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MOUNTAINEERING BOOKS CATALOGUE #138
This is the printed Mountain Books catalogue which is posted to customers on our mailing list, and is usually published three times a year.
If you want to be added to our mailing list for printed catalogues, please email us (or send a letter) with your name, address and telephone number. If you prefer to receive the catalogues by email only as a PDF file then please also notify us.
ALL BOOKS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY, AND SOLD ON THE FIRST TO ORDER BASIS.
Some books sell extremely quickly, so please check that the item you want is still available.
ABOUT JARVIS BOOKS ...
With over 40 years experience selling rare and secondhand mountaineering books, I have since 1979 issued 134 catalogues in that subject. Between 1984 and 2004, with my late wife Valerie we established and ran Jarvis Books in Matlock, Derbyshire; a very successful and well-known bookshop, specialising in mountaineering books. We were also honoured being the main booksellers at the International Festival of Mountaineering Literature, at Bretton Hall, Yorkshire, during its full 21 years from 1987 to 2008. A most pleasurable time, where we met many of our customers and conversed with numerous authors, during their book signings.
After selling the bookshop I decided to continual selling mountaineering books by mail order, producing at least three catalogues a year.
My enthusiasm for producing interesting and accurate mountaineering book catalogues has not in anyway diminished during the last forty-plus years. Firstly, preparation is paramount! When necessary, and safe to do so, one of the first things I do is to carefully clean the outer page-edges of the book, and often remove decades of grim. Not many people do this, but it really enhances the appearance and the feel of the book. The covers are then inspected and cleaned where possible, and likewise internally….. and of course properly collated. Again, if possible the dust wrapper is cleaned, and any necessary repairs carried out with archival quality document tape, and usually protected in a loose plastic sleeve.
The same thoroughness is used in the way I describe condition of our mountain books. Not just by using the usual terms, Good, Very Good or Fine, which are open to interpretation anyway, and can fluctuate wildly between dealers. I tend to be very pernickety with my descriptions, often mentioning faults many booksellers would not even consider. But I know this method works, as I have a very loyal base of repeat customers. Some have bought from virtually every catalogue for over thirty years. Packing is also carried out with the same meticulous care.
“The occasional collector has said I undergrade the condition of the mountaineering books I sell, a comment I’m happy with.”
Grant Jarvis
August 2021
Jarvis Books, Bedw Arian, Glyn Garth, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5NP, UK
(These are private premises, and not open to the public).
Telephone 01248 716021; or International (+44) 1248 716021
Member of the ‘Provincial Booksellers’ Fairs Association
CONDITION OF MOUNTAIN BOOKS ...
G or Good - showing some signs of use and wear.
VG or Very Good - about average condition.
F or Fine - almost like new.
With + or - to indicate upper or lower of grade.
Inscription means name or other inscription, such as an address, usually written on the front endpaper.
Book Sizes. When mentioned, the approximate height is in centimetres (cm.)
No Dust Wrapper (d/w) unless otherwise stated. Defective dust wrappers are usually protected in a loose plastic sleeve.