Search Results: Biography / Autobiography from CraigsClassics

"The American Stage of Today" - Biographies and Photographs of One Hundred Leading Actors and Actresses. 1910 1st edition; P.F. Collier & Son; New York. There is an alphabetical list of actors/actresses at the front (including John and Ethel Barrymore, and Douglas Fairbanks). Pictured at the front of the book are actors Edwin Booth (brother of John Wilkes Booth) and Joseph Jefferson, though neither appear in the alphabetical list. The book is loaded with black & white photographs on nearly every page. Larger in size - the book measures 14" tall x 11" wide.Condition:Wear to the cover corners, and shelf wear along the edges of the boards. A small bit of the paper has chipped away at the left edge of the front cover. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Both covers are firmly attached. Nice interior - the pages are clean with only an occasional light smudge here and there. The rear end paper has a 2" tear at the inner edge by the spine. Overall the book is in Good condition.

"Astir - A Publisher's Life-Story" by John Adams Thayer. This is the autobiography of Thayer, who was a self-made millionaire magazine magnate who published "Everybody's Magazine" and "The Smart Set" literary magazine. 1910 1st Edition; Small, Maynard & Company; Boston.Condition:Clean front and back covers; some very light soiling to the base of the spine; bright gilt lettering on front cover and spine; sharp corners. Tight binding. No cracks. No loose pages. The book nearly appears unread on the inside - excellent condition text pages with no writing, stains, foxing or tears found. To/from label affixed to upper-left corner of front pastedown; name and year (1911) written in pen on front end paper. Overall in very good condition.

"Autumns in Argyleshire with Rod & Gun" by the Hon. A.E. Gathorne-Hardy. 1901; Longmans, Green, and Co.; London. Nicely illustrated with eight full-page plates by Archibald Thorburn. There is an Index at the back. Gathorne-Hardy was an observant naturalist and also a keen shot and fisherman. This book is a "collection of reminiscences of 30 years worth of sporting visits to his brother-in-law's estate at Poltalloch in Argyll" (Scotland).The contents are as follows: Poltalloch; Fallow-Deer at Home; Chasing the Roe; First Impressions of Deer-Stalking; The Herds of Proteus; A Day with a Seal; Out of the Depths; Western Waters; Nil Desperandum; A Day with the Grilse; Loch-Na-Larich; Grouse; Grouse-Driving; Chill October.Condition:Clean front cover and spine; the back cover has a few small, very light stains at the top half. Small cloth tear and a tiny cloth piece missing at the top edge of the spine. Sharp cover corners. Bright gilt on the front cover; the gilt on the spine has faded. Tight binding with… Read More

This is an early copy of "BEAUTIFUL JOE" - An Autobiography by Marshall Saunders. 1903; The Judson Press; Philadelphia. This edition features a frontispiece portrait of Saunders and other full-page plates; there are decorative pieces at the beginning and end of the chapters. Told from the point of view of a dog, the book tells the true story of a dog ("Joe" from Ontario, who was the inspiration for the story) that has had a difficult puppyhood with many obstacles including a cruel owner. The first book to sell over one million copies in Canada, "Beautiful Joe" contributed to worldwide awareness of animal cruelty.Condition:Light soiling to the covers and spine; there is a small, white stain on the back cover. Sharp cover corners. There is a crack at the front hinge between the end paper and pastedown with the webbing exposed resulting in the front cover being shaky. There is a 3/4" tear to the paper at the top of the hinge between the rear end paper and pastedown. The text pages are in excellent… Read More

This is a handsome, antique copy of "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: A Book for the Young and the Old: For All." No author is cited. 1853; "Printed for the Author"; Cambridge. This copy has been beautifully re-bound in full leather with decorative gilt accents along the perimeter of the covers, and on the spine. Smaller book with 36 numbered pages - it measures 6 3/4" tall x 4 1/2" wide. Apparently to make the book more substantial (thicker), 16 blank pages have been bound in at the front, and 16 blank pages have been bound in at the back. Here are a few examples of the contents: A Tribute to the Memory of Franklin; Benjamin Franklin a Printer; Arriving at Moral Perfection; Franklin on Scandal, Intemperance, Virtue, Health, Riches; The Electrical Kite; Franklin a Master of Arts and Doctor of Laws; Death of Dr. Franklin, and more...please see the photos for the complete list.Condition:Rubbing to the leather along the edges of the covers and spine. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. There is a tear to… Read More

