Written by Isak Dinesen. First edition, 1957. Random House, New York.
The Caryatids:
An Unfinished Gothic Tale
"Out of an old, tortoise-shell box, which opened by the touch of a spring, a packet of letters, tied together with a pale blue ribbon, came into his hand. They were love letters, written by a lady to her lover, by Childerique's mother to his father. Afterwards he remembered how he had, after the first glance, got up to destroy them, when his eyes had been caught by his own name. ..."
Isak Dinesen (1885 - 1962) was the pen name of Karen Blixen, a Danish author who wrote in both Danish and English. In 1914, she and husband Baron Bror Blixen-Finecke moved to Kenya, where they owned a coffee plantation. Her experiences in Africa inspired her memoir Out of Africa, which was published in 1937 and became a classic of world literature. She also wrote several collections of short stories, such as Seven Gothic Tales and Winter's Tales, known for supernatural elements and themes of eros and dreams.
Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more books for children and collectors
Condition: Very Good/Good. Dust jacket: Wear along upper and lower edges; front top right corner is bumped; four small closed tears on the front at tail of the spine and upper edge; darkened along the spine; rubbing along edge of spine and fore edge; chipping at head and tail of the spine; two small closed tears on the back, at upper edge; crease on the back, top left. Gold embossed gray cloth cover boards: Light fading along spined and edges. Textblock: Red topstain. Inside: An owner's bookplate on the front pastedown and discoloration from binding glue along front and back hinge. Pages are clean, undamaged, and complete.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- Australia : 1 - 3 business days
- United States : 1 - 3 business days
- North America : 1 - 3 business days
- Europe : 1 - 3 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Privacy policy
* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.
Care instructions
1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.
I also recommend the following care instructions.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA
2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.
3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Order processing time
I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.