A few years ago I picked up a copy of Personae by Ezra Pound at ABE books. When I opened it up to start reading, I came across this note in pink on the inside cover.

September 15, 1969

Jay,
Happy Birthday
Enjoy!
Love,
Sara

Books are living things, with histories, lives of their own and more importantly lives they have touched. This is the main reason why I like old books that have the names of previous owners in them (or better yet: names, dates and an inscription). This is why I prefer used books for the most part to new ones.

This copy of Personae was a birthday gift 50 years ago from a young woman in love (I fancy) to a young man who appears to have never opened it, Whether it sat on his shelf for five decades or someone else’s I do not know. It is only clear that it was never read or really even opened until I did so.

Sara (who may or may not be still living) gave it with love 50 years ago. And finally here was someone reading and enjoying it for the first time.