Each week our library expands with many different titles on various topics. This week, the volumes were so exciting that we thought it necessary to include more titles to the new arrivals for you to easily browse. From popular signed volumes to rare works on drinks and much more, we have selected some of our favourite new arrivals below for your own delight. Make sure not to miss it!

1931 Apocalypse by D. H. Lawrence

An exceptional copy of the limited edition of D. H. Lawrence's final work, which critically reflects upon the Book of Revelation, uncommon in a dustwrapper. This work reflects uses Lawrence's experience as a creative thinker to a form-critical examination of civilisation, religion and society.

£575.00


1894 Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

A superb copy of Daniel Defoe's popular adventure novel, illustrated here with a colour frontispiece by Gordon Browne. 'Robinson Crusoe' is a popular travelogue-style novel, seeing Crusoe's struggles as he spends twenty-eight years on a remote tropical desert island. You can browse more early English literature here.

£88.00


1908 The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll

The illustrated nonsense poem of Lewis Carroll, with Henry Holiday's original illustrations throughout. This poem received mixed reviews when first published as many thought that it was strange. Illustrated with a frontispiece and eight illustrations throughout, by Henry Holiday.

£95.00 


1927 Now We Are Six by A. A. Milne

A superb first edition of A. A. Milne's popular children's verses, illustrated throughout, including with some illustrations of Winne-the-Pooh. In the original publisher's red cloth with gilt decorations to the boards. A. A. Milne's collection of thirty-five children's verses. Interested in more children's illustrations? Click here to further explore our vast selection.

£300.00


1927 Now We are Six by A. A. Milne

A signed first edition copy of this famous poetry collection by the popular children's author A A Milne. Featuring his famous anthropomorphic character, Winnie the Pooh. Signed by the author to the title page, and with the illustrator's signature tipped into the verso of front endpaper. It is uncommon to have both signatures in a trade copy of a Milne work.

£9,900.00 


1949 Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

An uncommon, first edition copy of George Orwell's most famous work, Nineteenth Eighty-Four. A renowned work of dystopian social science fiction. Particularly scarce with the original dustwrapper, which is unclipped. This copy is in the green dustwrapper variant, which has no priority as it was issued at the same time as the plum dustwrapper. A lovely example of Orwell's final work.

£2,950.00


1879 A Voyage in the Sunbeam by Mrs Brassey

A fantastic and profusely illustrated bestselling work, detailing the author's eleven months spent aboard the Sunbeam, complete with a colour folding map. Describes the family's travels aboard the Sunbeam, a luxury yacht who first set sail in 1874. They travelled to Rio de Janeiro around South American, then made for Tahita, Hawaii, Japan, China, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Alexandria, Gibraltar and Portugal in a trip that spanned thirty-six thousand miles.

£170.00


1903 The Curse of Central Africa by Guy Burrows and Edgar Canisius

A lovely copy of Guy Burrows' treatise on the issues faced by Central Africa, including the terror of Leopold II, to whom the work is dedicated. Illustrated with a frontispiece, one colour folding map, six plates, and many full-paged and in-text illustrations. A study into the issues of Central Africa at the turn of the century. Interestingly this work is dedicated to Leopold II of Belgium, though the work also condemns him and his behaviour. From the library of I. and F. W. Hosken,

£600.00


1937 Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M. R. James

A smart eleventh impression of M.R James's famous ghost story collection. James' ghost stories were printed in general magazines in the 1890s and he was commissioned to publish this collection by Edward Arnold. Comprising eight stories total. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary was James' first collection of macabre stories, cited as marking 'the beginning of the modern era of supernatural fiction. This new edition was published in 1937. Find more short stories in this section.

£450.00


1912 The Sorcery Club by Elliott O'Donnell

A very scarce first edition copy of this work of supernatural fiction. O'Donnell's tale features occult powers and the lost city of Atlantis. 'The Sorcery Club' follows three men who are seduced by the powers of darkness. This novel contains some autobiographical elements, as was common with many of O'Donnell's works. The plight of the three protagonists at the start of 'The Sorcery Club' mirrors O'Donnell's own struggle to escape poverty.

£600.00


1949-57 Two Volumes Permanent Way by Mervyn F. Hill

The scarce first editions of Hill's two volumes on the building of railway in various African countries, illustrated throughout. The scarce first editions of these works, Volume I published in 1949, Volume II in 1957. In unusually lovely condition. Two volumes focusing on the development of the railway in Africa, Volume I looking at Kenya and Uganda, Volume II looking at Tanganyika. See more architectural works here.

