Project24

Project 24 – #2 & #3

So, on my travels to Suffolk, Mum and I had three things definitely factored into the itinerary – aside from seeing her sister, of course. Firstly was the spectacular (and spectacularly cheap) hot chocolate at the Essex Rose in Dedham – a three-mug jugful for £2! – second was meeting up with lovely Elaine of Random Jottings, more on that tomorrow, and last was… Castle Books in Colchester. Back in 2001 we had a family holiday in Felixstowe, and popped over to Colchester. Castle Books was where my AA Milne liking developed into an obsession, as they had quite a few of his books, quite cheaply. And I’ve had fond memories of it ever since.

It didn’t disappoint – a wonderful stock, very reasonable prices, and enough temptation to tip me halfway through February on my Project 24 restrictions… that’s right, I bought two. On any other day I’d have happily bought ten, so I do count it as *something* of a success… no?

First up is I. Compton-Burnett by Pamela Hansford Johnson, a little booklet about ICB’s novels from 1951 – it looks like an interesting snapshot of response to ICB by another interesting novelist.

And second is a beautiful book called More Talk of Jane Austen by Shelia Kaye-Smith and GB Stern. I’ve flicked through Talking of Jane Austen once or twice, though I don’t own it – the books look like a lovely mix – informal chat about Jane Austen from the mouths of those with know-how. Indulgent without being unscholarly – think this’ll be one to curl up with soon.

So, there we have it! Numbers 2 and 3 in my Project 24. I also bought a little book about EF Benson in Castle Books, but that was a gift for Elaine – who, in turn, gave me a book – which you’ll be hearing more about tomorrow…

Project 24 – #1

As Susan spotted the other day, the first book of 2010 has found its way to my little home – and it’s Roofs Off! by Richmal Crompton. Possibly, though I won’t swear to it, the first novel I own with an exclamation mark in the title (quick trivia question: what’s the only place name in England with an exclamation mark in it? That’s not a trick question, by the way.)

I have some abebooks alerts which, indeed, alert me to various books which I might want. And one of them is Author=Crompton and ~william (hello Mr. Boolean, I hope you’re feeling well). As you probably know, I’m rather a fan of Richmal Crompton’s novels, and quite a few of them almost never come up in the virtual marketplace. In the six or so years I’ve tried to find Crompton’s novels, I’ve never seen Roofs Off! advertised, and it was a fairly reasonable price – I feel it’s a good start to Project24.

I’m tippy-tappy-typing this a few days in advance, and when you read it I’ll be off in Suffolk with Our Vicar’s Wife – and, if all goes to plan, soon to be meeting up with Elaine aka Random Jottings. And maybe, perhaps, buying book no.2….

Fellow Project24-ers, or anyone on book restriction – how’s it going? Be strong! Or, if you give up, make sure it’s a really good haul…