Following the enthusiastic response to the first two instalments of our Recent Acquisitions series, we are pleased to present a further selection of collectible first editions and sought-after works.
This latest group ranges from landmark fantasy classics and modern literary fiction to children's favourites and aviation adventures. As always, each title has been carefully selected for its collectability, condition, and enduring appeal, with a particular emphasis on attractive dust-jacketed first editions.
The Snow Pasture - P.H. Newby (1949) — £30
Set amongst the industrial valleys of Monmouthshire, this evocative novel explores the lives of miners and tinplate workers whose leisure pursuits take them into the surrounding hills and mountains. Rich in atmosphere and regional character, it offers a vivid portrait of post-war Welsh life.
UK first edition, first printing. Very good book in a very good unclipped dust jacket. The jacket displays small chips to the spine and several small tears to the front and rear panels, but remains complete and presentable overall.
Biggles Adventures
Biggles Goes to School — Captain W. E. Johns (1951) — £150
A distinctive Biggles adventure that combines school life, undercover investigation, and mystery, showcasing the versatility of one of Britain's most enduring adventure heroes.
UK first edition, first printing. Near fine book in a very good unclipped dust jacket. The jacket shows light wear to the head and foot of the spine but remains bright and highly presentable.
Biggles and the Lost Sovereigns — Captain W. E. Johns (1964) — £400
A fast-paced blend of aviation adventure, mystery, and treasure hunting as Biggles follows the trail of missing gold sovereigns while confronting criminals and danger in remote locations.
UK first edition, first printing. Near fine book in a near fine unclipped dust jacket. A particularly attractive copy of this increasingly collectible Biggles title.
Biggles Sorts It Out — Captain W. E. Johns (1967) — £450
A gripping Air Police adventure in which Biggles and his team unravel a complex case involving crime, deception, and international intrigue.
UK first edition, first printing. Very good book in a very good unclipped dust jacket. The jacket shows only minor edge wear, and the book remains a clean and attractive example.
Biggles and the Noble Lord — Captain W. E. Johns (1969) — £600
A classic later-period Biggles adventure combining detective fiction, suspense, and action as Biggles investigates a mystery involving aristocratic intrigue, hidden identities, and dangerous adversaries.
UK first edition, first printing. Near fine book in a near fine unclipped dust jacket. An excellent collector's copy with strong overall presentation.
Time's Arrow — Martin Amis (1991) — £100
One of Martin Amis' most acclaimed novels, Time's Arrow tells the story of a man's life entirely in reverse, gradually revealing a deeply unsettling secret at its heart. A daring and thought-provoking exploration of memory, morality, and the Holocaust, it was shortlisted for the 1991 Booker Prize.
UK first edition, first printing. Fine book in a fine unclipped dust jacket. An exceptional copy of one of Amis' most celebrated works.
The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit (Illustrated Alan Lee Four-Volume Set) — J.R.R. Tolkien (1995) — £800
Tolkien's timeless fantasy masterpiece presented in a handsome four-volume illustrated edition. Following Bilbo Baggins' unexpected adventure in The Hobbit through to Frodo's epic quest to destroy the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings, these volumes remain among the most beloved works of fantasy literature ever published.
UK first editions, first printings. Large-format hardbacks illustrated throughout by Alan Lee. All four volumes are in very good condition with clean pages and sound bindings. The dust jackets are complete, unclipped, and free from tears or significant defects, making this an attractive set for both collectors and readers.
The World of Ice and Fire — George R. R. Martin (2014) — £150
A richly illustrated companion volume exploring the ancient history, dynasties, wars, and legends of Westeros and the lands beyond. Written as an in-universe chronicle, it greatly expands upon the mythology and lore that underpin A Song of Ice and Fire.
UK first edition, first printing. Near fine large-format hardback in a near fine unclipped dust jacket. A particularly well-preserved copy of this substantial and highly regarded companion volume.
This third instalment continues to demonstrate the breadth of material entering our stock, from twentieth-century literary fiction and enduring children's adventures to some of the most influential fantasy works ever published. Whether your interests lie in Tolkien's Middle-earth, the exploits of Biggles, or modern literary classics, these recent acquisitions offer a range of increasingly difficult-to-find first editions in collectible condition.
