We receive thousands of books into the World of Rare Books HQ every week and every now and then we come across an item that’s very unusual. It might be a strange book title, a postcard in a box of old photographs or a unique vinyl record.
We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite weird and wonderful finds over the past year.
Very good question. And one Gustaaf Johannes Renier tries to answer in this. The book explores the “unintellectual, restricted, stubborn… and reliable English”. Published in 1931, by Dutch journalist and biographer, this books comments on the people surrounding Renier when he fled to England in the First World War.
A fictional tale that follows the story of a young girl nicknamed Virgie and her faithful family servant Uncle Billy as they journey from the Deep South to Washington D.C. Here they plead for the life of Virgie’s father who was arrested and charged with espionage during the American Civil War. This edition is special as it contains illustrations based on the musical adaptation starring Shirley Temple.
Now, we’re not doubting that there are many conchologists out there who would find this book fascinating. 304 pages full of imagery, descriptions and details of where to find all kinds of molluscs in the British Isles.
Eurotash. A journey to the ends of the upper lip
Signed by the author this book is about the journey a group of men took around Europe to discover the European moustache in its present form. This book was published to further promote the Movember movement back in 2009.
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding Vol II
Despite this being a 15th edition, it was published way back in 1760 (original manuscript dates back as far as 1690). Written by John Locke, this book was one of the principal sources of modern philosophy. Book II explores the notion that all ideas are derived from a sensation or reflection. This essay went on to inspire many philosophers.
We want to hear about any weird and wonderful books you have in your collection. Let us know in the comments below!