This is an auction for THE TONTINE by Thomas B Costain.

"Thomas Bertram Costain (1885 – 1965) was a Canadian journalist who became a best-selling author of historical novels at the age of 57... THE TONTINE is the story of a strange and enticing form of gamble, part lottery, part insurance which begins with the day when the battle of Waterloo was fought and ends when the nineteenth century was drawing to a close.... It is above everything else, therefore, a story of great variety: for although it marches briskly ahead with the interweaving narrative of the lives of its main characters, it takes time also to linger in the backwash of change, in the dingy squares, the inns, the coaching yards and railway stations, in the greenrooms and courts and jails of a colourful century."

Amazon.com reviews:

"FIVE STARS!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fabulous story of the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and the days of the slave trade."

"I found this book by accident -- two volumes in a box of books to be thrown out. It takes place beginning on the day the Duke of Wellington defeats Bonaparte at Waterloo, and follows the fortunes of two rival families through Regency and early Victorian England, along with their friends, lovers, enemies and many famous figures who have 'walk-on' parts. The title comes from a type of lottery popular in England at the time, in which four of the young characters are enrolled by their parents, and the tontine is instrumental in each of their lives, right to the last. It's worth the length, and provides an interesting view of the England of that time, its manners and mores."

"FIVE STARS!! It is long, yes, but a wonderful story that will stay with you. Not a book for kids due to adult themes, though."

Hardback 1956.

928 pages.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.