Candid, readable account of capture & internment during the French Revolution. These fascinating letters recount 6 months in "study of the effects of the Revolution in that remote corner of Brittany". Tench [1758?–1833], British Marine Officer, author & astute observationalist, led a varied & dramatic life involving several key historical events: he served in the war for American independence; then in 1788 he landed in Botany Bay with the First Fleet [his published accounts provide important early documentation of the colony]. Attractive modern rebind in excellent condition.

Orchard Bookshop is proud to be showcasing an extraordinary collection of Plath items, including a First Edition of The Bell Jar [with pseudonym Victoria Lucas]; Proof Copy of The Colossus [Plath's first book] & a lovely First Edition of Ariel

Finnish author/illustrator Tove Jansson created the iconic Moomintroll characters in 1945 [publishing "The Moomins & The Great Flood"]. Nine novels, five picture books & a long-running comic strip would then follow. The Moomins ran in the Swedish-language newspaper "Ny Tid" from 1947, with the English version first appearing in 1954 in London’s "Evening News". This book represents the first appearance of the Moomin comic strip in book form [in any language].

"We Have Always Lived In The Castle" was Shirley Jackson’s sixth & final novel, with many declaring it her masterpiece. A classic of gothic disquietude, First Editions of this title [and most other Jackson titles, to be fair] are keenly sought. However, the book design, especially the cream spine & predominantly white dustjacket, often lends itself to disagreeable discolouration. We are happy to report our copy is in exceptional condition for this title. "[Shirley Jackson is] leader in the field of beautifully written, quiet, cumulative shudders" - Dorothy Parker

Radical feminist Valerie Solanas achieved notoriety & exposure for her cause by shooting Andy Warhol in 1968. And, when selling her original self-published edition of SCUM Manifesto on the streets [1967], Solanas sold copies for $1 to women but charged men $2... at this year's Fair, we will be courting controversy by also implementing a two-tier pricing structure for this book!

Stunning letterpress production from Leonard Baskin's Gehenna Press, limited to just 110 copies [ours, nicely, is #110], consists of 11 poems by Ted Hughes with each accompanied by a signed Baskin etching. Published in the year of Hughes' death [1998], Howls & Whispers sits with Birthday Letters [published the same year] as a deeply personal reflection of his life with Sylvia Plath.