£495.00


1932 Twenty Thousand Years in Sing Sing by Lewis E. Lawes

An uncommon first edition comprising the autobiography of a prison warden at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Lewis E. Lawes was a prison warden, who spent twenty-one years as Warden of Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, during which time he oversaw three hundred and three executions. This was Lawes' most famous work, and was made into films in 1932 and 1940.

£120.00


1977 The Horror at Oakdeene by Brian Lumley

A beautiful first edition of these Cthulhu Mythos short stories by Brian Lumley, published by Arkham House. A selection of Cthulhu Mythos short stories by Brian Lumley, his third book to be published with Arkham House. Containing 'The Horror at Oakdeene', 'The Viking's Stone', 'The Statement of Henry Worthy', and more.

£120.00


2001 Atonement by Ian McEwan

A fine first edition of Ian McEwan's most popular novel, signed by the author to the title page. 'Atonement' is a metafiction novel set in England in 1935, during the Second World War, and during present day. The novel starts when Briony is thirteen and she makes a mistake that ruins lives, and the novel follows the consequences of this mistake.

£165.00


1973 Memoirs of a Captivity in Japan 1811 - 1813 by Vasily Golovnin

A facsimile of Vasily Golovnin's account of his two year captivity in Japan. Golovnin was a Russian explorer, taken captive by soldiers of the Japanese shogunate, in accordance with contemporary laws on isolationism. He spent two ears in Japan, recounting his experience in this popular memoir. Vasily and his crew were imprisoned in Hakodate and later Matsumae in Hokkaido. Find more autobiographical and biographical work here.

£75.00


c1920 Tumbling Tricks for Exercise and Entertainment by Anon

A fantastic illustrated guide to tumbling, written by the editor of 'Health & Strength' magazine. A handy little work detailing the art of the gymnastic sport, tumbling. Containing over seventy illustrations. Bound with four pages of publisher's advertisements to the rear of the work. In the original pictorial paper covered boards, a charming little work on the discipline.

£49.00


2004 Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

A signed fine first edition of Susanna Clarke's immensely popular fantasy historical novel, set during the Napoleonic Wars. 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' is an exciting fantasy novel, an alternative history set around the Napoleonic Wars in nineteenth century England. Click here to explore more of our vast selection of modern fiction writings.

£270.00


1986 The Ghost Stories of M. R. James by M. R. James

A wonderfully illustrated collection of the ghost stories of M. R. James, remembered for originating the antiquarian ghost story. M. R. James (1862-1936) was an author and scholar remembered for his injection of medieval and antiquarian interests into the ghost story genre.

£54.00


1875 The Book of Ser Marco Polo by Henry Yule

A fantastically illustrated translation of Marco Polo's important travelogue, complete with numerous folding maps. Comprises a translation of the writings of Marco Polo, describing his travels through Asia at the end of the thirteenth century, in particular his time spent at the court of Kublai Khan, emperor of the Mongol Empire. Polo was a Venetian explorer, remembered for bringing Europeans an insight into the Eastern world. Interested in more Asian travels? Check out this section.

£800.00


c1900 Touch and Go by Frederic Weatherly

A beautiful Victorian children's work, illustrated with colour chromolithograph transformation plates, a unique work. A collection of charming children's verses. Illustrated with eight colour chromolithographed transformation plates, all in perfect working order. Some of the pulling tabs are a little worn, with some loss to the first one. Written by Frederic Weatherly, known for his lyrical poetry, including the best known 'Danny Boy'.

£1,175.00


1989 The Rune-Poem by Bill Griffiths

A very attractive signed limited edition, facsimile copy with the English translation of the Old English Rune Poem. A very scarce volume, illustrated with etched lino prints by Nicholas Parry. A lovely edition bound in quarter cloth and cork, comprising the Old English Rune Poem, composed in the eighth or ninth century, preserved in the tenth century manuscript Cotton Otho housed at the Cotton Library, and lost in 1731 in a fire. We have many volumes on poetry here at Rooke Books - make sure you have a browse by clicking here.

£375.00


1873 New Japan by Samuel Mossman

The rare first edition of this beautiful work looking at Japan in the mid-nineteenth century, illustrated with a colour folding map. In the original publisher's boards. Rather hard to find in this pleasing condition. A record of Japan's growth and progress in the mid-nineteenth century. During this period Japanese culture saw a lot of progression in Western civilisation, due to the increase in ease of travelling. Illustrated with a colour folding map.