"A Blind Man's Offering" by B.B. Bowen. 1860 4th edition (stated); B.B. Bowen; New York. With a frontispiece engraved portrait of Bowen. At the front of the book is a biographical "Sketch of the Author's Life." Bowen was a blind music teacher in New England who advocated for the improved treatment and education of the blind. Here are a few examples of the contents: Lines to the Blind Lecturer; Blindness and the Blind; Thoughts on Immortality; Lines to a Blind Beggar; Cheerfulness of the Blind; A Blind Man's Beau Ideal of a Beautiful Lady; The Blind Bride; The Blind Invalid; Observations on the Effects of Blindness; A Night in the Railroad Cars; The Blind Pedler; Eternal Life; A Journey across the Alleghanies; The Infidel and the Blind Man...and much more - please see the photos for the complete list.Condition:Clean covers and spine; cloth tears at the corners of the front cover; the top and bottom edges of the spine are worn down. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Consistent mild foxing… Read More

This is an antique collection of biographical sketches of eminent historic figures, "BOOK OF BENEFACTORS" (also known as 'Lives of the Benefactors') by "the author of Peter Parley's Tales" (S.G. Goodrich). 1844; Bradbury, Soden & Co.; Boston. The book features illustrated portraits and tailpieces. There are 22 biographies in all including George Washington, John Jay, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, Marquis de Lafayette, William Tell, Johannes Guttenberg, Eli Whitney, Robert Fulton, Copernicus, Galileo and more - please see the photos for the complete list.Condition:Clean covers and spine; the top and bottom edges of the spine are worn; tiny cloth tears at the corner tips; bright gilt on the spine. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Mild foxing to the pages (though heavier on the first few pages of the book up to the 1st Preface page). Tanned, rectangular outline on the front end paper and pastedown (presumably from a piece of paper left between the pages). Overall the book is in Very… Read More

This is a collection of two books by ELIZABETH B. CUSTER (wife of General George Custer), as follows:"FOLLOWING THE GUIDON" - 1890 1st edition; Harper & Brothers; New York. The book features numerous full-page illustrations, as well as musical scores. There are two pages of publisher's advertisements at the back. From a review: "(The book) is a warmly human, first-hand account of the hardships, disappointments, fun and flattery, joys, and heartaches of General Custer's devoted wife, who accompanied her military husband to the (then) desolate plains of Kansas & Nebraska during 1868-1870, to combat the Plains Indian uprisings following the end of the American Civil War.""BOOTS AND SADDLES or, Life in Dakota with General Custer" - 1885 presumed 2nd state (this edition does not contain the map preceding chapter one); Harper & Brothers; New York. The book features a frontispiece portrait of General Custer. From a review: "Boots and Saddles offers a gentle, loving portrait of George Armstrong Custer,… Read More

This is a collection of two books by ELIZABETH B. CUSTER (wife of General George Custer), as follows:"FOLLOWING THE GUIDON" - 1890 1st edition; Harper & Brothers; New York. The book features numerous full-page illustrations, as well as musical scores. There are two pages of publisher's advertisements at the back. From a review: "(The book) is a warmly human, first-hand account of the hardships, disappointments, fun and flattery, joys, and heartaches of General Custer's devoted wife, who accompanied her military husband to the (then) desolate plains of Kansas & Nebraska during 1868-1870, to combat the Plains Indian uprisings following the end of the American Civil War.""BOOTS AND SADDLES or, Life in Dakota with General Custer" - 1885 1st edition; Harper & Brothers; New York. The book features a frontispiece portrait of General Custer and an "Outline Map of Portions of Montana & Dakota." From a review: "Boots and Saddles offers a gentle, loving portrait of George Armstrong Custer, husband and man, by… Read More

This is an antique travelogue, "THE BUDGET CLOSED" by Jane Anthony Eames (an extensive traveler in Europe and the east). 1860 1st edition; Ticknor and Fields; Boston. The book is a collection of Eames's letters from her travels. Here are a few examples of the contents: Departure from Smyrna; Crowded Steamboat; Over to Constantinople; Queen's Birthday; The Sultan; Review of English Troops; Visit to the Mosques; Sweet Waters of Asia; American Missionaries; Forest of Belgrade; Shopping in Pera; Garden of the Russian Embassy; Turkish Bath; Quarantine; Ruins of Greece; Parthenon by Moonlight; View from the Acropolis; Prison of Socrates; Prisoners; Cholera at the Piraeus; Greek Costume; Ionian Islands; Arrival at Vienna; Up the Danube; Salt Bath; Tomb of Maximilian I; Crystal Palace; Romish Churches; Japanese Palace; Obelisk; Monument of Frederick the Great; Berlin Iron; Sculpture Gallery; Zoological Collection; Louisa of Prussia; Hessian Troops; Royal Library; Church of Notre Dame; Funeral Ceremony; Last… Read More

