Yes, Mount TBR is so big it will topple, and yes I *am* supposed to be reducing the amount of books in the house instead of increasing them – but I’m not really sure that’s ever going to work….
The safest way would simply be to stop going to the charity shops – but Youngest Child is off to university soon and so we are having a last few shopping days before she goes. And today did bring a couple of fortunate finds!
First up is what was Virago Modern Classic number 16 – way back in 1979 this one came out, and this volume is a first edition from then, with the previous owner’s name and date inscribed in the front. It’s in such lovely condition that she obviously took great care of it – and I found myself wondering, in a slightly melancholy way, why she’d parted with it. At least it has gone to a good home and will join my collection of green spines quite happily. (And yes – it was only Ā£1!)
The second volume was a kind of ‘upgrade’ as I already have a brand new, modern version of this book courtesy of The Works, but a green is always preferable and although it’s been a bit more loved, it still will be happy with its fellows.
Despite slight feelings of guilt about yet *more* books, I think it would have been silly not to bring these two home….
Sep 07, 2013 @ 21:47:23
Well hunted! I have the Emily Eden and I must get to it because I know Lisa (TBR313) really rates her.
Sep 07, 2013 @ 21:50:25
It certainly sounds intriguing and I do *love* the very early VMCs!
Sep 07, 2013 @ 22:18:02
Those look pretty. Oh, you must stop feeling guilty, it’s BOOKS! Vital necessities! Enough said!
Sep 08, 2013 @ 09:51:39
Quite agree – I couldn’t function without books!
Sep 07, 2013 @ 22:25:45
What lovely finds! I’ve been dying to get my own copies of Winifred Holtby’s novels – I’ve never read her but by all accounts, I’ll love her writing – but I’m reluctant to order from an online book seller because I really want the old covers (like this lovely one you just found) instead of the new ones. I quite agree with you – it would have been foolish not to bring such wonderful books home.
Sep 08, 2013 @ 10:54:26
I would *always* have an old green version by preference over a new modern cover – definitely! And I feel much less guilty now!
Sep 08, 2013 @ 11:44:55
I’m coveting your Holtby! I have “green” editions of five of her novels, but bought the new editions of Poor Caroline and The Land of Green Ginger when I was on a Holtby binge. No regrets, as the new editions are very attractive in their own right, but if I stumbled on a green spine I’d snap it up!
Sep 08, 2013 @ 11:47:50
Yes, the greens are always desirable. I have the three modern editions that were in our local discount store The Works and the *are* very lovely too – but I still prefer a green!!
Sep 09, 2013 @ 16:54:44
You seem to have a great eye for Viragos! They are rare over here in my part of Texas, but am returning to the Home Land to restock Jaffa Cakes and hoping to find a few then. Congrats on your finds!
Sep 09, 2013 @ 17:19:22
No Jaffa Cakes in Texas?!?!? Eeeek! How do you survive??
Sep 10, 2013 @ 14:19:12
It’s challenging. I have friends who travel to UK sometimes and pick me up a box. I have to be strong rationing them out to me. š
Sep 10, 2013 @ 14:44:53
š It must be difficult!
Sep 09, 2013 @ 21:47:39
I envy you the Winifred Holtby, although I have it in a modern edition I would love an old green one š
Sep 09, 2013 @ 21:53:57
Yes, they’re always lovely to have!
Sep 10, 2013 @ 06:38:47
The Emily Eden cover is lovely! Loved it. Enjoy your ‘new additions’. š
Sep 10, 2013 @ 08:17:00
It is, isn’t it? And I remembered that I already have her Virago travel volume Up The Country: Letters from India, so they can sit together nicely on the shelf!
Sep 22, 2013 @ 19:57:29
I love the Emily Eden, I have a slightly battered original green. Both perfectly acceptable buys as far as I’m concerned!
Sep 22, 2013 @ 19:58:46
Indeed – I’m very fond of slightly battered original greens!