History·Travel
Winston Churchill
Wayward Women
Aviation
Maritime
Military
Polar
Voyages
Africa
Britain
Europe
Latin America
North America
Middle East
Scotland
Whisky Galore -
Compton MacKenzie
1947 - Chatto and Windus, London - First Edition
A finely bound first edition of this whisky highlight.
‘Love makes the world go round? Not at all. Whisky makes it go round twice as fast’
It's 1943, and the war has brought rationing to the Hebridean Islands of Great and Little Todday. When food is in short supply, it is bad enough, but when the whisky runs out, it looks like the end of the world. Morale is at rock bottom. George Campbell needs a wee dram to give him the courage to stand up to his mother and marry Catriona. The priest, the doctor, and, of course, the landlord at the inn are all having a very thin time of it. There's no conversation, no jollity, no fun, until a ship-wreck off the coast brings a piece of extraordinary good fortune.
‘The genre of Scotch whisky fiction is not an expansive one, and would barely make a credible Mastermind specialist subject, but one title stands out above all others in terms of its profile with both aficionados and the general public. That title is Whisky Galore’ – Gavin D. Smith, Famous Whisky Drinkers, (ScotchWhisky.com).
‘Compton Mackenzie's timeless text is a triumph. Inspired by the real events of 1941, when a cargo ship ran aground in the channel between Eriskay and South Uist, Whisky Galore is the gentle, comical story of how the booty on board became appropriated by a group of Scottish islanders. ‘ - 100 Best Scottish Books of All Time, The List.
More details
Price HK$ 4,500
1947 - Chatto and Windus, London - First Edition
A finely bound first edition of this whisky highlight. ‘Love makes the world go round? Not at all. Whisky makes it go round twice as fast’
It's 1943, and the war has brought rationing to the Hebridean Islands of Great and Little Todday. When food is in short supply, it is bad enough, but when the whisky runs out, it looks like the end of the world. Morale is at rock bottom. George Campbell needs a wee dram to give him the courage to stand up to his mother and marry Catriona. The priest, the doctor, and, of course, the landlord at the inn are all having a very thin time of it. There's no conversation, no jollity, no fun, until a ship-wreck off the coast brings a piece of extraordinary good fortune.
‘The genre of Scotch whisky fiction is not an expansive one, and would barely make a credible Mastermind specialist subject, but one title stands out above all others in terms of its profile with both aficionados and the general public. That title is Whisky Galore’ – Gavin D. Smith, Famous Whisky Drinkers, (ScotchWhisky.com).
‘Compton Mackenzie's timeless text is a triumph. Inspired by the real events of 1941, when a cargo ship ran aground in the channel between Eriskay and South Uist, Whisky Galore is the gentle, comical story of how the booty on board became appropriated by a group of Scottish islanders. ‘ - 100 Best Scottish Books of All Time, The List.
More details
Price HK$ 4,500
Grasses and Pastures of South Africa -
D. Meredith (editor)
1955 - Central News Agency, Johannesburg - First Edition
A large and comprehensive work in two parts - ‘A Guide to the Identification of Grasses in South Africa’ by Lucy Chippindall, and ‘Pasture Management in South Africa’ by J. D. Scott, J. J. Theron, D. Meredith and others.
In a unique and elegant binding, initially ‘J.K. 97’, with what appear to be handmade paper end leaves incorporating wild grasses. Housed in matching bespoke marbled slipcase.
Illustrated throughout with full page colour plates and in-text black and white photographs, folding colour maps bound in at the rear.
More details
Price HK$ 6,000
1955 - Central News Agency, Johannesburg - First Edition
A large and comprehensive work in two parts - ‘A Guide to the Identification of Grasses in South Africa’ by Lucy Chippindall, and ‘Pasture Management in South Africa’ by J. D. Scott, J. J. Theron, D. Meredith and others.In a unique and elegant binding, initially ‘J.K. 97’, with what appear to be handmade paper end leaves incorporating wild grasses. Housed in matching bespoke marbled slipcase.
Illustrated throughout with full page colour plates and in-text black and white photographs, folding colour maps bound in at the rear.
More details
Price HK$ 6,000
Across East African Glaciers -
Dr. Hans Meyer, E. H. S. Caulder (translator)
1891 - George Philip & Son, London - First Edition in English
A superb example of the first edition, in the publisher’s original and first state illustrated cover highlighting the snow in white and additional colour to the tents and clearing, described by Neate as ‘a most handsome volume’. With mounted chromolithographed frontispiece, three folding colour maps, eight mounted photographic plates, and twelve photogravures.
‘Hans Meyer was a German geologist and experienced climber who made four trips to the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania, in 1887-1889 culminating in his successful ascent – the first undisputed summit of Kibo, 19,340 feet, the highest of the mountain's three peaks – in 1889.
In an earlier attempt, Meyer and his companion Oscar Baumann had the misfortune to arrive in the midst of an Arab revolt against German traders on the East African coast. They were captured and held hostage until a substantial ransom was paid.
