Search Results: 20th Century Rare Book from Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.

Washington DC, USA. Very Good. 1897. On offer is an old cloth-bound notebook (9"x12") containing the stored patent papers for twenty-four (24) mechanical inventions from 1897 thru 1965 with the majority in the first 20 years of the century. Documents were maintained by an aero-space firm in Massachusetts that went out of business in the nineties but whose name we do not know. Papers include diagrams, descriptions, technical data and patent info for devices that were likely issued to, purchased by or owned by the company over many years. Patents include: Governing Device for Fluid Pressure Motors, 1897 (Patent # 582,233); Method of Governing Prime Movers, 1900 (# 661, 222); Apparatus for Governing Elastic Fluid Turbines, 1904 (# 749,476); Frequency Control System, 1924 (# 1,505,158) and the Constant Frequency Alternating Control System, 1965 (# 3,178, 630). VG.; English Language; 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, PATENT, PATENTS, AMERICANA,… Read More

BEDFORD, UNITED KINGDOM. Good. 1900. On offer is a very interesting and unusual volume - a handwritten book of cordial, wine cocktail and beer recipes from circa 1900 from a very old, established Chemist firm in the UK. The BBC Good Food Guide calls cordials 'capturing the taste of summer' but whether it's capturing a taste or securing a winter's supply, this book has it. The book is about 7 inches by 4 1/2 inched and contains 190 pages. It is about 50% complete. The recipes are generally quite legible and understandable. Taylor, Brawn & Flood Co. Ltd were Chemists in Bedford, UK, about 60 miles north of London. The firm was established in 1780 and continued until 1984. This handwritten recipe book dates likely from the inter-war years - there is a letter enclosed, dated May 20m 1943. They manufactured many different types of compounds and chemicals, including soft drinks and cordials. It is quite likely that this recipe book was used in the manufacture of their… Read More

Illinois, United States. Good with no dust jacket. 1900. Softcover. On offer is a fine description of a young woman’s life in small-town America at the turn of the 20th century. The author of this diary is Marie Weckesser. From context, we know that she is a young woman, likely in her early twenties. Although we have no specific biographical information about her, we do know that she is related to the Landis family in Sterling, Illinois, specifically John & Susan Landis who were her uncle and aunt. Our informal research has not been able to find any additional biographical information about her. From context we know that she lived in the Sterling, Illinois - Rock Falls, Illinois area. Her diary begins in May of 1900. Most days she enters several descriptive lines. It continued through until September 1901. Her entries describe a quiet life lived with presumably her sister. Her father is mentioned in passing at various points but there is no reference to her mother. Her days are… Read More

London England. Very Good. 1902. On offer is a sensational, original 1902 manuscript book titled "Birds' Nests" handwritten by famed English ornithologist Charles Dixon. This 250 page book is a superb effort as to the depth of the subject matter and the regard held by the author who had the book specially bound by Zaehnsdorf of London, England obviously meant for his publisher as noted in the list of works listed below. Overall VG. WIKIPEDIA: Charles Dixon (1858-1926) was an English ornithologist, born in London. He discovered the St Kilda Wren and a new species in North Africa. He collaborated with Henry Seebohm on his great work on British Birds, in the second volume of which he summarized and modified A. R. Wallace's theory of the relation between nests and coloration of birds. Dixon made a special study of bird migration - especially in his book The Migration of Birds (new edition, 1897), an ingenious but overtheoretical work - and of geographical distribution of… Read More

Perth Amboy New York. Very Good+. 1903. On offer is a massive archive of typed and handwritten manuscript papers relating to THOMAS D. PITTS, famed American Ship Wright and Naval Architect. From his personal files the archive boasts two sections: 1a) a detailed journal used as a diary during the important design and construction of the Cadet Ship YOUNG AMERICA, and 1b) over sixty [60] papers including correspondence, the Contract Agreement and much, much more from Mr. Pitts estate. Companies mentioned include the Perth Amboy Shipbuilding and Engineering Co., the Nautical Preparatory School, Rodermond Brothers and more. The second section is 2a) comprised of three typed and handwritten "Letter Books" dated 1903 [63 pp], 1904 [497 pp] and 1905 [383pp]. These 10" x 12" copy books are perfect carbon-type copies of the original letters whose number is over 500 each running between 1 and 3 pages. All of the letters are written by Thomas Pitts. The earliest book involves… Read More

