Even though they are mostly perfunctory and quite dull (sometimes comically so), personal dedications can be a fascinating part of acquiring a second hand book.
They represent a frozen moment in time, a window onto an event long since passed and perhaps a past we can only guess at.
It may just be me, but they often seem a touch melancholy.
But this one from a copy of Garden Wisdom by Marion Cran seems to me hugely poignant
I haven't been able to work out the date of this book, but Marion seems to have died in 1923, and although she seems to have been incredibly well known in her time has faded from memory.
The book itself does seem to be posthumous, but doesn't carry a date, but does state “This book is produced in complete conformity with the authorised economy standards”, which to those ignorant on these sort of things (i.e. me) points to a 1940s vintage.
2 comments:
This is unashamedly a link to my own but the parallels (coincidence?) are too great.
http://woodmansterne.blogspot.com/2010/10/constancy-of-quinces-3.html
.....I'm with you, pre-owned (as in Rolls-Royce)books are fascinating, particularly those with personal dedications.
I know very little about Marion Cran, but think she has the honour of being the first ever female radio gardener. I will find out and report back.
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