Friday, January 05, 2007

Book Junkie


So I have been cooped up at home alot lately and was getting a little stir crazy. I had to go for a test this morning so I took a detour over to my library, even though it was snowing. (That should tell you how desperate I am-we rarely get snow on the west coast and when we do, the roads are mayhem!)

Anyway, my library has a bunch of discard shelves in the hall where they sell off their unwanted books for 10c or so, depending on what it is. I decided to have a look, since I often find little gems-really old dictionaries and such.

On one shelf, there were 6 little books, all with pretty embossed burgundy leather spines. Upon closer inspection, I discovered they were actually set of readers, in mint condition. They are copyrighted 1881 and have these wonderful old-timey illustrations. Book one is pretty thick with lots of pictures. Book two is a tad thicker, still a fair number of pictures. Book three, thicker still and less pictures. By the time you get to book six, it's very thick, no pictures. (Which I found rather amusing!) The sign taped beneath them indicated the set was $10. How on earth could I walk away and leave them there? I didn't! They are now happily ensconced on my shelf!

I also picked up "Biology Made Simple" from 1956 that has funny diagrams in it and a French lesson book from 1966 with all kinds of cartoon type pictures in it. Both books were 10c each! Finding all that made the detour worthwhile!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is so cool that you found such great books! They sure can run hot and cold. Sometimes I can easily find good ones and other times I can't find a thing. I know to pick up good ones when I find them, as long as they are a good price.

LJ is down for me. Must be working on it!

Anonymous said...

What a great stash of treasures you found but the readers are the big winners in my book. (pun intended, teehee).

liz said...

that is SO cool!! i love it that the readers gradually have less pictures--"you WILL be able to read without clues by the time you get to reader six"!!!LOL! glad you made it out and are feeling a bit better!
liz xx

Anonymous said...

I love old books! I have a few that I have found at yardsales! I love your site! ..I have a question..I am getting ready to host a Raven/Crow chunky book. Do you mind if I post the link to your Flikr site with the 4 & 20 blackbirds? So that everyone can get an idea! PS..I know Ang W. heh heh! Thank you so much!