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The News Archive contains all the News articles that have been published on the Jonkers web site. |
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VALUATIONS AND ACQUISITIONS |
May 2, 2013 |
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We are always happy to view and appraise books. There is no charge for an initial appraisal. In order to provide a valuation we need to see the book, for appointments please phone 01491 576427, specialist valuers are available most days. We regret that we are unable to provide valuations by email or telephone.
BOOKS AND LIBRARIES PURCHASED
We are always keen to acquire fine books, either individually or as a whole collection. Special areas of interest are:
First Editions of Literature; Children's Fiction; Illustrated and Fine Press Books; Thames Topography; Economics; Travel and Exploration; History and Fine Bindings.
Contact us by phone 01491 576427 or email to find out more. |
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POSTAGE |
March 8, 2013 |
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UK: First class Royal Mail delivery is £5 for the average sized book, or £10 for next day courier service.
OVERSEAS: Airmail to most destinations is £15 for the average sized book or from £25 for courier delivery.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries regarding delivery options. |
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SITUATION VACANT FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATOR / PERSONAL ASSISTANT |
March 5, 2013 |
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We are currently seeking an additional member to join our team. The role is a varied one and would suit someone with PA / admin experience or a parent returning to work. You need to be organized, self-motivated, practical and flexible. An ability to deal with customers at all levels is essential. Knowledge of working with Macs is useful, familiarity with excel/ photoshop/ email useful, but not essential.
The role involves admin tasks such as: Answering phones; Overseeing post, sending parcels, liaison with couriers etc; Stationery ordering and management; Dealing with customer enquiries – in person, by phone and email; Managing paperwork for trade shows, including export licence applications, tax permits etc;
Making / researching travel and accommodation reservations; General overview of shop organization, updating calendars and paperwork; PA duties for partners and shop manager; Supplier liaison; Some general housekeeping duties; Website updating, administrative tasks only (no programming required)
Salary subject to experience, c£20,000
Hours: Monday – Friday 09.30 – 5.30
To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Sam Jonkers
by email
CLOSING DATE 18th March, 2013 |
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COLLECTING CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND ORIGINAL BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS |
January 6, 2013 |
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From grandparents wishing to share fairy tales with their offspring to Godparents selecting their favourite children’s stories and those for whom reacquainting themselves with a beloved childhood volume is a real joy, the reasons for collecting children’s books are many and varied.
As specialists in children’s books, over the past decades we have assisted many collectors in the tracking down of long lost volumes, always a varied and interesting task. Each collection has a different feel, some people are exacting in terms of the condition of the books they seek; others are enchanted by the beauty of illustrated volumes of fairy tales and for some the great enjoyment of reliving childhood memories is palpable. We aim to listen to your requirements and advise each customer on an individual basis.
Over the years this process has enabled us to handle some real gems including: copies of Winnie the Pooh, containing manuscript verses by A.A. Milne and original unpublished drawings by E.H. Shepard; signed copies of Enid Blyton’s books from her own library; paintings and picture letters by Beatrix Potter and original manuscripts by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Rudyard Kipling and Anthony Buckeridge.
First editions of collectable children’s books begin at around £20, but prices for older or unique material can soar, for first editions of Alice in Wonderland of The Hobbit expect to pay multiple thousands.
If you would like to discuss collecting or selling children’s books please call 01491 576427 and speak to Sam Jonkers, our children’s specialist.
BROWSE SOME OF OUR CURRENT STOCK OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS |
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ORIGINAL PAINTINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS : BEATRIX POTTER, WINNIE THE POOH, ARTHUR RACKHAM AND MANY MORE |
December 5, 2012 |
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In addition to illustrated books we have a carefully selected range of original artwork by book illustrators; including work by Golden Age artists such as Arthur Rackham, Kay Nielsen, Florence Harrison, Florence Anderson and Warwick Goble, plus images from famous children's books such as Winnie the Pooh, The Wind in the Willows, Noddy and the tales of Beatrix Potter.
Please click here to view a selection of Original Artwork
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EDWARD ARDIZZONE 1900 - 1979 |
August 3, 2012 |
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Despite being born in China to a French National of Italian descent, Ardizzone’s work is quintessentially English. His style is one of loose sketches, heavily cross hatched and often coloured using a bright palette. His subjects are frequently ordinary people in ordinary settings and his style makes them full of movement.
