I haven't had any adventures since I won the prize at the Eagle Park aviation meet in my sky racer

[sovay]

I have just been given an original hardcover of Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle (1911). It was on the "Reserved" shelf at Raven Used Books. It wasn't being held for anyone; it had just fetched up there. I didn't know: I asked the clerk. He said I was the first person who'd shown any interest in it. After a moment, he asked if I wanted it. No charge.

Well, yes, obviously.

(Its subtitle is Daring Adventures in Elephant Land. I cannot imagine this will be handled well.)

Oh, and it's the inspiration-namesake of the Taser.

I love used book stores.

Comments

[sovay]

Sounds positively serendipitous. Did you get anything else?

Presents for my mother (which she seems to like), and a memoir by Ed Wood, Jr. for Rob (ditto). I snagged for myself a copy of Cyril Connolly's The Unquiet Grave (1944), because it was there in the biography section and why not?

I keep meaning to send you after a copy of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark omnibus with the original illustrations, for your godchild. (They've just done a pablum-ized rerelease and the pictures are not scary. WTF.)

Er. Sure. Traumatizing those entrusted to me is probably in my job description . . .