Henry Pordes Books (@henrypordesbook) 's Twitter Profile
Henry Pordes Books

@henrypordesbook

Henry Pordes Books is a bookshop on Charing Cross Rd, specialising in rare, modern and antiquarian books.

ID: 949651238

linkhttp://www.henrypordesbooks.com/ calendar_today15-11-2012 12:31:40

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We present first editions of Jurassic Park (1990) and The Lost World (1995) by Michael Crichton — the books that made us all believe we could run faster than a T-Rex (and that cloning dinosaurs might not be the best weekend project).

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Today we present Inferno by Dante Alighieri, illustrated by the incomparable Gustave Doré and published in 1892. Doré’s dramatic vision brings Dante’s descent into Hell to life — every circle, every torment, rendered with bold contrasts, intricate detail, and theatrical flair.

Today we present Inferno by Dante Alighieri, illustrated by the incomparable Gustave Doré and published in 1892. Doré’s dramatic vision brings Dante’s descent into Hell to life — every circle, every torment, rendered with bold contrasts, intricate detail, and theatrical flair.
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Following the journey, we continue with Purgatorio and Paradiso, published in 1893, again illustrated by Doré. From the ascent of Mount Purgatory to the celestial visions of Paradise, Doré’s illustrations capture the poetry’s sublime grandeur, light, and transcendence.

Following the journey, we continue with Purgatorio and Paradiso, published in 1893, again illustrated by Doré. From the ascent of Mount Purgatory to the celestial visions of Paradise, Doré’s illustrations capture the poetry’s sublime grandeur, light, and transcendence.
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We present Cherrywood Cannon, illustrated by R. Steadman and based on a story told to him by Dimitry Sidjanski, a pairing as unexpected as the book itself. Steadman reinvented modern illustration with his explosive ink splatters, wild distortions, and erratic line.

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Flagellation & the Flagellants: A History of the Rod in All Countries… by the Rev. Wm. M. Cooper (published by William Reeves). There are chapters on flagellation among Jews, the Romans, Jesuits, the whipping of thieves, and even the reputed curative powers of the rod.

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The Book of Common Prayer — a compact yet richly bound volume containing the liturgy, psalms, rites, and sacraments of the United Church of England and Ireland. A beautifully worked leather cover, framed with intricate gilt tooling, and still fitted with its original metal clasp.

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A complete trio of first editions from Len Deighton’s “Berlin Game” trilogy: Berlin Game, Mexico Set, and London Match. A full set of first editions is always a thrill, sleek dust jackets, sharp writing, and Cold War tension in three perfectly matched volumes

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Let’s adore W. Heath Robinson once more. A charming 1908 illustrated edition of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. His delicate lines and gentle humour fit the play perfectly, capturing its disguises, confusions, and bright Illyrian mischief with his unmistakable touch.

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I thought I more or less knew what could be the worst thing to hear in a bookshop. That is, until someone today whispered to their friend: "Who's Jane Austen?"

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A lovely 1899 edition of The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Helen Stratton. And yes, yes, I know: it’s all in black and white. Honestly? With her, colour would only get in the way. Her pen work is so delicate, so atmospheric, so richly textured.

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Our Christmas decorations are finally up. And yes, we’re already far too excited. The shop is officially glowing and sparkling. Now begins the annual December dilemma: What on earth do we buy for ourselves? (And for family, of course… eventually.)

Our Christmas decorations are finally up. And yes, we’re already far too excited.
The shop is officially glowing and sparkling. Now begins the annual December dilemma: What on earth do we buy for ourselves? (And for family, of course… eventually.)
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Man Visible and Invisible by C. W. Leadbeater, one of the more curious and colourful explorations from the Theosophical movement. He show the “different types of men as seen by trained clairvoyance”, complete with his known aura and classifications of emotional, mental states.

Man Visible and Invisible by C. W. Leadbeater, one of the more curious and colourful explorations from the Theosophical movement. He show the “different types of men as seen by trained clairvoyance”, complete with his known aura and classifications of emotional, mental states.
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Christmas always feels a little more magical with Harry Potter, snowy halls, woolly jumpers from Mrs Weasley, and that cosy winter sparkle. We’re celebrating the season with our Bloomsbury edition, perfect for curling up on dark evenings and returning to Hogwarts once more.

Christmas always feels a little more magical with Harry Potter, snowy halls, woolly jumpers from Mrs Weasley, and that cosy winter sparkle. We’re celebrating the season with our Bloomsbury edition, perfect for curling up on dark evenings and returning to Hogwarts once more.
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Some Christmas stories come and go, but A Christmas Carol stays forever. I first read it at nine, it’s been part of my Christmas ever since: a little spooky, full of hope, and perfect for young readers starting their own traditions. We have quite a lovely selection in the shop.

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Are you hunting for a gift for that friend: the one fascinated by anthropology, mysticism, and cultures half a world (and a lifetime) away? Look no further. A rare 2nd edition (1949) of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, edited and translated by W. Y. Evans-Wentz.

Are you hunting for a gift for that friend: the one fascinated by anthropology, mysticism, and cultures half a world (and a lifetime) away? Look no further. A rare 2nd edition (1949) of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, edited and translated by W. Y. Evans-Wentz.
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While shelving, we stumbled across an old office Secret Santa note tucked inside a book, complete with a tiny gift budget and a colleague’s name. The rules are written with full corporate seriousness… for a gift that probably cost less than a bookmark.

While shelving, we stumbled across an old office Secret Santa note tucked inside a book, complete with a tiny gift budget and a colleague’s name. The rules are written with full corporate seriousness… for a gift that probably cost less than a bookmark.
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What’s a better reminder of the old days, the real, glitter-dusted, childhood Christmas ones, than a stack of beloved children’s books? One glimpse at a familiar illustration and suddenly you’re back by the tree, believing that stories and snowflakes had secret lives of their own

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If you need a gift for someone who knows exactly which Austen hero they’d marry — we’ve got you. Something witty, romantic, bookish, and a touch old-fashioned (in the best way). Here are a few ideas to charm even the most devoted Austenite: We have an Austen for every pocket.

If you need a gift for someone who knows exactly which Austen hero they’d marry — we’ve got you. Something witty, romantic, bookish, and a touch old-fashioned (in the best way). Here are a few ideas to charm even the most devoted Austenite: We have an Austen for every pocket.
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We present a wonderfully elegant early-1900s set of Charles Dickens, published by J. M. Dent & Co. and bound in full vellum, each cover glowing with intricate gilt Art-Nouveau decoration. Inside, you’ll find beautiful full-colour plates with soft richness.

We present a wonderfully elegant early-1900s set of Charles Dickens, published by J. M. Dent & Co. and bound in full vellum, each cover glowing with intricate gilt Art-Nouveau decoration. Inside, you’ll find beautiful full-colour plates with soft richness.
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There’s just something about Christmas and Agatha Christie, the crackle of a fire, the hush of winter nights, and a mystery waiting to unwind itself one clue at a time. No one pairs cosy settings with cold-blooded twists quite like she does.