This is an antique copy of "The California and Oregon Trail" - Being Sketches of Prairie and Rocky Mountain Life by FRANCIS PARKMAN. Circa 1890's (there is no date of publication stated); William L. Allison Company; New York. Nicely bound in three-quarter blue leather with marbled covers, gilt lettering and decorations on the spine, and gilt top page edges. Please see the photos for the complete list of contents.From the introductory note: "The journey which the following narrative describes was undertaken on the writer's part with a view of studying the manners and character of Indians in their primitive state. Although, in the chapters which relate to them, he has only attempted to sketch those features of their wild and picturesque life which fell, in the present instance, under his own eye, yet in doing so he has constantly aimed to leave an impression of their character correct as far as it goes. In justifying his claim to accuracy on this point, it is hardly necessary to advert to the… Read More

This is a rare, original copy of "THE EMPTY SLEEVE - or, The Life and Hardships of Henry L. Meacham in the Union Army" by Henry Meacham. Published by the author, presumably in 1869 (though no date of publication is stated). Softcover. Meacham, a member of the 32nd Massachusetts Volunteers in the Civil War, had his arm blown off by a shell near Petersburg in June, 1864. (In the booklet, Meacham writes: "As we were standing there, a shell came through one man and then exploded, taking my right arm off, and killing four of my comrades, making five lives destroyed and one wounded.") He printed and sold this pamphlet to make a living for himself and his ailing wife. This pamphlet is an example of postwar mendicant literature - items printed and sold for the support of their authors - and illustrate some of the hardships faced by soldiers in battle who became disabled veterans in later life. The booklet measures 7 3/8" tall x 4 1/2" wide; 24 pages.PROVENANCE: This copy appears to have been owned by a close… Read More

This is a collection of essays written by notable literary figures, "F. SCOTT FITZGERALD - The Man and His Work" with its original dust jacket. 1951 1st edition (stated); The World Publishing Company; Cleveland and New York. Edited by Alfred Kazin. Topics include Fitzgerald at Princeton, Fitzgerald before The Great Gatsby, The Sad Young Man, Fitzgerald in Hollywood, On Rereading Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald's Tragic Sense, Dealer in Diamonds and Rhinestones, The Moral of F. Scott Fitzgerald written by notables such as T.S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, John Dos Passos, Stephen Vincent Benet, Arthur Mizener, H.L. Mencken and more...please see the photos for the complete list of contents.From the dust jacket: "The personal tributes, reviews, critiques and comments included in this volume present an overall picture of Fitzgerald - at his best, one of the most colorful and gifted writers of our time. Fitzgerald was of his time in a rare and satisfying way, and if his work has faults, as many critics do not hesitate to… Read More

This is the exceedingly scarce, legendary wrestling book "FALL GUYS - The Barnums of Bounce" by Marcus Griffin with its original dust jacket. 1937 1st edition; The Reilly & Lee Co.; Chicago. This copy is INSCRIBED by Griffin on the front end paper. "The inside story of the Wrestling Business, America's most profitable and best organized professional sport." The book is considered to be the first credible behind-the-scenes look into the world of professional wrestling, exposing the cutthroat business of fixed matches, shady promoters, and show wrestlers. Quite rare first edition copy with its original (un-clipped) dust jacket and author's inscription.Condition:Clean covers and spine. Sharp cover corners. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Nice interior - the text pages are clean and appear unread with only some light foxing on the half title page, and on the last few pages. Light tanning to the end papers. The front end paper has an inscription by Griffin written in pen dated 1937.… Read More

"Fifty Years Among Authors, Books and Publishers" by J.C. Derby. 1884 1st edition; G.W. Carleton & Co.; New York. The book features numerous full-page engraved portraits with protective tissue guards. Decorative end papers. "Derby discusses the histories of various American publishing houses and their relationships to several of the prominent authors of the time. The book is also a personal and professional memoir for Derby which discusses his introductions to and friendships with several writers and literary figures."Here are some of the authors and publisher's that are included: Jefferson Davis; Harper & Brothers; Horace Greeley; Charles Scribner; William Seward; William Cullen Bryant; D. Appleton & Co.; Alice and Phoebe Cary; Houghton Mifflin & Co.; George Bancroft; G.P. Putnam; J.B. Lippincott; Joel Chandler Harris; Harriet Beecher Stowe; Henry Ward Beecher; Ticknor and Fields; Little, Brown & Co.; Benson Lossing; The Century Co.; Generals who became authors...and many more.Condition:"Fraying to… Read More

