Back in the days when everyone's clothing was custom made, J. Golding published Golding's Guide; or, New Edition of the Tailor's Assistant. This "new" edition from 1820 was the third, following the first edition from 1815. This book was intended for the professional tailor or dressmaker, not the average housewife. The focus is on men's clothing. This copy is signed by the author, but that will not add to its rarity. As Golding stated, because "...there are several garbled and spurious imitations of this work I have been induced to sign every copy with my own hand to prevent imposition." Still, Wood points out that this is "a very rare book." Item 25. $1,500.

Item 63 is the Association of American painters and Sculptors. Catalogue of International Exhibition of Modern Art. New York, 1913. This is the publication from what is better known as the "Armory Show." This exhibition was probably the most influential one ever for modern art in America. It exposed the work of European artists such as Cezanne, Matisse, Kandinsky and Picasso to American audiences. This exhibit encountered much hostility from a public and critics not prepared for such strange images, but it has become legendary for the influence it had on American art. "Nude Descending a Staircase" by Marcel Duchamp received particular notoriety (see image previous page). If you didn't see the title, you might still confuse it for something else, like a bunch of suits of body armor crammed too tightly together. But what is art if it can't set off your imagination? $2,500.

You may visit Charles Wood online at www.cbwoodbooks.com or call them at 617-868-1711.