Skip to content

Secure Checkout

Website Secured with 256-bit TLS Encryption
Subtotal: $504,481.00
Shipping: $79.48
$0.00
Donation Amount: $0.00
Total: $504,560.48
1 - 10 days
1 - 14 days

All fields are required unless marked optional.

Add Shipping Note
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Paypal
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Verified and Secured. Guaranteed.

Website Secured with 256-bit TLS Encryption
Please select your payment method from the following list:
Click the button to checkout with PayPal.
You will be charged $504,560.48 when completing this purchase.

Cart Totals

Subtotal: $504,481.00
Shipping: $79.48
: $0.00
Donation Amount: $0.00
Total: $504,560.48

You are about to purchase:

Handwritten Lyrics of Lovely Rita, Meter Maid

Handwritten Lyrics of Lovely Rita, Meter Maid by The Beatles (written by Paul McCartney)

1 to 10 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: FREE
Details
$500,000.00
( US$)
Seller: Biblioctopus
Title
Handwritten Lyrics of Lovely Rita, Meter Maid
Author
The Beatles (written by Paul McCartney)
Seller
Biblioctopus (United States)
Description
1967. Paul McCartney’s handwritten, working manuscript (as Beatle) for “Lovely Rita,” from the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. the most famous album in the entire panorama of modern music. This is the very first (rough) draft, 10 lines (in ink), all in Paul’s handwriting and all written on a single side of an irregular scrap of lined paper (7 1/2” X 5”) torn from a spiral notebook. 7 lines in black are Paul’s first concept. 3 lines of changes have been added later in blue, such as, “writing all the numbers in her little black book” changed to “filling in a ticket with her little blue pen” and still later recorded as “filling in a ticket in her little white book.” Near fine condition. Lavishly matted, and framed with a full size, uncorrected, 1st state proof photograph of the album cover, varying in that McCartney is kneeling, the band instruments have been passed around, and 2 people are among the onlookers who would not sign releases, and therefore did not appear on the published album. Ex–Butterfield’s, Dec. 12, 1993. Rare. Icon time. Beatles manuscripts from Sargent Pepper held all the rock & roll world records until Bob Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone sold at auction for $2,000,000 in 2014. But it’s been a while now and another Sgt. Pepper manuscript will take the record back eventually and someday soon the only way to see one will be in a museum, at the end of a long line, behind velvet ropes. The last authentic Sgt. Pepper manuscript at auction (A Day in the Life, admittedly a greater song), sold for $1,202,500 at Sotheby’s in 2010. The last real McCartney manuscript of a Beatles song at auction was an abridged, later, fair copy of 10 condensed lines from Hey Jude that he wrote out to be used as a key by a backup musician at a recording session ($910,000 at Julian’s in 2020) and that one, in contrast to ours, was not a working manuscript carrying his thoughts, inner debates, and changes. The handwritten lyrics to "Lovely Rita, Meter Maid" represent an intimate window into The Beatles' conceptual shift during their psychedelic period, showcasing McCartney's evolving storytelling approach. Unlike their earlier love songs centered on direct romantic sentiments, this track exemplifies their move toward character-driven narratives with whimsical scenarios and playful humor. This creative direction coincided with broader cultural movements challenging conventional structures and celebrating the previously overlooked aspects of daily life. The track's transformation of a mundane authority figure into the subject of amorous pursuit subtly subverted social norms while maintaining a façade of innocent charm—a hallmark of the band's distinctive cultural impact during this period. McCartney's composition emerged during a pivotal moment in Western society when art was increasingly blurring distinctions between "high" and "low" culture. The Beatles' work on "Sgt. Pepper" helped legitimize popular music as culturally significant, with songs like "Lovely Rita" demonstrating how seemingly simple pop compositions could contain nuanced social observation. The character sketch format allowed the band to adopt personas and perspectives outside their own experiences, expanding their artistic range while connecting with the era's interest in identity exploration and social role-playing. This approach positioned the band as both participants in and commentators on the rapid social changes reshaping 1960s culture, making even their lighthearted works like "Lovely Rita" meaningful cultural documents of their time.
The Vegetable

