I only purchased three hardcover books at Locust Grove's Summer Used Book Sale on Friday, but I am quite happy with all three and will be proud to add them to my bookshelves.
The Secret Life of the Seine (1994) by Mort Rosenblum - This is an account of Mr. Rosenblum's life on a boat docked in Paris and his exploration of this most famous of rivers. This is a discarded library book but I swear it doesn't look as if it has been touched. I am not familiar with this work but I was attracted by its lovely cover. And, of course, Paris!
Bound to Please (2005) by Michael Dirda - Here is another book about books. I may have read this 'one-volume literary education' but it doesn't matter as Mr. Dirda always has my attention and affection. In over 100 essays, he covers books from The Histories of Herodotus to The Letters of Kingsley Amis.
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street (1973) by Helene Hanff - I let out a small shriek of excitement when I saw this book. This is Ms. Hanff's follow-up to 84, Charing Cross Road, a very bookish book indeed. Here her dream comes true and she finally arrives in London. This book is in wonderful condition for being 40 years old. There is one slight tear on the bookjacket but it was quickly repaired with a small piece of tape. I am sure my own copy of 84 CCR will be happy to have this companion next to it on the shelf.
I have many copies of Helene Hanff's books, but none of them are hardcover. I am envious.
ReplyDeleteHi Thomas. My copy of 84,CCR is a hardcover copy as well. Oddly enough, it was found for me many years ago by one of the fellows who organizes this book sale. He had a used book business...that was before the Internet made it so easy to find books.
DeleteI had an idea at one time that I would make a list of all the books mentioned in CCR, but I have not done that yet. Maybe on my next reread!
Wow. Only three books from a used book sale? That's restraint. Good for you. I hope they're all great reads!
ReplyDeleteWell, Lark, I also bought five trade paperbacks so my restraint wasn't all that much!
DeleteThat, oddly, makes me feel better. I never seem to leave a library sale, or other used book sale, without an armload. I mean, how can anyone pass up a book for only $1...or even better, 50 cents?
DeleteOh yes, I too love a book bargain, Lark. I am trying to limit my purchases to books I actually think I will have time to read! A whole new concept...
DeleteWhat great finds! I may have to get out my Helene Hanff's books, including the Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, and have a reread. But, I brought FOUR books home from the library on Friday including Bill Bryson At Home that looks like it might be better as a leisurely read, so maybe will save for winter. Have a good read.
ReplyDeleteJoyce in KS
Hi Joyce. I am so happy to have both the Hanff books in hardcover editions! I may have to reread CCR and then move onto The Duchess!
DeleteI have a copy of 'At Home' as well but am somewhat intimidated by its length. What a good idea to save it for winter.
"At Home" is wonderfully full of "aha, I didn't know that moments". I checked it out last year from the library in audio form for a long car ride Tom and I were taking. It was a good way to "read" this particular book, for its length. I think you both would enjoy it, but, it is a very big book.
DeleteI have only read Mr. Bryson's travel books but I do look forward to reading 'At Home'. Maybe just one room at a time!
DeleteI just finished rereading The Duchess of Bloomsbury street over the weekend! I have a softcover version that contains both 84 CCR and the Duchess--it seems that now I can never read one without the other.
ReplyDeleteThese all look like worthy choices. I like Michael Dirda's work as well, though I'm not familiar with this book.
Now there is some serendipity, Kathy! I think I will reread CCR and then read The Duchess. You are right, they deserve to be read together.
DeleteThe Dirda book is quite hefty. Maybe it is one to be read a little at a time.
One should not covet, but, covet I do of your hb version of the Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. I have it in paperback, which is quite fine, but, your "find" is a good one here, Belle. Once again, wonderful finds.
ReplyDeleteI was very excited to snatch this one, Penny.
DeleteI'm lucky my copies of CCR & Duchess of Bloomsbury Street are HB copies, as well as Q's Legacy and Letter From New York, both by Helene Hanff, all pre-owned books courtesy of Amazon.com.
ReplyDeleteHave you read these two as well?
Joyce in KS
I do believe, Joyce, that I read 'Q's Legacy' many years ago, but not her 'Letter from NY'. I didn't know she did radio broadcasts as well as write books. Now I have two others of hers to keep an eye out for! Thanks.
DeleteI love Dirda's 'Bound to Please'! Be careful though, it's definitely gonna have an impact your TBR list. :)
ReplyDeleteI am afraid of that, Michelle. But such lovely additions!
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