Back when we were younger and more adventurous we traveled a great deal around the Northwest and whatever city we were going to I researched to see what bookstores they might have so we could visit. We rolled into Bellingham, just south of the Canadian border and found a bookstore but it contained nothing but modern 1sts and paperbacks. Disappointed, I told the shopkeeper the kinds of books I was interested in. If you ever asked that question knowing you were in the wrong bookstore and expecting the glazed and bored response you know what I mean. Instead they mentioned a private bookstore in a Victorian house that we might be interested in. They called the owners who invited us over. This was the Old London Bookshop run by Michael and Gingyr Schon. They welcomed us inside and gave us tea and a wonderful chocolate brownie and we spoke of books for awhile. Every square inch of the Victorian house was full of books with different rooms for specific genres. Everything was neat and tidy and organized. So we went to the sci fi/ fantasy room and I found this Jorkens book and the Leiber. Rita recalls there were other books we put back that we couldn't afford. What I remember most was the charm and friendliness of those two sweet people who shared their home with books and cats and welcomed kindred spirits in and made us feel at home. Michael has since passed but Gingyr still carries on. When I read the Dunsany it takes me back to that store and its charm. Time had no meaning there and couldn't touch us.
I'll post this on our Dunsany community page. We encourage you to join and take an active part in keeping the magic and truth of Dunsany alive by participating. Dunsany has much to teach us and many who need to learn from him. Perhaps you can share your experiences of where you bought a Dunsany and if a story or memory surrounds it.
No comments:
Post a Comment