Guess who’s bought some more books? Yes, you win, it’s me. These didn’t all come in the same shopping trip, though, if that helps you at all – not that many of you will frown upon the buying of books, I suspect. Here they are, and here’s why I got ’em!
Mr Darling Villain by Lynne Reid Banks
I hadn’t heard of this book by my much-loved author of The L-Shaped Room, but I suspect it is one of her teen books. The exciting thing for me is that it’s signed by her! To Tanya something, but… well, I can always change my name.
The Weald of Youth by Siegfried Sassoon
What fun this book looks – and ever since loving A Curious Friendship, I’ve wanted to read more by or about Sassoon.
First and Last by Victor L. Whitechurch
The Locum Tenens by Victor L. Whitechurch
I thought The Canon in Residence was fantastic, and curiously enough had been thinking about Whitechurch just before I came across these in a lovely little secondhand bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon (Chaucer’s Head). Remind me to read these, please.
Mark Only by T.F. Powys
This came from the Oxfam bookshop that my friend Hannah runs (she being the reason I was visiting Stratford). They had lots of Powys novels, but I left the others behind. It was only later that I discovered that it is a perfect candidate for The 1924 Club!
A Writer’s Notebook by W. Somerset Maugham
I seem to have almost bought this dozens of times, and this time I was tipped over the edge.
The Life and Death of Rochester Sneath by Humphry Berkeley
The ‘e’s in the author’s name seem to be all out of place, but this caricature spoof looks like it should be fun. I’m using the words ‘caricature spoof’ because I don’t quite know how else to describe this. Maybe I will when I read it.
Various Voices by Harold Pinter
It’s been a while since I read any Pinter – about 10 years, probably – so it’ll be interesting to discover in an undergraduate fervour is required to appreciate him.
Caroline by Richmal Crompton
Portrait of a Family by Richmal Crompton
Thank you Bello for these reprints! I have the rest of the Cromptons they’re reprinting (this time around) already, though quite a few are unread, but these two have alluded me for years – I’m delighted to have them.
My Darling Villain is extremely dreamy and romantic if you read it when you’re a teenager, as I did. It’s been decades, so I’m curious how it holds up. Do report back!
Oo, that might put me off… but I’ll see if I can get into dreamy mode at some point, Sue!
Hi Simon, your like button doesn’t seem to load (iPad, iOS9)?? Just says loading…..
Oh, not sure why, David! It certainly seems to be working for some people, but I just check a box on the WP website… that’s where my expertise ends with it.
Excellent finds Simon – and as you know I would never frown upon anyone buying books – it’s an essential for survival….. Glad you’ve found a good candidate for the 1924 Club too!
And it’s going better than I thought it would when I first flicked through it – there is a LOT of dialect in it, but I’m still enjoying it.
Seemed to be the day for admitting these things – I’ve added (a very different) ten to my TBR over the last week or so, too! Let us know next time you’re in Stratford!
I was there for about an hour and a half – a very flying visit! Sadly didn’t manage to get to the Shakespeare Trust bookshop before it closed, so I’ll have to come back.
I had never heard of Richmal Crompton before. I can’t remember if I heard of her from your blog or from your broadcast. Anyway, I still haven’t run across any of her books, but I have her on my wishlist at Amazon. So, soon I hope to have read some. I haven’t read any Pinter in about 20 years!
She is variable, but at her best is a real delight! The William books are incomparable.
I’ll report back on Crompton and Pinter!
T F Powys was the son of the vicar of Montacute – it could be that when the benefice here expands you could claim the same!
Yes indeed! I read one of his brothers’ books about Montacute which was great fun.
Your book haul posts are some of my favourites and always get me out of the house in search of book shops at the weekend.
Oh, excellent Jonathan! They’re my favourite variety of post to write and to read on other people’s blogs. What purchases have you got most recently??
Sorry for being nosey again but are the Crompton books £16 each?
Tina
Not sure, Tina – I was lucky enough to get review copies. But the prices will be on the website, and they’re cheaper if you have an ereader. Certainly much, much less expensive than non-Bello editions of these books!
Sorry for being nosey again but are the Crompton books £16 each?
Tina
Your comment about the author’s inscription to Tanya (My Darling Villain) made me wonder where some of the books with my own bookplates and inscriptions will turn up some faraway day. I hope they find readers as appreciative as you and all of us who love old books.
Still haven’t begun my 1924 book – must dig in!
Nothing in the world like a haul of old books, Simon! Happy reading.