Books

First state first edition with "Quay Street" as called for. It is unlikely that you'll see a better copy of this book, certainly in years of attending book fairs in the UK we haven't. In our opinion this is a much undervalued first edition when one considers the price of other classic works go for prices in the tens of thousands. This copy is clean and bright with crisp titles and vignette on the front board in black and title lettering in gilt to the spine. On close inspection, yes, there are a few scuffs and light stains to the boards as well as rubbing and a tiny bit of wear to the extremities. So, it's not in perfect condition but these are really just minor flaws. Internally the book is very clean, although with some browning to the prelim pages and toning to the page block edges. There's a neat name inscription, dated July, 1890 at the top corner of the title page and no obvious other marks. Arrowsmith's "Bristol Library" ads to the rear as well as "Books For Children" to pages of ads and two other advertisements on the back paste down page for "Prince Prigio" by Andrew Lang and "Jonathan and his Continent" by Max O'Rell. A fabulous copy. Photos available promptly on request.

"Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog!)" by Jerome K. Jerome is a comedic novel that chronicles the misadventures of three friends—Jerome himself, George, and Harris—as they embark on a boating trip along the River Thames in England. The novel is filled with humorous anecdotes, witty observations, and lively characters. The story begins with Jerome, the narrator, feeling overworked and stressed. In an attempt to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, he suggests to his friends George and Harris that they take a boating holiday. The three men, along with a dog named Montmorency, eagerly agree to the idea and set out on their journey. As they navigate the Thames, they encounter a series of comedic mishaps and challenges. From struggling to pack efficiently to dealing with inclement weather, the friends find themselves in a variety of humorous situations. Along the way, they also meet colorful characters, including a bargee who gives them dubious advice and a German family with a penchant for musical instruments. Despite their best intentions, the trip is not without its tensions. The friends occasionally bicker and disagree, particularly when it comes to mundane tasks such as cooking and navigating. However, their camaraderie and shared sense of humor ultimately prevail, and they continue their journey with laughter and good spirits. Throughout the novel, Jerome interweaves humorous anecdotes and reflections on life, friendship, and the quirks of human nature. He also shares fascinating historical tidbits about the places they pass along the river, adding depth and context to their journey. As the trip progresses, the friends encounter a series of unexpected challenges, including getting lost in the Hampton Court Maze and struggling to find suitable accommodations for the night. Despite these setbacks, they persevere with humor and determination, ultimately forging unforgettable memories along the way. In the end, the boating trip comes to a close, but the friendships forged and the experiences shared will stay with the three men forever. "Three Men in a Boat" is a timeless classic that celebrates the joys of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the absurdity of everyday life. With its witty humor and charming characters, it continues to delight readers around the world to this day.