Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Two Treasures From the Sale Table



When I was at the library recently, I plucked two gems off the sale table. I was intrigued by the subject of each and also attracted to the end-of-summer hues of both covers.

The first, The Island of Lost Maps (2000), is a true story about a fellow who went around stealing valuable maps from libraries in the U.S. and Canada. It makes me a bit sick to think about the destruction that he wreaked on rare books because not only do I love books but also have a great fondness for maps. Anyway, I am looking forward to reading what author Miles Harvey has to say on this cartographic crime.



One can never read too many books about Tuscany and this one, A Thousand Days in Tuscany (2004), looks to be a treat with chapters titled "The Gorgeous Things They're Cooking Are Zucchini Blossoms" and "Perhaps, as a Genus, Olives Know Too Much".   Author and chef Marlena de Blasi writes about life in her adopted Tuscan village along with its food and festivals and includes some mighty tasty looking recipes.

Have you picked up any bargains lately?

6 comments:

  1. Actually, I got a book in the mail today, Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Against Wind and Tide (the last book of her collected journals and letters). Though it wasn't a bargain per se, I did buy it with a gift certificate, so that counts in my book--no pun intended :).

    I love the chapter titles of that last book. Very intriguing! My library has a great bookstore attached to it, and I've found many a treasure there.

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    1. Kathy, I have read AML's 'Gift from the Sea' many times, but have never dipped into her journals or letters. Don't you just love getting books in the mail!

      My library system has two book sales a year but each branch has recently started stocking a sale table of donated books which I think is brilliant...and such bargains to be found there.

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  2. Belle. I read "A Thousand Days in Venice" by Marlena de Blasi some years ago when I read anything and everything about Venice but unfortunately I wasn't impressed, I hope your find is better experience. "The Island of Lost Maps" look good.

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    1. Hi,Tullik. I had never heard of either of these books. I started with the Map book and find it to be very entertaining. The author has a lively style. I will let you know about the Tuscany book. I'll keep an open mind.

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  3. Haven't read the book set in Tuscany, but I have read The Island of Lost Maps and thoroughly enjoyed it. (Although I did hate the destruction that guy caused on so many books!) I hope you like it as much as I did.

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    1. Hi, Lark. Both of these books were new to me. I am enjoying the Map book. The author has an entertaining style and the information is wonderful. I like the drawings of map details at the beginning of each chapter. I will let you know about the Tuscany book.

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