On our recent road trip down to England I bought quite a few books – surprise surprise I hear you say.
1. Film-Lovers’ Annual – 1934
2. The Derbyshire Dales by Norman Price
3. The Better Part by Annie S. Swan
4. Traitor’s Purse by Margery Allingham
5. Murder Among Friends by Elizabeth Ferrars
6. Love Among the Ruins by Angela Thirkell
7. The Provincial Lady In America by E.M. Delafield
8. Appointment with Venus by Jerrard Tickell
9. Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor
10. Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir
I’m only sorry that I didn’t buy even more books as I saw two old Batsford travel books and I actually thought I had bought one Batsfprd book but I’ve just realised that the Derbyshire Dales book was actually published by Warne. I’m now regretting not buying Batsford’s England and Scottish Borders. Oh well, hopefully they’ll turn up at another time and place.
I bought the Dean’s Film-Lovers Annual from 1934 for the photos in it, some of very famous film stars such as Bogart and Edward G. Robinson and an awful lot that I had never heard of so I’ll be googling them. There are interesting photos of film sets too and a photo of Harold Lloyd’s sitting-room showing bookcases full of books. I’d love to be able to see what they are.
Katrina,
I’m always fascinated by the terrific, older books you find on these jaunts. Envious, really and truly!!!
You know, I’ve been hankering for a series that focuses on the life of a country doctor. Do you know of any?
Thank you,
Judith
There’s a good series, An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor, Judith
Thank you, Peggy! I’ll look that one up. I know we’ve got it in these parts.
Judith
Judith,
I’ve seen a few American’s buying old books in various Scottish bookshops, with their spouses complaining about the weight of them for the journey back home!
At the moment all I can think of are A.J. Cronin’s books and short stories – Doctor Finlay’s Casebook, which the BBC also serialised in the 1960s and again in the 1980s I think. I’ll keep thinking though.
A.J. Cronin’s The Citadel–oh, how I was in love with the doctor in that book. I wanted to become a doctor for two years after reading that wonderful novel. Mind you, I read it when I was 14. Funny, I was just trying to decide whether to take Cronin’s The Judas Tree to the book sale or to keep it and read it. I decided I’d put it in my TBR pile, even if it’s about a businessman rather than a doctor. And I loved The Green Years by Cronin, though it was the film that led me to the reading of it. Again, I was 14 when I read it. I’d be thrilled to see that film again. And maybe I should reread the book!.
I’m also interested in the other titles you’ve mentioned and will look them up. And if your book-loving mind comes up with others, I’ll gladly partake!
Thank you so much!
Judith
I’m off now to find Doctor Finlay’s Casebook! J.
Judith,
Cronin was a doctor in the town that I grew up in – before my time of course, but it always surprises me that his books are so well known afar – not just locally. I suppose quite a few were made into films . I haven’t read The Judas Tree, or The Green Years but I remember Hatter’s Castle fondly and I knew the old lady whose father was apparently the main character, at the time when she was a young girl – if that makes sense..
Hatter’s Castle–Will have to put that on my list!
Judith,
I really enjoyed that one – when I was about 14, maybe it’s time for a reread.
Their beautiful! I saw the movie Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and didn’t know it was from a book. Steph’s mom told me she has a bunch of old books at her house to come over and look. I’m excited. Going tomorrow.
Peggy Ann,
That IS exciting, I hope she has some treasures for you!
I haven’t seen that film, did you enjoy it?
I did enjoy the film, very much! I found 3 A.J. Cronin books on paperback swap! now to decide which one to get.
I ordered The Citadel! Judith’s description got me!
Peggy,
I’m sure I have that one but I’m not too sure if I’ve read it. Sounds like if I had I wouldn’t have forgotten though. Maybe a readalong?
Absolutely! I’ll let you know when it comes
Peggy,
I just bought The Spanish Gardener fairly recently. I enjoyed that film, esp Dirk Bogarde!
What a great stack of reading! The covers of some of the books are beautiful.
Joan,
They are lovely, just as well I’m interested in what’s inside them too!
I think I’m most envious of The Provincial Lady in America, though I’d love to browse through The Film-Lover’s Annual. And Traitor’s Purse is one of my favorites of the Campion novels. It’s a lovely stack of books đŸ™‚
Lisa,
I’ve already read Traitor’s Purse – loved it. I was thrilled when I saw The Provincial Lady in America sitting on a shelf, could hardly believe my luck!
Innocent Traitor made me cry. Not because it was an awful book I have to say!
I read Mrs Palfrey a while back and adored it, I need to read some more Elizabeth Taylor and I am slowly getting into more Angela Thirkell too.
Jo,
Lady Jane’s life was so tragic – who wouldn’t cry! I’m now looking forward to Mrs Palfrey after your comment.