Matilda: DAHL, Roald

Jonathon Cape, London, 1989. Roald Dahl (1916-1990) is perhaps the most celebrated and imaginative writer for children the world has seen and Matilda is one of his best-loved and most enduring books. This early reprint, with original illustrations by Quentin Blake, is in immaculate condition and has Dahl’s scarce signature on the title page. As an extra element of interest, this book was originally sold from (and signed within) Matilda Bookshop, our iconic book neighbours, where Dahl appeared on one occasion for a public talk. This copy still has the address label for Matildas on the inside front cover. $650

 

 

 After Everest; An Autobiography: NORGAY, Tenzing (as told to Malcolm Barnes)

George Allen & Unwin, London, 1977. Tenzing Norgay (1914-1986) achieved fame by being one of the first two people, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, to successfully climb Mt Everest. He was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Since he never learned to read or write, his signature is both rare and distinctive. This signed autobiography also includes a loose newspaper clipping from his book promotion in England. $600

 

 

 

St Ronan’s Well: SCOTT, [Sir] Walter

Archibald Constable & Co, Edinburgh, 1824. First edition, in three volumes. As listed on the title page, this work is ‘By The Author of “Waverley”, “Quentin Durward,” &c’ as was Scott’s wont. St Ronan’s Well is the only one of Scott’s novels with a nineteenth-century setting and this is an opportunity to purchase a true first edition of one of the great classic authors. $240

 

 

 

 

Shantaram: ROBERTS, Gregory David

Scribe Publications, Carlton North, 2003. This is a signed first edition of a book set to become a modern classic. Australian author and former criminal and heroin addict Gregory David Roberts has changed the names of the characters but claims the events to be non-fiction. Whether true, embellished or fictional this tale has gained worldwide acclaim and signed copies are scarce. $295

 

 

 

The Kite Runner: HOSSEINI, Khaled

Bloomsbury, London, 2003. The Kite Runner is Hosseini’s first published novel and, as such, had a limited first print run. Its enormous popularity has ensured it remains in print, but this first edition is a scarce item – a true trophy for the collector of modern fiction. $350

 

 

 

Tales of the Fish Patrol: LONDON, Jack

Macmillan, New York, 1905. John Griffith “Jack” London (1876-1916) was a pioneer in the then-burgeoning world of commercial magazine fiction and was one of the first fiction writers to obtain worldwide celebrity and a large fortune from his fiction alone. Fewer than 9000 of this first edition were printed, making this a scarce item – especially in such excellent condition $195

 

 

Death Of A River Guide: FLANAGAN, Richard:

Picador (Pan MacMillan Australia), Sydney, 2004. Inscribed and signed by Flanagan. $50

The Comfort Of Strangers: MCEWAN, Ian

Jonathan Cape, London, 1981. McEwan’s second novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and is hard to find as a first edition… of course, Chapter Two Books has a beautiful copy for you  $175

 

 

 

 

Gateway: POHL, Frederik

Victor Gollancz, London, 1977. This is the first UK edition and first book of Pohl’s Heechee series. Winner of the 1977 Nebula and 1978 Hugo awards for best novel (among other awards) it is a truly collectible example of SF literature. $350

 

 

 

 

 

The World Of Light. A Comedy In Three Acts: HUXLEY, Aldous

Chatto & Windus, London, 1931. One of Huxley’s early plays. This edition was limited to 160 copies, of which this is number 89, and is SIGNED BY HUXLEY. $200

 

 

 

 

The Animals Noah Forgot: PATERSON, A.B.

The Endeavour Press, Sydney, 1933. Illustrated by Norman Lindsay. This beautiful collection of children’s poems is iconically Australian and first editions are scarce (truly rare with the dustjacket intact). Despite the loss to top third of d/j, this remains a very collectible piece of Australiana.  $325