This book came up higher than 8,000 ft. on Jill’s chest and will ride back probably on Jill’s bottom.
February 25th, 2956
Martin
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Sulaiman
When the year first started out, I was so convinced that you didn’t like me. After a little time (and some baking), you’ve become one of my most reliable people here. I have so much respect for you – whip-smart, funny, loyal – stay awesome, okay? Thank you for being a part of my family here this year. I’m going to miss you, but I can’t wait to hear about all the fantastic things you’ll be doing Inext year and beyond. I know everything will be just spectacular for you. Whenever we’re in the same city again, remember you’ve got a girl to bake for you!
Stephanie
[NB this edition of Peter Pan was published in 2010]
A Literate Passion: Letters of Anais Nin & Henry Miller 1932-1953 ed by Gunther Stuhlmann
16 January 89
Tony
Miller is my friend, my father, my lover; not a God, because that would be in the realms of metaphysics and unattainable. He is the Rose (thorns included) in my Crucifixion.
Garry [Gerry?]
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/mar/23/book-dedications-love-lust
The Human Face by John Brophy
“And ne’er did Grecian chisel trace
A nymph, a naiad or a Grace
Of finer form or lovelier face”
Dearest Rose – these lines of Scott apply fittingly to you. Whatever the views expressed in this book, and I believe they support my contention, yours is the loveliest face I have ever seen.
Aron
December 1945
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/feb/14/book-dedications-love-romantic
The World of Picasso by Lael Wertenbaker
The one thing one can always do for the person one has loved – is love them again.
I’m so glad – that way I can do anything for you, include giving you this book.
Gayle 30/03/71
[NB: This dedication is currently up for discussion on The Guardian website as part of the Book Dedications series.]
A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor
25/4/88
Dear Dad,
According to Mum (alias the Guru of the Postal Rates) the best way to send a book is as Printed Matter, but then it can’t include a letter – hence this method.
I enjoyed this book (and its sequel) a ‘lot.’ While I was reading them, I thought of you, and wondered what memories you have of any of the times and places he describes. Of course this world, (of centralEuropeas it was in 19??) vanished before I was born. The mixture of the author’s experiences of it at age 18 and his reflections now (or at any rate in 1978) on a world it is impossible to re-visit, give the book an usual texture, I think.
Don’t feel obliged to read it if it doesn’t “grab” you. You can view this as a short letter with 300 pages attached.
Lots of love
Safei [any ideas? WG] xxx
P.S. Hungary is in the second volume.
[VERY IMPORTANT NB This book kicks off this blog's fortnightly serialization on the Guardian website. Subsequent installments will be added to this blog after they have appeared on the Guardian site, including a link to the comments thread. WG]
Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan
To my firey sweet French Love
Happy Christmas 99
and lots of fun and adventure in year 2000
Love [doodle of a half a face. Maybe an initial J.]
The Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana
To Peter;
I hope you haven’t got a copy of this already- I met 2 of my friends whilst buying it + they still won’t believe it wasn’t for me – Happy birthday + Happy reading!!
Love Sally x.
[NB: the corner of page 76 (above) is turned over. This is either marking the end of Chapter XI (sic) and a verse detailing the "congress of a crow" (don't ask) or the start of Chapter X: OF THE WAY HOW TO BEGIN AND HOW TO END THE CONGRESS. DIFFERENT KINDS OF CONGRESS AND LOVE QUARRELS.
Whether either of these had anything to do with book ending up in a second-hand bookshop we will never know. WG.]
Forever by Judy Blume
Dear Claire
This has got to be a teenage classic!
So to a 40 year old from another heres to forever being a teen.
Much love
Nat
xxx
Orton – The Complete Plays by Joe Orton
Dear Neil
“Lie on the couch with your hands behind your head & think of the closing chapters of your favourite work of fiction. The rest may be left to me.”
Leaving me to say -
enjoy every word & don’t shut your eyes & don’t think of England.
All my love,
Naomi xx
