181 Books and a Martian from the Manhattan Rare Book Company
- by Michael Stillman
The finest English language play of the 20th century was written in French.
Fast forward those four decades and a no longer young Churchill would give A Speech by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons. The address was given on August 20, 1940. Churchill warns the public to be prepared for a few years of war, but explains that a few years is not a long time in British history, nor even in people's individual lives. And, Churchill notes, that by having "the honour to be the sole champion of the liberties of all Europe, we must not grudge these years or weary as we toil and struggle through them." Talk about putting a happy face on the seemingly hopeless task of defending his nation from ceaseless bombing and the world from unspeakable tyranny practically alone! Somehow, Churchill managed to pull it all off, for which we can all be eternally grateful. Item 36. $1,800.
Item 25 is one of the last looks at America's Indians while still relatively unchanged by American encroachment. George Catlin headed out to the American plains in 1830 and began painting the Indians in their natural surroundings. In time he would travel around America and Europe displaying his paintings in something of a precursor to Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, though on a much less grand scale. In 1841, he published Letters and Notes on the Manners, Customs, and Conditions of the North American Indians. This first edition, first issue contains over 300 illustrations. $3,500.
The Manhattan Rare Book Company may be reached at 212-326-8907 or info@manhattanrarebooks.com. Their website is www.manhattanrarebooks.com.