£350.00


1902 The Uganda Protectorate by Harry Johnston

Harry Johnston's extensive study on Uganda, its history and people, illustrated in colour throughout with folding maps. A highly descriptive and detailed work on Uganda, detailing the geography, botany, zoology, anthropology, languages, and history of the country as it was as a British colony.

£490.00


1894 Chronicles of Uganda by R. P. Ashe

An interesting association copy of this extensive study on Uganda, signed by the author to his uncle-in-law. An enthralling study on Uganda, looking at the rich culture and long history of the country. Ashe was a missionary in Uganda, joining the Church Missionary Society in 1882. Profusely illustrated throughout.

£595.00


1879 Truths about Whisky by John Jameson et al.

A very scarce volume about whisky and its trade, composed by various distillers such as John Jameson, founder of Jameson Irish Whisky, the best-selling Irish whisky in the world, and other distillers such as John Power and Son, once the smallest of the Dublin distillers. This volume discusses Irish whisky, its qualities, the Dublin manufacture, the growth from silent spirit to sham whisky and its wholesomeness, frauds in the trade, and much more. Explore more exciting food and drinks volumes here!

£495.00


1885 The Wine and Spirit Merchant by Anonymous

A revised edition of this very interesting scarce volume on wine. A scarce work discussing wine with general facts, culture of the vine as a branch of the industry, historical notes on consumption, and going into detailed descriptions of wines from different regions.

£350.00


1845 The Smuggler: a Tale by George Payne Rainsford James

A set in three volumes of this fiction work by George Payne Rainsford James, first published in 1845. The first edition of this scarce work. A novel in three volumes by George Payne Rainsford James, English novelist and historical writer who was British Consul at various places in the United States. Find more of our pre-1900 literature right here.

£370.00


1850 The Petrel: a Tale of the Sea by [William Fisher]

A very scarce set comprising a romance novel set on the sea by a naval officer. A very scarce edition, held institutionally by five libraries only. A romantic tale published first in 1850 set on the sea, The Petrel, or, Love on the Ocean has been recognised as an important work by scholars.

£420.00


1927 Two Works on the Art of Stencilling by Cecile Francis-Lewis and F. J. Glass

Two lovely little handbooks to the art of stencil craft, illustrated for instructive and decorative purposes. Two illustrated works detailing stencil technique and artwork, performed by applying colour or ink through a cut-out design, generally done using a brush.

£40.00


c1905 Plays and Poems by William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

A charming six volume set comprising plays and poems by the national poet and Bard, William Shakespeare. A charming set of six volumes comprising William Shakespeare's works. Shakespeare is regarded to this day as the greatest writer in the English language.

£525.00


c1950 Dracula by Bram Stoker

An uncommon early 20th century printing of Bram Stoker's canonical work 'Dracula'. With a striking dustwrapper. Dracula is an epistolary novel told through letters, diary entries and newspaper articles. A fantastic gothic novel, which effectively paved the way for the horror genre.

£80.00


1999 Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

A superior signed first edition of this very popular novel by Tracy Chevalier. The first edition, second impression of this work. A very popular novel by Tracy Chevalier, Girl with a Pearl Earring was inspired by the homonymous painting by Johannes Vermeer.

£250.00


1946 Moby Dick or The Whale by Herman Melville

A superior copy of this uncommon edition of the popular novel Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Considered an American classic novel, it follows sailor Ishmael's narrative of Captain Ahab's quest to take revenge on Moby Dick, the giant whale that bit off the captain's leg on a previous voyage. An uncommon edition of this popular work.

£65.00

1950 Masters of Time by A. E. Van Vogt

A superb signed copy of A. E. van Vogt collection of two science fiction novellas, the limited first edition. Signed by the author to the limitation page, this signed copy limited to five-hundred numbered copies, of which this is numbered three-hundred and seventy-seven. Van Vogt signed 'My very best wishes'.

£390.00


1911 Man and Beast in Ethiopia by John Bland-Sutton

Bland-Sutton's journal of his time hunting in Eastern Ethiopia, signed by him to the title page. Signed by the author to the title page, 'To Miss M. Phillips, a surgical nurse of unusual ability, John Bland-Sutton, 1916'. A hunting work on John Bland-Sutton's experiences hunting in Eastern Ethiopia.

£525.00


1959 Goldfinger by Ian Fleming

A very smart first edition copy of the seventh James Bond novel. With the original Richard Chopping dustwrapper in a fantastic condition. The seventh James Bond novel, which sees the development of James Bond's character. Bond is presented as a more complex individual than in the previous novels. Upon its release 'Goldfinger' went to the top of the best-seller lists. It was also adapted into the third Bond film. To see more works by popular author Ian Fleming, click here.