Ardizzone gave up work as a clerk in 1927, deciding he wanted to be an artist. His appalled father sent him on a European tour (his sketching in Venice undoubtedly influenced his later work The Lion That Flew.) Initially work was hard to come by, but he found commercial success in the world of book illustration. Making up adventure stories for his children led to the series of Tim books, which were both written and illustrated by him. In 1956 he won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for Tim All Alone.
He worked prolifically in a career spanning 50 years, illustrating both children’s books and classic works of literature. Just before he died he finished his last illustrated work, Ardizzone’s English Fairy Tales.
Please click here to view a selection of Edward Ardizzone books
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HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA 27th June - 1st JULY 2012 |
June 14, 2012 |
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Henley Regatta was established in 1839 and has taken place annually ever since, with the exception of some of the war years. The event attracts crews from around the world and is a major event in the British sporting and social calendar. The beautiful Thames scenery and the charm of the market town of Henley combine to make the event a great spectacle. Thus during the final week of June Henley will be thronged with strapping young rowers and gentlemen in flannels and blazers accompanied by ladies in their finery. To mark this year's regatta we have put together a selection of books and maps relating to rowing, the regatta and the Thames, all of which would make suitable souvenirs or gifts. The books range from 19th century rowing almanacs, to guide book and maps, as well as related fiction, such as "The Wind in the Willows" and "Three Men in a Boat". All items can be ordered online or viewed in our shop. For those who do not want to take their purchases to the Pimms tent we offer a full delivery service, feel free to phone for more details on 01491 576427.
Please click here to view the selection of Thames and regatta related items
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WORLD BOOK DAY AND ST MARY'S SCHOOL VISIT |
March 1, 2012 |
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To celebrate World Book Day our Henley shop has a display celebrating the history of literature. The books on display range from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and a Shakespeare folio through nineteenth century classics by Austen, Bronte and Dickens right up to date with Harry Potter and an original watercolour for the front cover of the Philosopher's Stone. Please come and visit us to see the books and talk about your own favourite novels.
Children from St Mary's School in Henley visited us on the morning of 1st March and enjoyed looking at the books and paintings. They listened to a story from Aesop's Fables and enjoyed Arthur Rackham's illustrations.
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FLOWER FAIRIES EXHIBITION - MOTTISFONT ABBEY |
September 3, 2011 |
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A wonderful exhibition at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire entitled, "Flower Fairies and Dark Tales'" is running until 2nd October. The exhibition includes 30 of the original flower fairy illustrations by Cicely Mary Barker, as well as some more contemporary fairy tale paintings. Also on view are an Arthur Rackham watercolour from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and a Richard Doyle painting in the style of his famous "In Fairyland", both from our own stock. The house and gardens are open to the public and the house offers an opportunity to see a Rex Whistler trompe l'oeil design in the drawing room.
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WE ARE VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE PURCHASE OF AN ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT BY CHARLES DICKENS |
August 5, 2009 |
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This original handwritten story covers four pages and includes many changes and alterations. It still has with it its posting envelope and a signed covering letter from Dickens. The story entitled "The Sanatorium" was written in 1842 and this original manuscript was given by Dickens as a gift to his friend, Thomas Chapman. The manuscript has been beautifully preserved in a fine full red morocco binding. It is very rare to see original manuscripts of Dicken's writings outside of museums, so we are delighted to be able to display this work here in Henley. The manuscript is priced at £45,000. |
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WILLY POGANY AND HIS GIFT BOOKS (1882 - 1955) |
August 1, 2007 |
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Hungarian born artist, Willy Pogany moved to London where he was commissioned, by George Harrap, to produce his first gift book, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Pogany did not limit is illustration to producing atmospheric watercolours to accompany the text, but provided elaborate designs for the covers, page decorations, intricate and detailed line drawings, as well as carefully draughted calligraphic text. Between 1909 -1914 he produced some of his most famous, important and long-lasting works - The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Tannhauser, Parsifal and Lohengrin. The war brought a decrease in the production of these elaborate gift books and Pogany moved to America to continue his career as an illustrator and set designer. Here he began to use bolder, more vibrant colours and the influence of art deco becomes apparent in his work. In 1930 he provided a new set of illustrations to Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat, this book though very different from his original version is equally beautifully produced and designed. Pogany's books are a delight to handle and it is easy to see why they remain so popular with collectors of beautiful books.
