Rare books from Nana's Top Shelf: Rare and Collector Books

ORIGINAL 1865 First Edition, 498pp. Report on the first systematic survey of the geology of the state of California. Historic document suitable for a library archive, bespoke gift, or investment.This classic work presents the results of the comprehensive investigations of California geology. Clarence King was a member of the Geologic Corps under Whitney's direction as State Geologist. The full-page woodcut plates show scenery in the Sierras and Yosemite. The plates were made from drawings by Whitney and C. F. Hoffman, and from Yosemite photographs by Carleton Watkins. The Yosemite illustrations are some of the earliest published views of the future National Park. Chap. 1: Introduction.Chap. 2: The Monte Diablo Range.Chap. 3: The Peninsula of San Francisco.Chap. 4: The Coast Ranges North.Chap. 5: The Coast Ranges South.Chap. 6: The Coast Ranges from the Vicinity of Los Angeles South.Chap. 7: The Region between Cañada de Las Uvas and Soledad Pass..PART II: Geology of the Sierra Nevada.Chap.… Read More

The Russian Story Book, 1916, 1st Edition. Tales from songs of Kiev and Novgorod, retold by Richard Wilson. Beautifully illustrated with full-page color plates by F.C. Papé, and color and black-and-white drawings throughout. Published by Macmillan & Co, London. Red and gilt cloth boards, 308 pages, 8.5" x 7.5" (8vo). . Condition of the book is Good-: front free endpaper (blank first page) has heavy foxing (see photo) and gift inscription dated 1921. Binding is somewhat loosened but solid. Interior pages and plates intact and bright.
Volume is RARE; this appears to be the only copy currently available worldwide. The Papé art plates are striking and are widely known and discussed. See complete .jpg versions available at https://www.enchantedbooklet.com/the-russian-story-book/.
"I have gone right into the heart of "Holy Russia," to Kiev and Novgorod and the borders of the Caspian, in an endeavour to show by means of some of the early legends the ideals and point of view of the Russian nation… Read More

FIRST EDITION (first American edition) of Nathaniel Hawthorne's beloved volume of myths and legends published by Goerge H. Doran Company: New York, 207 pp., 6.75" x 9.75 (Small4to). Color plates and black-and-white illustrations by Arthur Rackham, including 24 beautiful tipped-in and full-page color illustrations. Illustrated end papers.
This is the sought-after first Rackham-illustrated edition of Hawthorne's Wonder Book. Arthur Rackham illustrated books are all widely collected. Suitable as a bespoke gift or investment book.
There are six tales: The Gorgon's Head, The Golden Touch, The Paradise of Children, The Three Golden Apples, The Miraculous Pitcher, The Chimaera. This undated printing appears to be the 1922 edition of this volume (before merger of publisher with Doubleday.
Very Good condition. Clean cover and spine, with gently bumped corners and top and bottom of spine. Original vertical seam on cover. Light foxing of interior of cover with original bookseller notes in pencil… Read More

Oversize hardcover, FIRST EDITION. Color plates and color illustrations by E.F. Betts throughout. A rare and collected volume, available elsewhere as a facsimile edition. This is one of a few copies of the original first edition available; others in similar condition priced higher, some in better condition priced much much higher.
The Raggedy Man is a poem written by James Whitcomb Riley and first published in 1888. The poem was the inspiration for the Raggedy Ann doll, and two films of the same name. The poem is one of Riley's most famous works. It was inspired by a German tramp employed by Riley's father during his youth. (from Wikipedia)Condition is Fair+. Wear to cover boards, including to edges and 2 scratches across cover illustration (see photo). Original gift inscription and scattered markings on frontspages. Edge wear to interior pages, including a few pages with small tears. Nonetheless, interior and illustrations are beautiful. We will ship USPS Priority Mail with added insurance. For… Read More

This is the original and rare SIGNED 1st edition (NOT a reprint) of the Army Corps of Engineers systemwide study of the Ohio and Mississippi River, including the Mississippi Delta in the Gulf of Mexico. The Humphreys and Abbot study, and the earlier study by Charles Ellet (Ellet, 1852), were headline news in the U.S. for decades and determined the country's strategy for flood control and river navigation up to the present. The Ellet-Humphreys rivalry is a central part of John Barry's history, Rising Tide. SIGNED by General A.A. Humprhreys, Chief of Engineers, US Army Corps of Engineers. (We also have a 1stedition copy of the Ellet volume – see separate listing. We would prefer to sell these as a set.)
This volume is entitled: "A Review of the Report upon the Physics and Hydraulics of the Mississippi River: Upon the Protection of the Alluvial Region against Overflow; and Upon the Deepening of the Mouths; Based upon Surveys and Investigations made under Acts of Congress Prepared by… Read More