Meyer's ultimate success has been attributed to his recognition that the greatest obstacle to achieving the summit was the lack of food in the upper regions. He brought a sizeable and well organised party and established several camps on the mountain, allowing him to make multiple attempts at the summit without descending to the base.
His lively and highly readable account of the expedition is arguably the most important work on African mountaineering.’ - Walkabout Books.
More details
Price HK$ 40,000
1891 - George Philip & Son, London - First Edition in English
A superb example of the first edition, in the publisher’s original and first state illustrated cover highlighting the snow in white and additional colour to the tents and clearing, described by Neate as ‘a most handsome volume’. With mounted chromolithographed frontispiece, three folding colour maps, eight mounted photographic plates, and twelve photogravures.‘Hans Meyer was a German geologist and experienced climber who made four trips to the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania, in 1887-1889 culminating in his successful ascent – the first undisputed summit of Kibo, 19,340 feet, the highest of the mountain's three peaks – in 1889.
In an earlier attempt, Meyer and his companion Oscar Baumann had the misfortune to arrive in the midst of an Arab revolt against German traders on the East African coast. They were captured and held hostage until a substantial ransom was paid.
Meyer's ultimate success has been attributed to his recognition that the greatest obstacle to achieving the summit was the lack of food in the upper regions. He brought a sizeable and well organised party and established several camps on the mountain, allowing him to make multiple attempts at the summit without descending to the base.
His lively and highly readable account of the expedition is arguably the most important work on African mountaineering.’ - Walkabout Books.
More details
Price HK$ 40,000
A Critical Inquiry into Antient Armour -
Samuel Rush Meyrick
1824 - Robert Jennings, London - First Edition
A beautifully illustrated huge three volume folio set of this landmark work.
Illustrated with three additional engraved titles and eighty engraved plates from Meyrick’s own paintings, seventy of which are hand coloured many embellished with gilt and silver, and twenty seven large hand-coloured and gilt historiated initials. Additional copies of colour plates XLV and LI laid in.
‘This most superb archeological work is animated with numerous novelties, curious and historical disquisitions, and brilliant and recondite learning... Sir Walter Scott justly describes this collection as the “incomparable armory, plates as fine as the monuments of Westminster Abbey. Really and truly the work is admirably executed, and deserves every eulogy"’. (Edinburgh Review, quoted in Lowndes).
‘With the history of the wars of mankind, obviously, and from the remotest periods, it is connected; with the mythology and sacred rites of almost all nations and religions; with the rise and progress of a large portion of the arts; with questions of jurisprudence and civil polity; and with some of the most favorite amusements of all ranks in antient, as well as modern, times’. (preface).
More details
Price HK$ 22,000
1824 - Robert Jennings, London - First Edition
A beautifully illustrated huge three volume folio set of this landmark work.Illustrated with three additional engraved titles and eighty engraved plates from Meyrick’s own paintings, seventy of which are hand coloured many embellished with gilt and silver, and twenty seven large hand-coloured and gilt historiated initials. Additional copies of colour plates XLV and LI laid in.
‘This most superb archeological work is animated with numerous novelties, curious and historical disquisitions, and brilliant and recondite learning... Sir Walter Scott justly describes this collection as the “incomparable armory, plates as fine as the monuments of Westminster Abbey. Really and truly the work is admirably executed, and deserves every eulogy"’. (Edinburgh Review, quoted in Lowndes).
‘With the history of the wars of mankind, obviously, and from the remotest periods, it is connected; with the mythology and sacred rites of almost all nations and religions; with the rise and progress of a large portion of the arts; with questions of jurisprudence and civil polity; and with some of the most favorite amusements of all ranks in antient, as well as modern, times’. (preface).
More details
Price HK$ 22,000
The Life of Mansie Wauch, Tailor in Dalkeith, Written by Himself and edited by D. M. Moir -
David Macbeth Moir, Charles Martin Hardie (illustrator)
1911 - T. N. Foulis, Edinburgh - First Edition illustrated by Hardie
A finely bound example of this significant work of Scottish literature, first published in 1818, humorous , satirical, a detailed depiction of everyday life in a small Scottish town.
Illustrated by Scottish artist Charles Martin Hardie, with sixteen tipped-in colour plates after oil paintings.
“A reflection on the life of Mansie Wauch, a Scottish tailor who recounts his experiences, adventures, and relationships about the small town in which he lives. Blending humour and poignant commentary on friendship and nostalgia. Written by David Macbeth Moir, a Scottish physician and writer.”
More details
Price HK$ 4,000
1911 - T. N. Foulis, Edinburgh - First Edition illustrated by Hardie
A finely bound example of this significant work of Scottish literature, first published in 1818, humorous , satirical, a detailed depiction of everyday life in a small Scottish town.Illustrated by Scottish artist Charles Martin Hardie, with sixteen tipped-in colour plates after oil paintings.