Please click here to view a selection of Willy Pogany books
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BEATRIX POTTER AND THE WARNE FAMILY |
May 30, 2007 |
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 We are delighted to offer for sale a collection of books, cards and autograph letters belonging to the Warne family, publishers of Beatrix Potters little books. Fruing Warne oversaw the production of Miss Potter’s books and his daughters, Winifred and Eveline, became close to Beatrix Potter over the years that she wrote her little tales for children. In fact, Winifred was the owner of the dolls house featured in The Tale of Two Bad Mice and also the person to whom the book was dedicated. Passed down by family descent we are now able to bring some fascinating picture letters and family owned books to the market for the first time.
Full details of the books and letters can be obtained by contacting Sam or Christiaan Jonkers by email or on 01491 576427.
The Warne family items will be displayed as part of a larger collection of books, letters and artwork by Beatrix Potter on stand 38 at the Olympia Antiquarian Bookfair.
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FEATURED IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES |
February 2, 2007 |
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 Jonkers are pleased to announce the acquisition of possibly the most significant existing copy of a printed book from the twentieth century. James Joyce’s Ulysses revolutionised the two hundred year old art form of the novel, and is critically regarded as the book of the century. This particular copy is inscribed by Joyce to his brother, to whom Joyce was extremely close and was a considerable support and literary influence to Joyce. It was bound in full chocolate morocco for the recipient. It is likely to be one of the very first copies of the book that Joyce handled and dated 11 February 1922, is the earliest existing presentation copy.
A brochure giving full details of the writing and publication of Ulysses as well as the history and sigificance of this particular copy, has been produced in an edition of 100 copies. These are available at a cost of £10 and can be ordered by clicking here.
Alternatively to download the brocure in pdf form, click here. |
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CREATING NARNIA - THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE |
October 29, 2006 |
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C.S. Lewis was part of a group of Academics who met in an Oxford pub, called “The Eagle and Child”, but known affectionately to the group as “The Bird and Baby”. Other members of the group included J.R.R. Tolkien and Charles Williams, and due to the literary bent of the group they were given the name of “The Inklings”.
Having already had several novels and theological texts published, in 1948 Lewis wrote a children’s story, on which he asked Tolkien’s opinion. Tolkien was dismissive of the text, criticising it for mixing too many mythical stories; he particularly disliked the introduction of Father Christmas. Geoffrey Bles, Lewis’ publisher, tried to dissuade Lewis from proceeding with the work, as he feared that the author’s reputation as a serious writer may be damaged. Luckily, Lewis was not deterred and after showing the book to a few friends, who claimed to have enjoyed it, he went ahead and completed it.
Tolkien introduced Lewis to an artist named Pauline Baynes, whom he greatly admired, and she was commissioned to provide a colour frontispiece and numerous line drawings for the story.
The book came out in time for Christmas of 1950 and proved immensely popular with children and adults alike. Over the next 7 years Lewis would produce one book each year, the Chronicles of Narnia were born.
Click here to view first editions of the Narnia Books. |
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FEATURED IN THE FINANCIAL TIMES |
October 7, 2006 |
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THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT
This month our advert in the Financial Times feature one of the most important and influencial children's books of the twentieth century. A pdf brocure with full details of this book can be downloaded by clicking here.
To view our full listing of Beatrix Potter items, including first editions, artwork and autograph letters please click here |
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ERROL LE CAIN - ILLUSTRATOR |
May 15, 2006 |
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1941-1989
Errol John Le Cain was born and brought up in the Far East, spending his childhood in Singapore and India. Images from this time in his life permeate his illustrations, which are frequently highly decorative, and vibrant with luminous colour. Le Cain started his career as a book illustrator in 1968, with his first picture book – King Arthur’s Sword, which was one of only a few which he wrote as well as illustrated. It appears that he was most content illustrating books written by others, or giving his own interpretation of classic fairy tales, such as Cinderella (1971), Thorn Rose (1975), and Beauty and the Beast (1979). He once wrote “The first task of an illustrator is to be in full sympathy with the writer. No matter how splendid and exciting the drawings may be, if they work against the story the picture book is a failure” (Illustrators of Children’s Books, by Bertha Mahoney). He obviously believed in what he said, as his work is always representative of the arts and legends of whichever story he is illustrating. His illustrations are usually vividly coloured and full of detail, and his frequent use of decorative borders shows his natural affinity for page design.