CHICHESTER ENGLAND SUSSEX. Good. 1904. On offer is an original manuscript notebook, handwritten by published author Alfred H Peat, mainly on Sussex Churches. The book deals with over 40 churches and other topics, and was drawn on heavily for the author's published work "Churches and other Antiquities of West Sussex", published by J W Moore in Chichester in 1906. The book measures 23cm by 19cm, is signed "A H Peat, Chichester 1904" at the front, has 259 handwritten pages, and is bound in half red morocco, blue cloth boards. The binding is somewhat rubbed and scuffed (but intact), the contents are generally in good condition, although one leaf is detached from the binding. ; Manuscript; 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, ALFRED H. PEAT, SUSSEX CHURCHES, CHURCHES AND OTHER ANTIQUITIES OF WEST SUSSEX, CHURCH OF ENGLAND, ANGLICAN, RELIGION, RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS OF ENGLAND, AUTHORS, HANDWRITTEN, MANUSCRIPT, AUTOGRAPHED, AUTHORS, MANUSCRIPT,… Read More

IMPERIAL RUSSIA MANCHURIA CHINA ASIA. Good+. 1904. On offer is an original, significant, Polish language manuscript book of letters originally handwritten by a Polish military Doctor [Dr. M. Szwarca] who served in Russia during the Russo - Japanese War in 1904 through 1905. This unique correspondence book details the doctor's experiences from Russia to Manchuria [Manjuria] and the Battle of Mukden and more. Researchers and historians of the era should find a treasure trove of first hand observations by the Doctor beyond the few mentioned from our casual research. The cover states [translation]: "Letters from the Far East" and likely this book was re-written by the recipient who transcribed the letters they received into book format. Someone, the friend or the Doctor added maps and other notes. The 8.25 x 7 inch book is overall VG.; Manuscript; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, DR. M. SZWARCA, RUSSIA JAPAN WAR, IMPERIAL RUSSIA VS… Read More

On offer is a fine diary by Bessie Townsend, a young high school student turned teacher working at the turn of the 20th century in rural Vermont. Bessie Townsend kept this diary throughout 1905. At the time of writing, she was completing high school at the Black River Academy located in Ludlow, Vermont, and embarking on a teaching career. The diary contains numerous short daily entries that describe life on the farm and at school: "About 30 pupils in school. Everyone has German measles" (March 20). "Went to school. My eyes are bloodshot and my face [rough? ] and I don't feel well. Hope I shant have German measles" (March 23). "Dr. Bates cleared me said I didn't have measles. I have got them all the same. Doused tonight" (March 24). "Mama walked to Tyson to get her valise check. Rain tonight. Ma and I had a fight she don't hardly speak to me" (July 18). "Washed and folded the clothes and got supper then Will took me to Tyson. I had offers from 4 schools. All give about $4.50 clear per week"… Read More

JERUSALEM. Good+. 1906. Leather Spine. On offer is an original 1906 manuscript work on the History of the Christian Church, with an Eastern perspective, from ancient times to modern times and the relationship with Western Christianity. The work of a scrivener, in 1906 Jerusalem, a beautiful cursive hand in Greek, over 570 hand-numbered pages this was obviously a cherished volume owned perhaps by 'X.K.' as denoted in gilt on the leather spine cap. Title page: History of the Church; History of the Church of the 4th year; Author: Christos Ikonomidis; Jerusalem 1906. Chapters include: Introduction to the History of the Church; Prosecutions; History of the Prosecutions to the Church; Introduction to the Causes of the Prosecutions; The Nero like attitude of the Roman Society to the Christian Church; The Order of Trianu in response to Plianion; The Prosecution of Valeriu +++ Overall G+; GREEK; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall; HISTORY OF GREEK ORTHODOXY, HISTORY OF THE… Read More

On offer is a sensational, original 1906 manuscript diary handwritten by a young man named Jasper W. O'Farrell, who we believe was the son or grandson of Jasper O'Farrell a famed early San Francisco resident, surveyor, land holder and Senator. [There are streets in San Francisco named after him and a chain of eateries!] All the more fascinating is the narrative by the young O'Farrell who lived through the notorious earthquake of 1906. Writing in fits and spurts throughout about a third of the book he does a good job detailing the tragedy of the earthquake and the wreckage it caused, even the destruction of his own home. An interesting counterpoint to his entries on the massive earthquake are his writings of trips including going to Yosemite for several days. Here are some snippets: "Today we all went to the Cliff Hose and had refreshments at the M&M Hotel. In the evening we all went to Mrs Moffats and spent the evening…John B and I went across the bay with them. While on the boat the little chicken… Read More

