Chapter 12 October 1950

Max and Cohen Bookstore 84 Charing Cross Road, West Central London October 2, 1950 Dear Helene: I've had these pictures in the shop for weeks, but we've been so busy these days that we haven't been able to find time to send them to you.These were taken by me and Doug (my husband) in Norfolk, where he is based at the RAF base.I didn't have any nice shots of them, but it was the best I could find, and the ones with the kids and Doug weren't too bad. Dear Helian, I really hope that you can really come to England as you wish. Why don't you save some money on books so that you can make the trip next summer?My mom and dad have a house in Middlesex and we'd be happy to take you there.

Megan Wells (the owner's secretary) and I are going to jersey (among the channel islands) for a week next july, you can come and play with us, back to middlesex anyway It doesn't need to cost you too much. Mr. Ben Marx was looking at what I was writing, so he stopped writing. Sincerely, Cecily New York City 14 East Ninety-fifth Avenue October 15, 1950 Really! ! ! Not my nag, Frank Dell!Seeing that the bookstore had the heart to tear up such a beautiful ancient book and used the inner pages as wrapping paper and stuffing materials, I really felt that the world was in ruins and that it was beyond redemption.I complained to John Henry who was wrapped in it: "Your Excellency, the gentleman is so dishonorable, do you believe it?"

He said he was really puzzled.What's even worse is that you tore the book apart, just grabbed a few pages and packed them up, so I couldn't figure out which battle was being fought at the top. The book arrived about a week ago, and the anger is slowly dissipating.I put it upright in front of the case, and it stays with me all day.From time to time, I stopped typing, reached over, and stroked it with infinite love.Not entirely because this is the first edition of the book, but mainly because I have never seen such a beautiful book since I was born.Owning such a book makes me feel an inexplicable sense of guilt.With its gleaming leather bound, quaint gilt title, and handsome typography, it really should be in a wooden mansion in the English countryside; In a rocking chair, read slowly and gently... instead of committing myself to reading on a crappy old sofa in a shabby apartment.

I want to buy that Q anthology, but I forgot how much, I lost your last letter.It seems like two dollars, right?Enclosed are two one-yuan bills, and if not enough, please write to me. How about wrapping pages 512 and 513 next time you have a book in the mail?That way I know which side won in the end, and which battle it was. HH PS Do you have "The Pepys Diary" there?I need it to accompany me through the long winter nights.