This is an inscribed copy of "Fifty Years on The Morning Mercury - New Bedford, Mass., 1880-1930" ~ A Reminiscence by Zephaniah W. Pease. Published in 1930. The book is inscribed by the author in pen on the title page, as follows: "To Mrs. Plummer From Zephaniah W. Pease 1930." Pease was the editor of "The Morning Mercury" newspaper and the author of numerous books and articles related to local New Bedford history. There is a photo of Pease and other "newspaper men in 1884" at the front. The contents are grouped as follows: How it Happened; An Old Newspaper Office; The Old Town; Reportorial Days; A Call on the Police; Dramatic Reviewing; The Old Order Changes; I Become an Editor; Older Editors; We Develop a Philosophy; A Final Word. There is a section of "Editorial Comments" at the back. Softcover.Condition:Clean covers. There are small tears along the outer edges of the covers. Tight binding with no loose pages. Light foxing throughout the book, primarily confined to the outer page edges. The first 5… Read More

Nice condition copy of "Fishing and Shooting Stories" by Grover Cleveland (the 22nd and 24th U.S. President). 1906 1st edition; The Outing Publishing Company; New York. Nicely illustrated by Henry S. Watson with numerous full-page plates and drawings at the beginning and end of the chapters. The contents are as follows: The Mission of Sport and Outdoor Life; A Defense of Fishermen; The Serene Duck Hunter; The Mission of Fishing and Fishermen; Some Fishing Pretenses and Affectations; Summer Shooting; Concerning Rabbit Shooting; A Duck Hunting Trip; Quail Shooting. The book measures 7 1/8" tall x 4 1/2" wide.Condition:Clean covers and spine. Sharp cover corners. Bright gilt lettering on the front cover and spine. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Both covers are firmly attached. Nice interior - the pages are clean with only a few random, light smudges found. Overall the book is in Very Good+ condition.

Nice condition antique copy of "A Forty Years' Fight with the DRINK DEMON" by Charles Jewett. 1872 1st Edition; National Temperance Society and Publishing House; New York. The book contains numerous full-page illustrations and portraits, as well as in-text drawings. "A History of the Temperance Reform as I Have Seen it, and of My Labor in Connection Therewith."Condition:Clean front and back covers; there are a few small stains on the spine. The lettering on the spine has partially faded. Sharp cover corners. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. The book still opens crisply as if new - nice pages with only some occasional light foxing. Overall the book is in Very Good+ condition.

This is an antique book containing biographies of First Ladies, "From Lady Washington to Mrs. Cleveland" by Lydia L. Gordon. 1889; Lee and Shepard; Boston. There are 22 biographies in all, including Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Martha Jefferson, Dolly Madison, Mary Todd Lincoln, etc. - please see the photos for the complete list.Condition:There are a few small, very light stains on the covers. Small cloth tears at the top/bottom edges of the spine, and at the cover corners. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Front hinge starting. Nice interior - the pages are lightly age-toned and clean with no notable issues found. Page 7 was cut just slightly wider than the other pages and extends beyond the text block just a bit, resulting in some tiny tears along the outer edge. "Mary E. Hunt Home" ink stamp on front pastedown and on the top-right corner of page 243. Overall the book is in Very Good- condition.

Handsome, fine-binding edition of "THE GEORGIAN ERA: Memoirs of the Most Eminent Persons, Who Have Flourished in Great Britain, from the Accession of George the First to the Demise of George the Fourth." The volumes are dated 1832, 1833 and 1834; Vizetelly, Branston and Co.; London. Complete in four volumes. Three-quarter leather bound with marbled covers, page edges and end papers. Each volume contains a frontispiece portrait. The volumes contain dozens of biographical sketches of prominent English men and women including Adam Smith, Isaac Newton, Jonathn Swift, Robert Burns, Thomas Paine, Captain James Cook, Daniel Defoe, Thomas Gainsborough, etc. The contents are grouped into the following categories:VOLUME I: The Royal Family, The Pretenders and Their Adherents, The Church, The Senate, DissentersVOLUME II: The Army, The Navy, Jurisprudence, Medical ScienceVOLUME III: Voyagers and Travellers, Science, LiteratureVOLUME IV: Political Economists, Rural and Domestic Economists, Painters, Sculptors,… Read More