Alexandria: City of the Western Mind by Theodore Vrettos (2001 1^st Edition Hardcover without Dust Jacket) 

•           Author:               Theodore Vrettos (1918-2004)    

•           Publisher:      Free Press     New York, NY   U.S.A.    2001 

A cultural history of the great city of Alexandria ranges from its founding by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. to the murder of Hypatia in 452 A.D. and examines its role as a center of learning, art, philosophy, and religious theology. 

Includes bibliographical references and index.  8 pages of B&W plates, bound in but not numbered, show photographs of historic objects, and works of art.  Designed by Kevin Hanek.  xx + 249pp + 8 pp photo plates. 

Theodore Vrettos (1918-2004) studied at Holy Cross Greek Theological School, Tufts University, and Harvard.  He was a noted author and professor of creative writing at Salem State College and Simmons College in Massachusetts. 

Maroon quarter cloth over maroon boards, with silver titles on spine.  Hardcover with no DJ.  Minor shelf wear.  Interior is tight, clean, and unmarked. Collector Quality Book.  No ownership markings.  Always privately owned.

• Size:  8vo – over 7¾ - 9¾” tall,       277pp.  
• Condition:  Very Good Hardcover, but no Dust Jacket  –  1^st Printing.  Always privately owned.  No Ownership markings. 

Copyright 2001.  First edition, First printing. (Full number line reads 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2. )  Manufactured in U.S.A.  ISBN: 0-7432-0569-3.  LCCN: 2001040891.  No MSR. 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.”  Booksellers need similar grading to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.  Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates with title still in print. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).  Usually requires repair to be usable. 

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.

Thanks for looking!