Book Finds
One of our yearly rituals involves St. Malachi, a local Catholic church within walking distance from our home. Growing up, my Father was a fan of the circus, and if at all possible, would make sure that we went to the circus when it was in town or when we were passing through Any Town, USA. He would also take us to little traveling carnivals, which for a child, matched some of the excitement of the big top.
St. Malachi sponsors such a carnival. There are the usual cotton candy and hot dog stands, roller coasters and haunted houses, and the added bingo and “garage” sale, which take place in their multi-purpose hall.
We always walk down to the event, stroll around the carnival, and then make our way to the sale! I so love second hand stores and yard sales. I enjoy looking through what is often not so wonderful stuff, in search of the find – which is the prize. Between “The Antique Road Show” and e-Bay, finds are not what they use to be. Nevertheless, the hunt can be a pleasure.
At this years St. Malachi sale, after my initial search, I was a bit disappointed. I found a few nick-knacks from England, which I decided to bring home, but was not impressed. The year before, I had found hand cut crystal glasses for a dollar a piece! As my book cases are overflowing, I decided not to look at the many inviting boxes of books. Kate, who truly hates my interest in second hand shopping, kindly approached me and asked what I had found. I showed her my soon to be treasures, and said I was done. Really? She was a bit surprised, it had gone rather quickly. I said yes. She then asked if I had looked at the books, and I said no. It was Kate who suggested that I take a look through the books, while she paid for my English finds. I said okay, and we separated.
In less than a minute, as I scanned the book titles, my eyes came upon what I knew was a very old book. It was covered in cloth, and embossed with gold letters and decorative scroll work. Source Records of the Great War, Volume VI A.D. 1918, oh my. I gingerly picked up the book. The first page addressed the book binding:
“Binding Vol. VI: The binding design on this volume is an authorized facsimile of the original art binding on the official copy of the Versailles Peace Treaty, which was signed by the President of Uruguay and deposited in the Archives of the government of Uruguay.” Each volume cover represents the binding of one of the following signers of the treaty, including Germany, Poland, France, Italy, the British Empire, and Belgium.
I turned the page and was treated to an impeccable sepia toned photograph that was protected by a thin sheet of onion skin paper which identified the photograph: “The Last Stroke for World Empire. German tank attack in the final advance to the Marne. Painting by the German artist, Prof. Hugo Ungewitter.
My heart began to beat a little faster, as I flipped through the tome, admiring detailed maps, photographs, notes, and remarkably well written words. Where there other volumes? I closed my book, and scanned the boxes in front of me – yes there were other volumes, but the first two seemed to be missing.
Kate arrived and I laid the book down. Had I found anything she wondered? I hesitated, and she knowing me too well asked what I had found. I showed her the book, unable to hide my enthusiasm; but mentioned to volumes were missing, and thus I would leave them. Kate, the forever problem solver, said no, here they are – the next box over. I could not resist, this amazing complete history of The Great War would be coming home with me; but there was more. The second box also held My Experiences in the World War, by General John J. Pershing –both volumes! The first editions were published on March 10, 1931, the day after my Mother was born – it was beshert.
The nine volumes came home, and instantly brought my World War I library within reach of the World War II collection.
The books are truly beautiful and a delight to simply hold. There were obviously well cared for and appreciated by their previous owner, and I feel blessed to become their caretaker in this century. I am devouring these books like a fine box of chocolate, piece by piece, enjoying every delightful morsel, savoring their essence, and basking in the pure pleasure they bring. That is all for now.