The Vegetable by Fitzgerald, F. Scott

1 to 10 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: FREE
Details
$950.00
( US$)
Seller: Biblioctopus
Title
The Vegetable
Author
Fitzgerald, F. Scott
Seller
Biblioctopus (United States)
Description
New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1923. First edition. A nice, near fine copy lacking the dustjacket. A satirical play, tracing railway clerk Jerry Frost's delusional ascent to the presidency before revealing this political climb as merely an alcohol-fueled fever dream.
Out of This Furnace

Out of This Furnace by Bell, Thomas

7 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: FREE
Details
$900.00
( US$)
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA
Title
Out of This Furnace
Author
Bell, Thomas
Seller
Burnside Rare Books, ABAA (United States)
Condition
Near Fine
Description
Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1941. First Edition. Near Fine/Near Fine. First edition. Signed by Thomas Bell on the front free endpaper, inscribed to former owner in the year of publication from a hospital. [viii], 413 pp. Original oatmeal cloth lettered in red. A little dust-soiling and offsetting to endpapers, else Fine in a Near Fine dust jacket, chip at foot, lightly worn and foxed, unclipped. An attractive copy of a notable proletarian novel of Slovak immigrant life in Pennsylvania steel mills, spanning three generations. The author was one of the most successful chroniclers of Eastern European immigrants in the American midwest, himself being of Slovakian/Lemko origin. This was his best-known work.
Blacks

Blacks by Brooks, Gwendolyn

2 to 8 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $5.00
Details
$350.00
( US$)
Seller: The First Edition Rare Books, LLC
Title
Blacks
Author
Brooks, Gwendolyn
Seller
The First Edition Rare Books, LLC (United States)
Condition
Near fine
Description
Chicago: The David Company, 1987. First Edition, Second Printing. Leather bound. Near fine. Signed first edition, second printing of Blacks by Gwendolyn Brooks.. Octavo, 512pp. Blue morocco soft cover, title printed in gilt on front cover and spine. Stated "Second Printing, September 1987" on copyright page. Solid text block, small spots of wear along edges. A near fine example. (Blockson 4883) Signed by the author on the half title: "Sincerely, Gwendolyn Brooks / April 11, 1988." Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000), a renowned author, was the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize. Her book of poetry, Annie Allen, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry on May 1, 1950.
Flags Of Our Fathers; with Ron Powers

Flags Of Our Fathers; with Ron Powers by Bradley, James

2 to 8 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $1.75
Details
$175.00
( US$)
Seller: The First Edition Rare Books, LLC
Title
Flags Of Our Fathers; with Ron Powers
Author
Bradley, James
Seller
The First Edition Rare Books, LLC (United States)
Condition
Near fine
Description
New York: Bantam Books, 2000. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover. Near fine/near fine. Signed first edition, first printing of Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley.. Octavo, [8], 376pp. Blue hardcover, blue cloth spine. The first printing, with a full number line on the copyright page. In the publisher's near fine dust jacket, with "autographed copy" on sticker, light shelf wear, a bright example. Signed on the half title by James Bradley.
Love in Another Town

Love in Another Town by Bradford, Barbara Taylor

2 to 8 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $1.75
Details
$125.00
( US$)
Seller: The First Edition Rare Books, LLC
Title
Love in Another Town
Author
Bradford, Barbara Taylor
Seller
The First Edition Rare Books, LLC (United States)
Condition
Near fine
Description
New York: HarperCollins, 1995. First Edition, First Printing. Full leather. Near fine. Finely bound first edition of Love in Another Town by Barbara Taylor Bradford, from her personal collection.. Octavo, [8], 181pp, [1]. Finely bound in full green morocco, gilt and black trim along covers. Four raised bands, title in gilt on spine. All edges gilt, colorful marbled endpapers. Books from the library of Barbara Taylor Bradford are bound in the style of the Bayntun-Riviere Bindery. "First Edition" statement and full number line listed on copyright page. Solid text block, light sunning to spine. Housed in a matching green morocco slipcase with marbled paper interior. A beautiful example. Provenance: Doyle Auctions of New York, May 2025. This copy is from the private collection of Barbara Taylor Bradford, a British-American novelist. Following the success of her debut novel, A Woman of Substance (1979), Bradford wrote 40 best-selling novels, often about young women advancing in the world through hard work.
AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)

AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS) by BARRIE, J. M

10 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $8.00
Details
$625.00
( US$)
Seller: Charles Agvent, ABAA
Title
AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS)
Author
BARRIE, J. M
Seller
Charles Agvent, ABAA (United States)
Condition
Faint crease from folding. Fine
Description
22 December 1915. Letter. Faint crease from folding. Fine. One-page handwritten letter to James A. H. Catton on 5-1/2" x 7-1/8" Adelphi Terrace House stationery SIGNED "J. M. Barrie." In full: "Thank you for your letter and all heartily good wishes for your book of reminiscences which ought to be very interesting, but I have had to give up writing ('?') as intimidating so kindly excuse me. A happy Christmas to you." With original envelope addressed in Barrie's hand. James A. H. Catton was a sports journalist respected for his writing on football (soccer) and cricket. Barrie, of course, is the creator of Peter Pan.
SONNY AND CHER [ca. 1966-67] Set of 3 photos

SONNY AND CHER [ca. 1966-67] Set of 3 photos by Hans J. Hoffmann; EMI

2 to 8 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: FREE
Details
$450.00
( US$)
Seller: Walterfilm, Inc.
Title
SONNY AND CHER [ca. 1966-67] Set of 3 photos
Author
Hans J. Hoffmann; EMI
Seller
Walterfilm, Inc. (United States)
Condition
Fine
Description
Hans J. Hoffmann; EMI. No binding. Fine. Three vintage original borderless 5 x 7" (13 x 18 cm) German photos, fine. All are portraits of the duo from very early in their career. Two feature the pair in very op art matching suits, and have on verso the stamp of German photographer and music promoter Hans J. Hoffmann. These two photos were done at the time of their first concert tour of Germany, and their outfits were considered scandalous at the time. The other has stamp on verso of the German office of record label EMI.
No image available

The Dutiful Son by OPPENHEIMER, Joel

7 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $10.00
Details
$250.00
( US$)
Seller: James S. Jaffe Rare Books LLC
Title
The Dutiful Son
Author
OPPENHEIMER, Joel
Seller
James S. Jaffe Rare Books LLC (United States)
Condition
Fine copy.
Description
(Highlands): Jonathan Williams, 1956. First edition, regular issue in the blue wrappers. One of 200 copies printed by the Windhover Press. Jargon 16. Fine copy.. FIORE, Joseph. 8vo, frontispiece by Joseph Fiore, blue wrappers with printed label. Fine copy.
No image available

The Augustan Books of English Poetry, Second Series, Number Four: W. B. Yeats by YEATS, W. B.

7 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $3.50
Details
$75.00
( US$)
Seller: James S. Jaffe Rare Books LLC
Title
The Augustan Books of English Poetry, Second Series, Number Four: W. B. Yeats
Author
YEATS, W. B.
Seller
James S. Jaffe Rare Books LLC (United States)
Condition
Back cover a little wrinkled & creased, some slight rust stains around staples, else a fine copy
Description
London: Ernest Benn, (1927). First edition. Wade 155. Back cover a little wrinkled & creased, some slight rust stains around staples, else a fine copy. Thin 8vo, original printed white wrappers, stapled as issued. Back cover a little wrinkled & creased, some slight rust stains around staples, else a fine copy.
No image available

The Glass Menagerie by Williams, Tennessee

7 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $3.99
Details
$275.00
( US$)
Seller: Sanctuary Books
Title
The Glass Menagerie
Author
Williams, Tennessee
Seller
Sanctuary Books (United States)
Condition
Very Good+
Description
London: John Lehmann, 1948. First UK Edition. Hardcover. Very Good+/Very Good. Williams contributed his own introduction to this edition. Original bright blue cloth in edgeworn and nicked dustwrapper. Previous owner's signature and small label of a Parisian bookshop.
[VIRGINIA] JAMESTOWN TER-CENTENNIAL PROCLAMATION

