Into the Archive: Back from the Seguin Public Library

 

The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves (Penguin)

The Psammead Trilogy, by E. Nesbit (Barnes and Noble)

I knew even when I wrote that I wasn’t getting any more books this year I meant I wasn’t ordering any from Amazon; it was already in the back of my mind that it was about time for another journey to the Seguin Public Library bookstore. Well, despite having already traveled forth twice this week, I decided that today I would simply have to walk down to the library and look around. This would at least have the effect of releasing me from the compulsion. And I needed change for a twenty.

It was pretty cold, about 45 degrees, but at least it wasn’t wet like the last few days. I am always surprised how long the journey really is; perhaps I am fooled by how quickly you can get there by car. I was wearing the cap that Morgandy made me last year. I like it because not only does it keep my ears warm, it adds an air of gravitas that I don’t usually have. I think it makes me look rather like a fleeing Leo Tolstoy heading for the train station.

I left about 9:40 AM and got there a little after 10 AM, the time it opens. The good books I usually find are in one section, a single shelf that carries both classics and children’s literature. That is where I found The Greek Myths and The Psammead Trilogy. I have an old 2 volume paperback copy of The Greek Myths (bought back when I was in college) and I had a hardback copy of The Psammead Trilogy that I thoughtlessly (or ruthlessly) sent off to Florida.

I suppose these can be categorized as rather unnecessary rebuys, though the Myths is in a handier form and Psammead is a replacement copy. They only cost $6 altogether. As a tribute to my restraint, I left behind copies of The Complete Poetry of John Donne, The Cricket in Times Square, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, The Silmarillion (and I have so many copies of The Silmarillion) and a Penguin Select Plays of Aristophanes. All books I have or had before, but all which I found attractive. I sometimes wonder who in the Seguin area is selling these books; I have the vague feeling that we could be friends, or at least have some interesting conversations.

So the score goes up to 72 acquisitions this year.