Harry F. Marks Catalogue No. 4, 1919

A charming snapshot of the early‑twentieth‑century book trade, this 1919 catalogue reads like a love letter to readers. Compiled by a seasoned New York bookseller, it lists a carefully chosen selection of rare, out‑of‑print titles, each described with meticulous attention to binding, illustrations and price. The prose is peppered with a reverent belief that “book‑love” is a timeless pleasure, echoing the sentiment of a bygone era.

Among the treasures are a six‑volume, maroon‑calf edition of Addison’s works, a lavish unexpurgated set of William Harrison Ainsworth’s historical romances printed on Japanese vellum, and a deluxe twelve‑volume Aldus Classics series featuring translations of Rabelais, Boccaccio and Rousseau in gilt‑edged morocco. The catalogue also showcases poetic translations of Secundus and an unexpurgated French‑to‑English love romance limited to a few hundred copies, each bound with gold‑stamped parchment and Fabriano sides. For collectors, the detailed notes and generous return policy add a reassuring personal touch.