I have waxed rhapsodic before about Books for America here in DC. A charity shop with great selection and wondeful prices. Here is my haul from yesterday.
I’ve already talked about the Whipple.
I already own and have repeatedly read 84, Charing Cross Road. But I say you can never have too many copies of it.
I’ve already read both of the Gide, but they were such fun covers for only 50 cents each.
And make sure you check out the wonderful E.M. Forster illustrated bio that I got for $4.00.
It’s a pretty eclectic pile. Surely you have a favorite here. Or maybe one you most want to read. Or perhaps one you hate. Please share…
hogglestock 
Ooh, The Enchanted April is *wonderful*!
LikeLike
Oh! I think I have the same version of 84 Charing Cross Road, which I found at a library sale when I was visiting LA (yeah I am the traveller who visits libraries). That is the only book in your haul that I've read (I'm about 1/4 of my way through The Enchanted April, and quite enjoying it).
LikeLike
Miranda: I am really looking forward to it. I think I have seen the movie. (?)
Olduvai Reads: I think I may like my “new” 84 CC Road more than the one I already had. I go to libraries on vacation as well. Especially if there is a sale.
LikeLike
That lovely Hedgerow Cookery looks delightful even if you don't want to cook the stuff! I like the film even better than the book of The Enchanted April, and I really like the book. Has the actress who's sometimes on What's My Line doing a great job in it! Well done on your Persephone Book win btw – extremely well deserved!
LikeLike
you know I have never read 84 charing cross road, even my mother has raved about that book (hangs head in shame)
LikeLike
Rambling Fancy: Well I can't say I will be making pine needle tea or acron coffee any time soon, but it is a fun book.
Jessica: No need to hang your head in shame. In fact you should have the distinct pleasure of looking forward to the best book on books ever written. Okay, I take that back, it is tied with Alan Bennett's The Uncommon Reader.
LikeLike
Oh, I love the Gide covers. Nice finds
LikeLike
I have a couple of charity shops I regularly haunt for the books I can find there.
The Hedgerow Cookery is right up my alley!
I love that you buy multiple copies of books you like. I often do the same thing, with the idea that I'll pass them on so won't have to lend out a favorite.
LikeLike
what wonderful photographs! glad you did so well at the charity shop. i also do some book shopping in similar places. enjoy your loot!
–nat @book, line, and sinker
LikeLike
What a lovely pile of books! 84, Charing Cross Road is such a wonderful read! And I'm like you Thomas – one can never have too many copies of a great book. I have several copies of Cat's Cradle by Vonnegut and A Confederacy of Dunces by Toole.
Enjoy your new and old finds!
LikeLike
What a wonderful collection…. If I could have one I think that I would have to plump for the EM Forster book – I don't think that I have seen that one before even though I am a bit of a biography collector. Enjoy!
Hannah
LikeLike
Art: I find that Vintage from this era did some really interesting/cool prints like these.
Rose City: I must admit I was thinking that one of my copies could become a circulating copy.
Natalie: I think charity shops make it more fun because you never know what will turn up. More of a treasure hunt that way.
Nadia: Exactly. Especially when you find them for cheap.
Hannah: I hadn't seen before either. It is kind of odd because I have never seen this kind of slim illustrated bio before in a new bookshop, but I have found similar volumes on Trollope and Wharton as well as this Forster. Maybe it is a book type they don't really publish anymore.
LikeLike
Oh, I love 84 Charing Cross Road – and like you, have read it multiple times. We didn't make it to any bookstores in DC (alas and woe!) because we were hitting so many “historical sites” in a short span, but I made it to the Strand in NYC yesterday (yea!). I'm hoping to hit at least one of the “barn” store recommendations on your list as we move north. Thanks again for all your suggestions. (And I'll have to admit I was jealous when I read of your Whipple find in BFA – was kicking myself for not insisting that we get there. :) )
LikeLike
Charity shopping is the only thing that I really really miss about not being able to buy a book. In fact I might very well have to do a post on it. Somehow I can meander around a new book shop and not be too bothered, get me surrounded by secondhand treats with all their glorious dated, undated and just bizarre covers and I want to shop like I have never shopped before.
LikeLike
Susan: With all there is to do in the DC area, it doesn't surprise me you didn't get to any bookstores.
Simon: I totally agree with you. With a few exceptions(like Daunt in London or Three Lives in NYC) I actually find new bookstores rather boring these days. But get me into a second hand shop and I am like a kid in a candy store. No doubt it is the thrill of the hunt.
LikeLike
I do want that hedgerow cookery book. Is it a sin to covet thy neighbours cookbook?
LikeLike
Desparate: I hope not. Or I would have been guilty on many an occasion.
LikeLike