After twice being runner up for the Kate Greenaway Medal , he finally won with Hiawatha’s Childhood in 1985.
Please click here to view a selection of Errol Le Cain books
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T.S. ELIOT - PRESENTATION COPIES FROM THE PRIVATE LIBRARY OF ELIOT’S PUBLISHER AND HIS GODSON |
October 23, 2005 |
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Jonkers are pleased to announce the acquisition of possibly the most exciting group of T. S. Eliot first editions to become available in recent years. The collection consists of five significant works from the library of his Godson, Thomas Faber, son of Eliot’s publisher, colleague and friend, Geoffrey Faber.
Thomas Stearns Eliot (1888-1965), poet, critic and editor, has been hailed as one of the key modernist poets of the twentieth century, and is probably best known for The Waste Land (1923), and Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939).
Geoffrey Faber of the publishing firm Faber & Gwyer (later Faber & Faber) met Eliot in the spring of 1923, and recruited him as the company’s literary editor. The relationship that developed between them went far beyond that of mere business acquaintances. Geoffrey’s son, Thomas, became Eliot’s godson, and they maintained a lifelong rapport as friends and confidantes. On Tom's fourth birthday Eliot sent him the first of a series of correspondence about cats, which went on to form the basis for Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. Items offered for sale include The Dedication Copy of Practical Cats; a first edition of The Wasteland, inscribed to Geoffrey Faber; a copy of Faber news, which introduces Cat Morgan; one of a tiny number of privately produced copies of Portrait of a Lady; plus Faber's own copy of Murder in the Cathedral.
Click here to view the T.S Eliot/ Faber items |
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JONKERS NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST ANTIQUARIAN BOOKSHOPS IN THE COUNTRY |
July 9, 2005 |
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An article in the Saturday Independent on the '50 Best Places to Buy Antiques', has named Jonkers amongst the ten best antiquarian bookshops in the country. The piece comments on the "floor to ceiling bookcases packed with a fine selection of antiquarian books...One of the best in the country."
Click here to see full piece. |
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FLORENCE HARRISON WATERCOLOURS |
December 26, 2004 |
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 We are pleased to announce the acquisition of a collection of original watercolours by the pre-raphaelite style illustrator Florence Harrison. The collection consists of twelve plates from her most sought after book, In The Fairy Ring.
A pdf brocure can be downloaded by clicking here. |
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GEORGE ORWELL HIS LIFE AND WORK |
February 15, 2004 |
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Eric Arthur Blair was born in Bengal on 25 June 1903. The following year he and his mother moved to England and bought a house in Henley on Thames. In his early years Orwell attended Sunnylands School in Henley, and later an Eastbourne boarding school. His family home remained in Henley until 1921, although between 1912 and 1915 they live at a house in nearby Shiplake.
Orwell then attended Eton College, where he began his writing career with contributions to the school magazine. Instead of going to university Orwell joined the Indian Imperial Police and served in Burma for 5 years.
On his return to England he began his journalism career in earnest, with articles appearing in both English and French newspapers. During the next few years Orwell started to research the way the poor lived. This research was to provide the foundation for his first book, “Down and Out in Paris and London”. Orwell was embarrassed to put his name to the book and suggested it be published under the pseudonym of George Orwell. The book appeared for the first time in January 1933.
The author’s first novel “Burmese Days”, for which he had difficulty finding a publisher due to its political content, a criticism of British Imperialism, was published in 1934.
After writing another two novels, “Keep the Aspidistra Flying “and “A Clergyman’s Daughter”, Orwell worked on what he described as a “sort of book of essays”. The book describes his journey through the poor areas of the Midlands and the North of England. During his research he stayed with local miners and in a rented room above a tripe shop. His discoveries were published in 1937 in “The Road to Wigan Pier”.
In 1936 Orwell enlisted in the Workers Party of Marxist Unification and went to fight in the Spanish Civil War. During this time he was shot in the throat and forced to spend some time convalescing. During this convalescence he completed what he considered to be his best book, “Homage to Catalonia”.
