Happy Wednesday one and all, and to celebrate this momentous occasion (which, lest we forget, happens only a seventh of the time) I’ve got a couple of books by A.A. Milne to give away. Much as I love to spread Milne’s works amongst as many as possible (and he is an author I love dearly, and wish more people read), I’ll confess that the pun-derful title to this post was a definite incentive.
The books are Milne’s autobiography called It’s Too Late Now, and a collection of humorous essays under the title Not That It Matters. Both are duplicates that I felt should pour some sunshine into someone else’s life.
It’s Too Late Now (1939) is one of my favourite books. To be honest, only a fairly small segment is devoted to his life as an author, and only four pages are given over to Winnie the Pooh et al. Instead, he talks of life during childhood; at university; as a soldier in WW1; as assitant editor of Punch, and so on and so forth. I love Milne’s whimsical but perceptive tone wherever I encounter it, but probably no more so than in this brilliant and diverting account.
Not That It Matters (1920) is representative of his humorous, light-hearted work at the beginning of his writing career. The essays are collected from various newspapers and magazines, and cover a miscellany of amusing topics – perfect for dipping into as and when. For a taste (or, if you so wish, to read the whole thing) click here.
I’m happy to send these off anywhere in the world – just put which one you would prefer in the comments (if you’d be happy with either, that’s fine too) and I’ll do a draw sometime next week.
Both of these sound great! Thanks for offering them.
It's Too Late Now would be my choice. I love autobiography – authors, in particular, want to know about their lives.
I would love Not that it Matters. Thanks for holding this lovely draw.
Hi Simon,
This is a duplicate…I saw this on your facebook status and commented there…but just in case.
Lovely idea. Both would be lovely, It's too late now would be my first choice.
As a lover of Milne who has nevertheless not explored beyond the customary (crustimoney, if you will) books – and furthermore, as someone who has imposed restrictions on his buying of books for 2011 – I would be delighted to be entered in the draw. I'd particularly like It's Too Late Now, but either would be very welcome.
Love and grew up with Milne. Would love to read either of these books as both are new to me. If I had to choose, it would be "Not that it Matters".
I'll put my name in the hat for It's Too Late Now – it's been taunting me from your "50 Must Read's" ever since I started reading your blog! ;)
Loved Milne's 'Two People'. Could you put my name in the hat for either?
Both of these books look great, but can you put me down for 'It's Too Late Now' please? It sounds really interesting.
How lovely! Both of them sound brilliant.
They both sound great but please put me in for the autobiography.
Owww. Id love to read about Mr Milne. So Its Too Late Now would be my choice. Thanks for sharing!
Please put me in the draw for It's Too Late Now. Thank you.
How wonderfully generous! I have been interested in "It's Too Late Now" since reading your entry on it, but I would love either one, as I'm a Milne-for-adults virgin!
Are real-life friends allowed to enter? I wasn't aware there was more to Milne than Pooh.
I'd be happy with either!
What a generous offer! I would love It's Too Late Now.
oooh, me please. the autobiography would be nice.
lge.
I would love to have It's Too Late Now. Thanks for generously sharing your duplicates! I haven't shared any via blog yet (I'm still new) but do give away duplicates – great habit.
Hey Simon, I would love to read 'It's Too Late Now' – please can you enter me!
Lyndsey
Hey Simon, I would love to read 'It's Too Late Now' – please can you enter me!
Lyndsey
I'd like to enter for 'Its Too Late Now' please
Well, that's nice. Whimsical is me. I'd love either, should I come up lucky in the draw. Thank you!
What tempting prizes! I'd be most interested in It's Too Late Now.
I would love to win either one or the other as I've always had a soft spot for Milne and not just Pooh and friends!
Thank you for your generosity.
~ Amy
Aimala127@gmail.com
"Not That It Matters" sounds interesting, though I have not read any of Milne's work but I enjoy anything that has humour.
Either of the two books would be wonderful. (Like I need any more books to read…!)
Thanks – very generous of you to share…
liz
How kind of you. I'd like either of them.
Carole
Your recommendations have held me in good stead so far, so if "It's Too Late Now" is one of your favourites, I'd love to have a read of that one.
Thanks for sharing the sunshine!
Would love to have It's Too Late Now. Thanks so much of the generous offer to your readers …
I've not read any Milne, so would greatfully any of these. Thank you
Thank you for your generosity, Simon. I should be delighted to receive either of these books.
I'm so pleased with all the people interested (and yes, Meg, real life friends are welcome!)
Anonymous – I'm afraid I'll need your name before I can enter you into the draw :)
Either would be heaven in this frigid, snowy New England weather.
Sally
Williamtown, MA
If you draw my name, you can reach me at lobstershift440@yahoo.com
Loving your blog now for months,
SBW
Would love the copy of It's Too Late Now to go with my thumbed copy of The Enchanted Places. Thanks Simon for the offer
Janet
It's Too Late Now, please.
Ooh, I read my first grown-up Milne after hearing you enthuse and was glad I did. I would love to read one of the ones you mention here.
If the giveaway is still open, please enter me for It's Too Late Now. Reading more Milne is on top of my list.
Hi Simon! Put me in for It's Too Late Now, thanks.
Diana