£2,500.00


1957 From Russia, With Love by Ian Fleming

A first edition copy of Ian Fleming's celebrated James Bond novel 'From Russia With Love'. The fifth novel of this iconic series. 'From Russia With Love' is Fleming's fifth novel featuring James Bond. He wrote the novel whilst at his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica. It was incredibly popular upon initial publication, and was named as one of John F Kennedy's ten favourite books. A very smart example of this James Bond novel.

£4,300.00


1962 A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

A smartly bound, first edition copy of Anthony Burgess' celebrated novel, his jeu d'esprit, 'A Clockwork Orange'. With a signed letter from the author loosely inserted. A first edition, first issue of this canonical novel. A novel known for its use of 'Nadsat' slang, and many time a contentious read, having been censored in some schools and libraries in the United States.

£3,950.00


1627 The Battaile of Agincourt by Michael Drayton

A very scarce first edition of Michael Drayton's epic poem 'The Battaile of Agincourt'. An important poem, here with several other works by Drayton. This work is the only contemporary reference to Shakespeare aside from Jonson's references. Drayton and Shakespeare were known to be friends, although in this work he refers to Shakespeare as such to page 206. A smart copy of an important work.

£4,200.00


1913 Ghostly Phenomena by Elliott O'Donnell

A scarce, first edition of this treatise on ghostly phenomena. Written by an expert in the field. With chapters on elementals, phenomena witnessed by other people, and various hauntings. The final part of the work has O'Donnell's own hypotheses regarding the supernatural. Elliott O'Donnell was an authority on supernatural affairs and was asked to solve alleged ghost problems.

£290.00


1984 The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov

A fine first edition of this exciting Isaac Asimov robot science fiction novel, in the likewise fine dustwrapper. One of Asimov popular 'Robot' novels, a thrilling whodunit sci-fi novel featuring R. Daneel Olivaw. This novel followed Asimov's influential 'I, 'Robot'. Written by Isaac Asimov, a prolific author of hard science fiction, the most important science fiction author of his generation.

£70.00


1934 A Collier's Friday Night by D. H. Lawrence

A play written by important poet and writer, D. H. Lawrence, published after his death. This work is a play, written when Lawrence was twenty-one, and drawing much inspiration from his family's lifestyle and relationships

£95.00


1920 Touch & Go by D. H. Lawrence

A superior copy of D. H. Lawrence's play, in its original dustwrapper. This is a rather political play by Lawrence, detailing the struggle between Labour and Capital. With a number of unopened leaves, title page included. Find more exciting plays here.

£195.00


1926 The Black Buddha by Lady Chitty

An extremely scarce first edition of this mystery novel by Lady Chitty. Issued as a part of Herbert Jenkins' '7/6' series, with the original unclipped dustwrapper. Issued as a part of Jenkins' 7/6 novels, as noted to the publisher's adverts. With the correct price to the spine. It is possible that the price has been integrated from another jacket, or a sticker has been removed from on top of the original price.

£1,400.00


1955 Aesop's Fables by Aesop

A beautifully illustrated edition of this excellent copy comprising English modern translations of Greek fables by Aesop. A very scarce volume. A collection of ancient Greek fables credited to Aesop, a slave and storyteller. These stories were originally passed on through oral tradition and were not collected until much later after his death. To this day, new stories are credited to Aesop. A lovely work.

£45.00


1986 A Perfect Spy by John Le Carre

A unique signed set of John Le Carre's novel 'The Perfect Spy' Comprising a first edition, fourth impression and an uncorrected proof of the same novel. With association to television adaptations of Le Carre's works.

£1.950.00


1993 The Night Manager by John Le Carre

An excellent first edition of John Le Carre's renowned espionage work. 'The Night Manager' follows Jonathan Pine in an undercover operation to take down an international arms dealer. An excellent copy.

£100.00


1926 Strange Sea Mysteries by Elliott O'Donnell

An uncommon supernatural study on sea mysteries and creatures by noted authority on the supernatural, Elliott O'Donnell. With chapters on ships that have disappeared, crews that have disappeared, strange encounters on board ship and strange collisions at sea. Each section has several specific case-studies. O'Donnell notes to the preface that 'In compiling this volume of unpleasant happenings connected with the sea great care has been taken to select only those that are authentic'. Find more fascinating works on the occult here.