Orwell was blighted with ill health, suffering from Tuberculosis, and after one particularly bad bout which left him laid up, he started work on his next novel. “It will not be about politics, and it will be about a man who is having a holiday and trying to make a temporary escape from responsibility “. Published in 1939 “Coming Up for Air” was published by Gollancz, in a print run of 2000 copies. The limited print run and the following war made the first printings of the book extremely rare. Orwell noted that the book, “had been blitzed out of existence, so thoroughly that in order to get a copy from which to reset it we had to steal one from a public library”.
During the next few years Orwell’s journalism work became much busier including regular work for the BBC, where he worked in the real “room 101”, broadcasting British War Propaganda.
In 1945 Orwell wrote what has gone on to be considered a seminal work, Animal Farm. When questioned about the book Orwell’s response was, “I do not wish to comment on the work: if it does not speak for itself, it is a failure.”
As if the contribution of George Orwell to 20th century literature were not already great enough his final novel went on to provide us with another of the greatest books of the century. Published in 1949 the ground breaking, “Nineteen Eighty-Four”, warned of the possible dangers of propaganda and state control. The book has provided us with not one, but a whole host of descriptive phrases which have slipped into the English language’s every day usage.
Months after seeing Nineteen Eighty-Four in print Orwell died of Tuberculosis. He is buried at Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire.
A selection of Orwell’s books can be viewed both here on the website and in our Henley showroom.
Click here to view our stock of George Orwell first editions |
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AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS: JESSIE M. KING |
July 29, 2003 |
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Jessie M King Jessie King Glasgow School illustrator artwork pottery
Jessie Marion King was the fourth daughter born to a cleric’s family in a Glasgow suburb. Against the wishes of her parents, she enrolled in the Glasgow school of Art at the age of 17 where she was taught with Charles Rennie Mackintosh and heavily influenced by Art Nouveau and the developing ‘Glasgow Style’.
Illustrating over 100 books she has been described as the ‘most important Scottish illustrator of the Twentieth Century’ (Colin White).
.jpg) The design for L’Evangile de L’enfance (1894) was one of the pieces that brought King into the public eye. Displayed at the 1902 Turin Exhibition, this binding won King the gold medal for book design.
.jpg) King went on to design a beautiful vellucent binding for The Story of Rosalynde in 1902 for Cedric Chivers. The book is bound in full vellum with intricate designs to both covers and spine in ink and water-colour. The main image depicts two graceful knights in armour kneeling at the foot of an immense rose tree. The binding is heightened by gilt lines and an inverted Mother of Pearl heart shaped inlay. Completed in the period when Jessie was both student and teacher at the Glasgow School of Art this work is typical of the high quality detailed designs she produced in the early 1900’s.
.jpg) During this time Jessie also produced numerous intricate line drawings displaying an impressive capturing of shadows and fine detail. Dwellings of An Old World Town (1909), comprising of drawings of Culcross and Fifeshire, is typical of the style of books she had published at this time.
 As her work developed, King began to use a gentler style. An example of this can be seen in The Studio (1913) which contains King’s popular Christmas Supplement Seven Happy Days. The colours used for this are lovely pastel shades all highlighted with glints of silver or gold. The book also contains eight line drawings with the same very delicate beauty.
.jpg) At the start of World War 1, after spending seven years living in Paris, King and her husband, EA Taylor, decided to move back to Scotland. They settled in Kirkudbright where many of her famous drawings are set. Having illustrated books on Glasgow and Edinburgh, King now began work on Kircudbright A Royal Burgh (1934). With pictorial Japon wrappers, the book contains 18 black and white detailed line drawings and illustrates the beauty of the town. King writes in her foreword:
‘Perhaps it is only the hand of the artist that can save for the future the beauty in danger of being demolished and it lies with the fraternity to see that the romance of this old world town set in her historic stones does not become entirely a thing of the past.’
.jpg) As King’s popularity grew after World War 1, she ceased producing gossamer drawings and began work with new materials such as batik, pottery and jewellery. In her book How Cinderella was Able to go the Ball, Cinderella is forced to make her own batik gown. The process of how this was executed is illustrated beautifully in vibrant colours throughout.
Click here to view our stock of Jessie M King’s work |
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