[VIRGINIA] JAMESTOWN TER-CENTENNIAL PROCLAMATION by Claude A. Swanson

5 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $10.50
Details
$95.00
( EU VAT US$0)
Seller: Black Swan Books, Inc.
Title
[VIRGINIA] JAMESTOWN TER-CENTENNIAL PROCLAMATION
Author
Claude A. Swanson
Seller
Black Swan Books, Inc. (United States)
Condition
Fine binding
Description
Richmond: Davis Bottom, Sup't. Public Printing, 1907. Soft Cover. Fine binding. Claude Swanson was Governor of the Commonwealth during the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in the Colony of Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the United States. The event place over a period of eight months, not at Jamestown but at Sewell's Point on Hampton Roads.~~The Governor announced the closing of all state offices on Monday, May 13th, 1907 and that all public schools and institutions of the state "hold appropriate commemorative exercises". He further urges that all in the future will keep the 13th of May as Virginia Day.~~A lovely copy, with red white and blue silk tie. Still with glassine cover and the original mailing envelope. Fine binding.
No image available

CORRIDOS POPULARES, COLECCION NUM. 6. EL CHARRITO VAQUERO.; Cancion de...Lara, Agustin y E. Guerrero

7 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $10.00
Details
$75.00
( EU VAT US$0)
Seller: Beverly Karno Books LLC
Title
CORRIDOS POPULARES, COLECCION NUM. 6. EL CHARRITO VAQUERO.; Cancion de...Lara, Agustin y E. Guerrero
Seller
Beverly Karno Books LLC (United States)
Description
México, D.F.: Edición E. Guerrero, N.d.. b/w plates, color pict. cover.
Wholphin, Issue 7

Wholphin, Issue 7

5 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $7.00
Details
$70.00
( EU VAT US$0)
Seller: Books Tell You Why, Inc.
Title
Wholphin, Issue 7
Seller
Books Tell You Why, Inc. (United States)
ISBN
9781934781128
Condition
Very Good
Description
McSweeney's. Very Good. 2008. First Edition; First Printing. 1934781126 . Case: Near Fine. Magazine: Near Fine. Text-block of magazine does not show pulling at the staples at rear paste-down, an extremely common defect due to Wholphin's design. DVD: Very Good Plus. Bonus disc: Good Plus. Minor surface scratchers; tested and plays well. Subscription card is NOT present. .
For the Major and Selected Short Stories

For the Major and Selected Short Stories by Woolson, Constance Fenmore

7 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $5.99
Details
$35.00
( EU VAT US$0)
Seller: Kenneth Mallory Bookseller. ABAA
Title
For the Major and Selected Short Stories
Author
Woolson, Constance Fenmore
Seller
Kenneth Mallory Bookseller. ABAA (United States)
Condition
Very good
Description
New Haven: College and University Press, 1967. Hardcover. Very good. Hardcover. 367pp. Offsetting to prelims, foxing to edges of textblock, else a very good hardback in a tanned and rubbed jacket. Inscribed and signed by the editor on the front free endpaper.
In Praise of Sailors. A Nautical Anthology of Art, Poetry and Prose.

In Praise of Sailors. A Nautical Anthology of Art, Poetry and Prose. by Warden, Herbert W.

7 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $6.00
Details
$25.00
( EU VAT US$0)
Seller: Ten Pound Island Book Co.
Title
In Praise of Sailors. A Nautical Anthology of Art, Poetry and Prose.
Author
Warden, Herbert W.
Seller
Ten Pound Island Book Co. (United States)
Condition
V G. In D J.
Description
Abradale Press., (1978). V G. In D J.. 27 cm. 299 pp. B/W and color Plates drawings engravings.
No image available

Donkey Trouble by Young, Ed

5 to 14 days for delivery
Standard Shipping: $6.00
Details
$6.00
( EU VAT US$0)
Seller: Weller Book Works ABAA/ILAB
Title
Donkey Trouble
Author
Young, Ed
Seller
Weller Book Works ABAA/ILAB (United States)
Condition
Fine
Description
Atheneum, 1995. Fine. Young, Ed. Donkey Trouble. NY: Atheneum, 1995. Illustrated. 4to. Hardcover. Book condition: Near fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very good with gently bumped edges.

Hang on… we’re fetching the requested page.