William T. Allison, Ph.D. 163 pages.
Burgundy leatherette softcover volume with gilt lettering on cover and spine. Some rubbing and wear to the cover and a small tear on bottom of spine, fully expected for a 107 year old book. 
Inside front cover has an ink signature, stating: "Christmas 1918, Margaret Barnes, Aunt Lilly".


04/01/2024

Grass Beyond the Mountains: Discovering the Last Great Cattle Frontier on the North American Continent, by Richmond P. Hobson, Jr. Published by McClelland and Stewart Limited, Toronto, 1974. 256 pages.
Green leatherette hardcover volume with gilt ornamentation and lettering on cover and spine. Book is virtually as good as new tightly bound, no writing or markings. Slight yellowing to pages due to age.


04/01/2024

We’re busy expanding our shop and adding more vintage English history titles. Stay tuned!

03/01/2024

International Collectors Library - one of our favourite mid-century book series ❤️

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 03/01/2024

A Maker of History is a historical novel written by E. Phillips Oppenheim and published by Ward, Locke & Co in London in 1905. The present copy is a second edition, consisting of 315 pages. The book features a blue hardcover with color and gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine.

Although there is minor wear and rubbing on the cover and spine, particularly around the edges, the book remains in very good condition for its age. Inside, the front advertisement page is separated from the spine but is still present. The pages have yellowed and show signs of foxing, which is expected given its age. $95CAD

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 03/01/2024

Equator: A Journey was written by Thurston Clarke, and published in 1988. The book is a travelogue that chronicles the author’s journey along the equator, covering a distance of 25,000 miles across four continents. Clarke’s journey takes him through a diverse range of cultures and landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the deserts of Africa, and from the bustling cities of Asia to the remote islands of the Pacific.
Throughout the book, Clarke provides vivid descriptions of the people, places, and experiences he encounters on his journey. He also reflects on the history and significance of the equator, and how it has shaped the cultures and societies that lie along its path.

Stated First edition, full number line.
Black hardcover volume with blue cloth spine. Impressed lettering on cover, stamped gilt lettering on spine. Deckled fore-edges. Very slight yellowing to page tone.
Dust jacket present, with minor rubbing. Near mint condition. $50CAD

02/01/2024

Whence Come We? Freemasonry in Ontario 1764-1980, edited by The Special Committee on the History and chaired by Wallace McLeod. The book is published by the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario and authorized by the Grand Master, Masonic Holdings, Hamilton. The book provides an in-depth history of Freemasonry in Ontario from 1764 to 1980. It covers the origins of Freemasonry in Ontario, the establishment of lodges, and the growth of the organization over time. It explores the role of Freemasonry in the community, including its charitable works and social impact. $55CAD

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 02/01/2024

1972: The Boys of Summer, by Roger Kahn, published by Harper & Row in New York in 1972. 442 pages.
Hardcover volume bound in beige and grey cloth with silver lettering on spine and cover. As new, tighly bound and very clean. Slight wear around edges and spine of dustjacket. Stated first edition. Back of dustjacket is numbered 7525. Back page contains number line: 72 73 74 75 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1, small impressed square on back cover. $195CAD https://www.highlandsbookshop.ca/book/1972-the-boys-of-summer-by-roger-kahn/

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 30/12/2023

Island of Love by Yuri Nagibin is a Russian novel published by Progress Publishers in Moscow in 1982 . The book is a romantic tale that takes place on a remote island in the Black Sea during World War II. The story follows a young soldier named Alyosha who is sent to the island to guard a military base. While there, he meets a beautiful young woman named Nadya and they fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by the war and the fact that Nadya is engaged to another man. The novel explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice as Alyosha and Nadya navigate their feelings for each other in the midst of a tumultuous time.

The book is beautifully written and filled with vivid descriptions of the island and its inhabitants. The characters are well-developed and the reader is drawn into their world, feeling their joys and sorrows as they struggle to make sense of their feelings and the world around them. $45CAD.

https://www.highlandsbookshop.ca/book/1982-island-of-love-by-yuri-nagibin/

Photos from Highlands Bookshop's post 29/12/2023

The House on the Cliff, D. E. Stevenson, Collins, London, 1966. 287 pages.Presumed first edition (not explicitly stated in the book).Red cloth hardcover volume with gilt stamped lettering on spine. Book body is fine: very clean, tightly bound, no writing or markings. Top of front black end page clipped where (presumably) the owner's signature had been. Dust jacket is in a good condition. There is wear around edges, several mended rips around edges and spine. Please see photos to confirm condition.A wonderful vintage first edition. $75CAD. #
https://www.highlandsbookshop.ca/book/1966-first-edition-the-house-on-the-cliff-d-e-stevenson