Saturday, July 26, 2008

They Had Me As Soon As The Door Opened

Eler Beth and I were downtown today doing some shopping, and I decided to stop by a bookshop on Spring St. I'd never been in before, JeffBook.  JeffBook is a not-for-profit store, selling new and used books, and providing employment for clients of Lifespring.  I had never been in, but have been meaning to get in there for a long time.

As soon as I entered the door I was drawn to the Kentucky and Indiana shelves, the first ones I saw as I came in.  I spent about 10 minutes perusing those three shelves, picking out four must-haves pretty quickly.  I'd only stepped about four feet into the store and had already just about blown my "book" budget for the week.  I was lost.

I got Truly Kentucky, A Culinary Gift From The Bluegrass, a slim, elegant little book full of some interesting Kentucky recipes, for only $2.50.  The book looks brand new.

I got a 1912 volume of Lessons in the Speaking and Writing of English, Book Two, Composition and Grammar, by John M. Manly and Eliza R. Bailey.  I couldn't find a picture of the book on line, but I found it in the Indiana State University library catalogue -- they have three copies.  The copy I bought was $7.00.

Also for $7.00 I got a 1921 copy of Everyday Classics, Seventh Reader, American Life and Literature for Grammar Grades and Junior High Students, by Franklin T. Baker and Ashley H. Thorndike.  ISU has three copies of it as well.

And lastly I bought The Kentucky Warbler by James Lane Allen, published in 1918.  I found a copy online with a price being asked of $75.00.  I got mine for $2.50.

So I got everything for under $20.00, which is usually what I allow myself to spend on frivolous book purchases a week (as opposed to necessary book purchases, like something for Eler Beth's studies).  If there is something I'm really wanting, book-wise, say something to add to a collection, something that's been on my wish-list for a while, or a rare find that I can't let get away I'll spend much more, but I actually tuck a $20.00 bill away in my wallet for spontaneous book purchasing.  I do try to restrain myself to some extent!

I am very pleased, to say the least.

I can't wait to get back there next week. :)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, you definitely got some good deals. I love books, and look for sales also.
I know you'll enjoy them.
Have a wonderful Sunday,
Sheri

Anonymous said...

I have really enjoyed my first visit to your journal.  I can certainly relate to the love of books and being thrilled with a bargain.  Good job!!

Thanks for coming by my journal and your comment.  I look forward to your next entry.

Donna

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful bookstore. I hit Alibris on line a lot. I've found a lot of good, older books that I couldn't find at the local used book store. Alas, it's time to cull the shelves again for the local library's spring sale.

Jackie
http://journals.aol.com/thesheatons/TheCottageBytheHedge/

Anonymous said...

way to go Lori!
hugs,natalie

Anonymous said...

not  been reading  journals lately  lori  so  missed  your  posting  on your  friend.  my deepesy  sympathies        lovely  entries.            oh  bookstores      i  can live  in them   lol     take  care  mort  xxx

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a wonderful bookstore-but then most are.  And I love finding good deals.  
                                                            Have a great week,  Leigh

 

Anonymous said...

Great job!  Sounds like things my eyes would skim right on over... and then I would ask the clerk...do you sell People here?

I am SOOOO kidding.  I just wanted to imagine you sitting there with your mouth open shaking your head.  Ha!

God bless-
Amanda

Anonymous said...

I'm foaming at the mouth. As you can imagine, I love places like that!

Sorry I haven't been by--I didn't get alerts for a couple of entries!

Beth

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you've found yourself a new haunt and ended up with some wonderful books for little money.  Well done!  Enjoy!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Mom, I just made a new journal. her's the link.
http://journals.aol.com/princesselerbeth/the-fox-diarys/