BELGIAN CONGO ALBERTVILLE, 1906. On offer is an original letter, written in English, dated Haut (Upper) Congo, Nov 14th 1906, by an unknown female writer who appears to be the wife of a missionary who was being prosecuted by the Congo Police, (casual research suggest this is possibly the British Reverend Edgar Stannard). The letter specifically refers to implication in the "Commandant Hagström affair..." The tremendous political controversy surrounded a charge of libelling Congo police officer Hagström, made by the Governor General of the Congo Free State and King Leopold, against the Reverend who accused Hagström of practicing brutality and cannibalism. Arthur Conan Doyle also described exploitation and atrocities in his book "The Crime of the Congo." . Very Good. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Manuscript.

AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS. Good. 1906. On offer is an outstanding collection of minute books, records and ledger of a significant Women's Club that has been in continuous operation for well over 100 years. In 1900, Minnie Dana founded a club for women with a mission "To promote interest of the members in Literature, Science, Art and other timely topics of vital importance; to further social relations among its members; and to contribute to the welfare of the community", Thus began the Thursday Club, a club that operates to this day, well over a century later. The meetings focused on an eclectic range of subjects and members were expected to speak on a wide variety of topics. These topics included biographies, the suffrage movement, the effects of industrialization, a trip to Hawaii, Shakespeare, History, taking care of the feeble minded, etc. It is clearly evident that these were well-educated women who were engaged in the world around them. Each journal follows a consistent… Read More

Europe. Good+. 1907. On offer is the handwritten manuscript diary of F. Hobart Hargraves of West Buxton Maine, a young man [pre-teen we suspect] who is touring Europe with his parents in the summer of 1907. Research finds that Hobart's grandfather was A.K.P. Lord of Providence Rhode Island and husband of Sarah O. Drown, was a noted Mason whose grandson followed into the Brotherhood. The entries start out on June 1st, 1907 and end on June 22nd, 50 pages later. Some of the pages list express trains and coaches taken, tunnels gone through, hotels stayed at and his itinerary. Some of those places listed are; Milan, Como, Lucerne, Berne, Geneva, Paris, Bruxelles and London. Here are snippets: 1907 "June 1st, We went from Milan to Como then to Cadenabbia (?) and staid over night and then to Bellagio and then to station and took the trains over the mountains too. Then took the boat to Lugano then took the St. RR." "June 5th, Como to Berne in the forenoon and in the afternoon… Read More

GERMANY [?]. Good+. 1907. On offer is a sensational, original early 20th Century manuscript book of 100s of baking and dessert confection recipes handwritten and compiled as per the inscription on the pastedown: "Michael Karner Konditor 1907". Rarely have we seen such a comprehensive book of recipes of such breadth in the dessert arts. The book has an index at the beginning indicating 32 pages of German specialties: Makron Masse, Gefullte Makronen, Linzertieg, Klezen Brod, Maderaschnitten, Gugelhupf, etc. Then from page 34 on the next 200 or so pages written in excellent English peppered with the odd German word [putting cream in the 'mittel' of something for example] it begins with English Food Cakes to Golden Rod Cakes, New York Orange to all manner of cookies, turnovers, pies, donuts, buns, rolls, puddings, parfaits, etc. etc. The index continues at the rear and then there follows a six page section of hand drawn illustrations appearing to be cake icing designs, some… Read More

Very Good+. 1910. On offer is a superb group of five [5] manuscript books encompassing the history of submarines and underwater naval warfare from 1901 through to 1971. The books were handwritten and compiled in cloth covered, hard bound books by British submarine authority Leslie Honeywill who was a Chief Engine Room Artificer [CERA] or a plumber as he jokingly called himself, on a number of submarines. These are not finished published books but bound manuscripts that contain corrections, amendments, highlighting for emphasis or when the type print was too light. Adding even further depth there are tucked and tipped in one of a kind access original photos, postcards and news clippings all relating to Submarines. Very comprehensive, Honeywill used a wide variety of sources [over 100 referenced] covering 70 years of naval history besides the breadth of his own hands on experience and personal knowledge. Historians, researchers and collectors of naval history will find a superb primary… Read More

