Lately, I have been going to thrift stores, Goodwill stores, and even estate sales just out of curiosity at what I would find. But after the first view visits, I started focusing on the literature I would find just sitting on the shelves. Not surprising, since I love to read. Yet while I was focusing on newer books, my eyes would immediately look at any books that appeared to be old as well. Recently, I found a first American edition printing of George Orwell’s Animal Farm which was quite exciting and saddening at the same time. It’s also my first lit find of note that I would care to talk about.
Now, I didn’t know what I was holding in my hand since there was nothing on the cover and the print on the book’s binding was so faded that there was nothing to discern the book’s title (as you can see in the pictures provided). It wasn’t until I opened the small book’s first few pages that I saw the words Animal Farm. Then I noticed that the words “First American Edition” was on the page opposite of the book’s title.
To say I was excited by this discovery would be an understatement. Especially since I am a fan of Orwell’s work and am in the process of re-reading 1984. Unfortunately, I was also saddened because the book used to be a library book.
My heart sank at the realization of this.
As a library book, this means that the book I was holding would have an old card pocket and, as I flipped to the back, there it was. In addition to that discovery, the first two pages of the book, which I had skipped upon my initial look, were graffitied with dozens of names and stamped. A double-blow for me.
Still, I can’t complain too much. The book is almost 75 years old and, despite the condition of the cover, names written in there, and the card pocket, the pages are in pretty good condition. I did notice some pencil marks on random pages, but nothing else that was noticeable.So I paid for the book, in addition to some others, and left.
It may not be in great shape, but I wonder how many people can say that they have in their possession a first edition of Animal Farm.
Ever since I picked this up, I’ve been wondering if it would be worth it to try and get the book restored. However, I fear that the money required for such an undertaking is far beyond my meager means at the moment. If any of you have any experience with book restoration, I’d love to hear your opinion on whether or not it would be worth the endeavor.
But there is no denying it, I think this was a great find of classic literature. A “lit find” for sure in my opinion!
What do you think of this find and how much do you think I paid for this book? Sound off in the comments below!