Ragdoll Cat Forums

I recently bought a copy of Shakespeare's Macbeth off of ebay and it arrived today (it was a great day for mail! this AND my present from the Furry Godkitty!). I was just excited because it was old (copy is from 1914) but the best part is one of the inscriptions:

"Ester, I'm terribly in love with you ~Matt '14"

I thought it was so sweet. There are also some notes about Ester's "Favorite 14s," a bunch of girls that were friends, and an interesting description of Shakespeare ("The guy who ate a pound of cheese every hour for four days straight"). I'm guessing this was one of her schoolbooks, and maybe she's passed away and now they're selling off her library. As sad as that makes me, it also is incredible that I own a piece of that history now. Its inspired me to inscribe in some of my books (in pencil at least), and maybe someday someone will receive one of my old books and wonder.

At the library I work at, we gets so many donations of old books and it's always amazing to look through them. I love the inscriptions, and sometimes there are pictures that have been left in the books, or old letters. It kind of makes you want to find out a little more about the original owner, doesn't it?

I used to love to go antiquing in Aberdeen SD with my former mother in law. I found 2 small red books and bought them just for their looks. When we got back to the house, I was flipping through them and saw the name Goldie Wells inscribed in them both. I showed them to my mil and she just howled. Goldie Wells was a Democrat, and Secretary of state of South Dakota, 1937-39. She was also best friends with my ex's Grandmother. Talk about a crazy small world story .

Your book sounds very cool, and special Jenny.
T, you must see a lot of great inscriptions.. not to mention what you find tucked beneath the pages.

Aw....that's SO sweet !! If Ester and Matt only knew that almost 100 years later their words would matter to someone...

My Grandfather graduated from high school in 1915. Last year we were rummaging around in a few old boxes that had been in his and my Grams attic. And there were his yearbooks from all four years of high school.

My Mom and I grabbed some coffee and sat at the kitchen table reading everything that was written to him by his high school friends 100 years ago. It was funny, heartwarming and more wonderful than words could express. I got to see my Grandpa in his high school football uniform, there was a picture there of him and his "best girl" (NOT my Gram LOL) and pictures of my Great Uncles as well. I treasure those books.

Whatever you paid for that book...as amazing as Shakespeare is...the value to me is in the sentiment of a love that has endured 100 years.