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO. Good+. 1910. On offer is an excellent ledger book from the early 1900's of century old Canadian firm. Measuring approximately 12 inches by 7.5 inches, it contains 100 pages and is 100% complete. The hard cover and pages within are all in very good condition and the handwriting is quite legible. William Lech and Sons was a furrier business that operated in Peterborough, ON for 146 years. The business was established in 1861 by William Lech, an immigrant from Prussia and son of a Prussian soldier. The Lech family came from Bremen in the Kingdom of Prussia. William Lech's father was a Prussian soldier who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. After France's defeat of Prussia, he served in Napoleon's Prussian contingent and was present for the Retreat from Moscow and the Battle of Waterloo and the Siege of Paris. Lech left Bremen in 1854 and emigrated to New York City. After sending for his wife, they made their way to Montreal. A furrier by training, he… Read More

ARIZONA USA AZ. Good+. 1910. On offer are four [4] handwritten manuscript diaries [and one journal] starting December 6th 1910 to Aug 29 1913 detailing the intimate, emotional thoughts and feelings of a young Arizona woman on her journey to become a woman during the early years of the 20th century prior to and during and in a later book after the Great War. Historians and collectors of Arizona history will be delighted as Jennaveve proves to be an utterly charming young woman who gives a superb sense of the Arizona Territory as it enters the Union in 1913 as the 48th State and in the same year women's suffrage also comes to Arizona. However Miss John does not seemed charmed by her new life after high school enough to lament she wishes she had never left high school. Besides her heartfelt thoughts and observations one finds dotting the journals are numerous hand drawn pictures, newspaper clippings, dried flowers and other illustrations. She talks about school, boys, her friends and… Read More

BOISE NATIONAL FOREST, IDAHO, IO. Good. 1911. On offer is a fascinating leather bound journal, kept by Forest Rangers in the Danskin District of the Boise National Forest in the early part of the 20th century. The book is a record of the homestead claims in the area from 1911 to 1916. Under the Homestead Acts, eligible American citizens were given ownership of land, called a "homestead", at no cost. The book’s claims are alphabetized by last name. In order to be granted a homestead, an applicant had to be the head of the household or at least twenty-one years old and they had to live on the designated land, build a home, make improvements, and farm it for a minimum of five years. The entries in the book keep track of the homesteader’s claim and remark on whether or not they are doing the necessary requirements. The rangers would visit the properties on a semi regular basis to note if it was being used and improved, how many acres under cultivation, number of buildings… Read More

Brooklyn, New York: Brooklyn, New York, Rhode Island, Civil War Veteran, Maine. Good with no dust jacket. 1913. Hardcover. On offer is an excellent example of a Wanamaker diary and detailed NYC map dating from pre-WWI America. The diary belonged to Eliza J. Webster Mason (1842-1926) , wife of George E. Mason (1840-1905) , an artist, musical instrument manufacturer, and Civil War veteran. They had three children, two of whom lived to adulthood, and several grandchildren, who play a prominent role in this diary. SEE FULL BIO NOTES ON ELIZA AND GEORGE AT THE END OF THE LISTING. Eliza kept this diary every day of 1913, when she was 71-years-old. She was widowed, having lost George seven years prior. At the time she kept this diary, Eliza was a deeply devoted grandmother, Eliza leads a comfortable middle-upper middle class life. She is living with her son, George, and his family. She views herself as an integral part of the lives of her daughter-in-law, Bessie, and her grandsons, Edwin and… Read More

New York. Good with no dust jacket. 1913. Hardcover. On offer is the diary of an unknown, wealthy New York City woman that offers a very revealing look at the life of an upper class suburban household in 1913. The unknown diarist is a young woman living at home with her mother. Her writing, though grammatically correct, is of an affected, rather ponderous style. Some excerpts from the diary give the flavour of her writing style, as follows: “In my physical condition, tonight my proclivity almost lead me to pass up this chronicle and record on the morrow but willpower [ ] and superior energy gained the day for me…” [Mar 10]. “The Beauties of suburban life in Flatbush struck me as being prodigious this morning as I seated myself at dejeuner…” [June 1]. “The last trying episode of a day of many demanding labors though I have rather been in the mood and so consequently drew enjoyment from my labors…” [Oct 19]. There are many hints about their… Read More