£220.00


1953 Space Platform by Murray Leinster

A signed first edition of this exhilarating young adult sci-fi novel by Murray Leinster. Signed by the author to the recto to the front endpaper. In the original unclipped dustwrapper. A young adult science fiction novel, the first in the Joe Kenmore series. At the outset of the novel, America is seeking to construct a Space Platform. Written by Murray Leinster, the pseudonym of William Fitzgerald Jenkins.

£195.00


1900 Three Years in Savage Africa by Lionel Decle

A beautiful copy of Lionel Decle's account of his expedition across Africa, illustrated throughout, including with folding maps. An account of the author's experiences spending three years travelling across Africa, from Khama to Zanzibar. Detailing the history and culture of the different countries across Africa, a big interest in Victorian England.

£120.00


1892 Frontier Life by Edward Stanley Brookes

A beautiful and bright uncommon work comprising surveys made of Taranaki, illustrated profusely with maps, sketches and diagrams. This work comprises a recollection of the surveys undertaken, their discoveries and importance, as well as historical detail regarding the province of Taranaki. The Taranaki Province was a New Zealand province.

£160.00


1936 Lake Tana and the Blue Nile: An Abyssinian Quest by Major R. E. Cheesman

A very smart first edition copy of Major Cheesman's exploration of Lake Tana and the Blue Nile, profusely illustrated throughout. General Robert Cheesman's account of his exploration of the Lake Tana region and the Blue Nile on course through Abyssinia. He was the first to chart the area, before largely unmapped.

£275.00 


1999 The Search for the Source of the Nile by Richard Burton

A superior copy of the first edition, the correspondence between Captain Richard Burton and Captain John Speke. The complete correspondence between Richard Burton and John Speke, as well as other letters from Burton's unpublished East African Letter Book. With a biographical commentary by Donald Young.

£150.00


1980 A Tale of Flowering Fortunes by William & Helen Craig McCullough

A fine first edition of this beautiful look into the Heian period of Japanese history, illustrated throughout. This classical period of Japanese history is generally considered to be the peak of imperial court, with flourishing poetry and literature. Katakana script emerged during this period. See more historical books here.

£400.00


1871 At Home With the Patagonians by George Chaworth Muster

The very scarce first edition of George Chaworth Muster's exciting first hand account of his travels through Patagonia, illustrated with a folding map and plates. The account of the 'King of Patagonia', George Chaworth Musters, a Royal Navy commander who travelled through South America.

£450.00


1848 The Little Savage by Captain Frederick Marryat

A very scarce first edition two volume set of Captain Marryat's posthumously published work for children. Captain Frederick Marryat (1792-1848) was a Royal Navy officer, writer and children's novelist, known for being an early author of nautical fiction. This work follows a cast-away boy living on an island.

£750.00


1889 A Suburb of Yedo by Theobald Andrew Purcell

The very scarce first edition of this beautifully illustrated look into Tokyo as it was in the nineteenth century, a charming collection of sketches on the city. A charming study into the city of Tokyo, formally known as 'Yedo' or 'Edo'. These sketches were originally published in the 'Japan Weekly Mail'. Illustrated with twenty-three plates.

£1,470.00

1902 Histoire de Peau d'Ane by Charles Perrault

A very scarce edition of this popular tale, limited to two hundred and thirty copies and illustrated by T. Sturge Moore. Comprising a popular tale, the most famous version by Charles Perrault, Histoire de Peau d'Ane (Donkey Skin), originally published in 1694. According to Ruth B. Bottigheimer, this would be the first written French fairy tale, classing among folktales of Aarne-Thompson.

£2,450.00


1905 Some Old French and English Ballads by Robert Steele [ed.]

A lovely copy of this Eragny Press volume, limited to two hundred, of this collection of old French and English ballads. Printed in red and black, with musical notes. A limited edition copy of two hundred printed on paper by the Eragny Press. With texts in red and black and coloured frontispiece designed by L. Pissarro, and music type designed especially for this work from sixteenth century models.

£500.00


1949 Hunting by Ear: The Sound of Fox Hunting by Michael F. Berry

A fantastic reprint of this work on fox-hunting, complete with two gramophone records presented in a box. 'Hunting by Ear' describes itself as a sound-book, with the records going hand-in-hand to accompany the text. Here, the music and lyricism of the various sounds of fox-hunting are presented. Browse more volumes on sports and pastime here.

£350.00


1877 Journal of a Voyage Round the World by William Deane Seymour

A scarce first edition of this journal narrating Captain Seymour's travels, presented by the author to Captain Brook. In this work, he explores some of the most fascinating areas on the planet in a journey spanning thirty thousand miles, and includes visits to Japan, China, India, the United States and Europe. Read about more voyages here.

£1,800.00