“A reflection on the life of Mansie Wauch, a Scottish tailor who recounts his experiences, adventures, and relationships about the small town in which he lives. Blending humour and poignant commentary on friendship and nostalgia. Written by David Macbeth Moir, a Scottish physician and writer.”
More details
Price HK$ 4,000
Scottish Country; Fifteen Essays by Scottish Authors -
George Scott Moncrieff (editor), Robert Adams, Rattar (photographers)
1935 - Wishart Books, London - First Edition
Fifteen essays by Scottish authors, selected to represent fifteen areas of Scotland, edited and introduced by the Scottish novelist, playwright, and poet, George Scott Moncrieff.
Emotively illustrated with sixteen double page black and white photographic plates mostly by the Scottish photographer Robert M. Adam (1885-1967), and also by Raphael Tuck,
Authors include High MacDiarmid, Eric Linklater, Neil M Gunn, Dr. Mackay Mackenzie, Bernard Fergusson, William Mackay Mackenzie, Fionn Mac Colla, Campbell Nairne, Colin Walkinshaw (pseud. James Macarthur Reid), Hector MacIver, John Robertson Allan, Moray MacLaren, Ian Macpherson, and J.H. Whyte.
More details
Price HK$ 2,000
1935 - Wishart Books, London - First Edition
Fifteen essays by Scottish authors, selected to represent fifteen areas of Scotland, edited and introduced by the Scottish novelist, playwright, and poet, George Scott Moncrieff.Emotively illustrated with sixteen double page black and white photographic plates mostly by the Scottish photographer Robert M. Adam (1885-1967), and also by Raphael Tuck,
Authors include High MacDiarmid, Eric Linklater, Neil M Gunn, Dr. Mackay Mackenzie, Bernard Fergusson, William Mackay Mackenzie, Fionn Mac Colla, Campbell Nairne, Colin Walkinshaw (pseud. James Macarthur Reid), Hector MacIver, John Robertson Allan, Moray MacLaren, Ian Macpherson, and J.H. Whyte.
More details
Price HK$ 2,000
The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Ispahan - with - The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Ispahan in England -
James J. Morier
1824 - John Murray, London - First Editions
This is the first edition of two satyrical books considered the most popular ‘Oriental’ novels in the English language – two hundred years old yet so famous the U.S. Airforce named an airlift after them and they inspired a Hollywood movie.
The first book follows the fictional Hajji Baba, the son of a barber from Isfahan, a likeable rogue who, in various guises including robber, doctor and executioner, is caught up in a series of extraordinary and farcical adventures.
‘Hajji Baba, the barber’s son, entered his native place, as Mirza Hajji Baba, the Shah’s deputy. Need I say more?’
The second book follows Hajji Baba to England as an emissary of the shah of Persia, and then as he is called back in shame – possibly to his own execution.
More details
Price HK$ 9,000
1824 - John Murray, London - First Editions
This is the first edition of two satyrical books considered the most popular ‘Oriental’ novels in the English language – two hundred years old yet so famous the U.S. Airforce named an airlift after them and they inspired a Hollywood movie.The first book follows the fictional Hajji Baba, the son of a barber from Isfahan, a likeable rogue who, in various guises including robber, doctor and executioner, is caught up in a series of extraordinary and farcical adventures.
‘Hajji Baba, the barber’s son, entered his native place, as Mirza Hajji Baba, the Shah’s deputy. Need I say more?’
The second book follows Hajji Baba to England as an emissary of the shah of Persia, and then as he is called back in shame – possibly to his own execution.
More details
Price HK$ 9,000
The English Lakes in the neighbourhood of Keswick and Penrith -
Nelson
1868 - T. Nelson & Sons, London - First Edition
A rare little early pictorial guide book, with twelve colour chromolithograph plates of the area, in the publisher’s original blue cloth with a colour-printed and varnished illustrated title in the centre panel.
Nelson's began colour printing in 1857 and `over the next two years greatly improved their use of just five inks to create extremely convincing full-colour chromolithographs.' Gascoigne discusses their `Series of Views', attractive collections of souvenir prints for tourists, at some length and notes that they were frequently updated to reflect changes. He also states that Nelson launched their series of `Pictorial Guide-Books' in 1869 bound in paper covers, however this cloth covered edition was dated the year before.
More details
Price HK$ 1,200
1868 - T. Nelson & Sons, London - First Edition
A rare little early pictorial guide book, with twelve colour chromolithograph plates of the area, in the publisher’s original blue cloth with a colour-printed and varnished illustrated title in the centre panel.Nelson's began colour printing in 1857 and `over the next two years greatly improved their use of just five inks to create extremely convincing full-colour chromolithographs.' Gascoigne discusses their `Series of Views', attractive collections of souvenir prints for tourists, at some length and notes that they were frequently updated to reflect changes. He also states that Nelson launched their series of `Pictorial Guide-Books' in 1869 bound in paper covers, however this cloth covered edition was dated the year before.
More details
Price HK$ 1,200