Sl. marking. Sewn as issued 24pp. BL only on Copac, which dates this as 'c.1920', but is quite possibly earlier as the latest date noted is 1899. An unusually extensive bookseller's catalogue in small format giving short descriptions of books wanted providing an interesting insight into what was in demand at the beginning of the twentieth century. 'Any parcels of books sent, I willingly pay carriage both ways, if we do not come to terms. Cash always sent by return post.' Walter Spencer, book and print seller, established his business in 1883. He published Forty Years in My Bookshop in 1923 and died in 1936, but the business continued until 1979 when the firm's archive was sold to the Bodleian. 'Tommy' as he was known was a friend of T. J. Wise and attracted customers from Gladstone to Gissing, Henry J. Heinz to Sir Henry Irving. Some of his methods were 'questionable', including creation of false provenance, faking Shaw letters, making up of books with unacknowledged facsimile pages (hence his request in his 'Wants List' - 'Shall be glad to hear of imperfect copies or odd vols of any books or odd plates on this list.'). Nevertheless, this list has been described as 'undoubtedly effective' and which 'could, to a great degree, have been the source of his fortune.'. Seller Inventory # 99380

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Books and Prints Specially Wanted to be ...

Publisher: Walter T. Spencer, Printed by Harpur & Sons, Derby. [c.1910?]

Publication Date: 1910

Store Description

ABA, ILAB & PBFA member. Jarndyce Antiquarian Booksellers have been selling 18th & 19th Century English books, especially first editions of English Literature and Social History since 1969 and are world leading specialists in Dickens. Our premises are opposite the British Museum in Bloomsbury, London. We publish between 4 and 6 major catalogues per annum. As traditional and professional booksellers, we prefer to develop a personal relationship with collectors - and customers via the internet.

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Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Jarndyce, The 19th Century Booksellers
46 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3PA, United Kingdom

Terms of Sale:

Payment on order by VISA, Mastercard, American Express. Postage and insurance to be added at cost. VAT to customers within the EU is applicable on some items.
ABE advises you: 'Buyers can contact sellers directly via the link in the search results'. We look forward to hearing from you.

Shipping Terms:

Shipping charges are estimated by ABE. Contact us for an accurate quote. Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
ABE advises you: 'Buyers can contact sellers directly via the link in the search results'. We look forward to hearing from you.

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