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Albert Einstein’s The Meaning of Relativity is one of the most significant scientific texts of the 20th century, presenting the content of a series of lectures delivered at Princeton University in 1921. These lectures aimed to make the principles of relativity more accessible to a general audience, though they remained highly technical and mathematically rigorous. This first edition, published by Methuen in 1922, marks the first English-language appearance of Einstein’s expanded thoughts on the subject, solidifying his relationship with Princeton and bridging European and American scientific discourse. This particular copy is a presentation copy, adding to its rarity and desirability among collectors. The book itself remains one of the earliest accessible versions of Einstein’s groundbreaking work on relativity, originally presented to a lay audience yet dense with advanced mathematical explanations. The Princeton lectures were Einstein’s attempt to explain his theories beyond the academic sphere, though they still required a strong foundation in higher mathematics. The publication of this edition represents an important moment in Einstein’s career, as it followed closely on the heels of his 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. The association with Princeton, which would later offer Einstein a permanent academic home at the Institute for Advanced Study, further underscores its historical significance. Methuen’s role in publishing the first English edition of The Meaning of Relativity also reflects the firm’s broader contributions to bringing European intellectual thought to an English-speaking audience. This first edition is particularly scarce in good condition, and presentation copies are even more desirable. A cornerstone work in the history of modern physics, this book is an essential acquisition for serious collectors of Einsteiniana, early 20th-century scientific literature, and rare first editions.
£2,675.00
A complete eight-volume set of Hume’s History of England, published in 1816 by J. Hatchard, bookseller to the Queen, London. This 1816 edition represents a refined adaptation of Hume’s original text by Rev. George Berkeley Mitchell, a chaplain to the Duke of York, intended for a family audience. It reflects the evolving tastes and moral sensibilities of the Regency period while preserving Hume’s commitment to historical accuracy. Originally authored by David Hume, this iconic work charts England’s history from the Roman invasion through to the 17th century, with omissions and alterations to make the text more suitable for younger readers and Christians. Each volume features firm bindings, light to moderate spotting and tanning, and retains its original leather and cloth binding.
£225.00
A large and very rare volume containing 196 engraved plates for David Hume’s History of England, Bowyer edition, published by the Historic Gallery, Pall Mall, London, in 1793. This impressive folio-sized book (47.5 cm tall) features plates in good condition for their age, with light patina, spotting, and tanning around the edges. The first plate, depicting David Hume, is nearly detached, and the spine cloth is detached from the text block, requiring restoration. The vast majority of plates are still firmly attached to the text block. Boards are sturdy with some edge wear, bumping, and cloth tears to both sides (see images). It’s unclear how many plates were included in this folio; Bowyer’s edition contained 197 plates, and after recounting three times we’ve established this volume contains 196. A similar, two-volume set can be found at The Royal Academy of Arts.
£575.00
This edition was published by Mills & Boon in 1968. Rosalind Comes Home is an engaging tale of unrequited love and second chances. Since childhood, Rosalind has cherished hopes of a future with her stepbrother, Rowland. Yet, when he made it clear he did not share her feelings, she left New Zealand to pursue an independent life abroad. Now, four years later, Rosalind returns home, only to find that her heart has not changed. But with Rowland’s own feelings still seemingly unaltered, Rosalind must decide whether to hold onto her dreams or finally let go.
£17.00