Apart from Sheherazade's nights, for my entire lifetime 1001 has
only had one other meaning, it cleans a big, big carpet for less than
half a crown. If that means anything at all to you dear reader then
hail fellow child of the 1950's. For slightly more than half a crown
(12.5p in old money? and could live off it for a week) the number now
has a whole new meaning.
That little tap at the door and the Amazon Fairy standing there with a ton weight parcel containing just one book
1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die edited by Peter Boxall.
Well firstly I'd like to know who to hold responsible for making me buy
this book? My pointed finger is wavering between Chicago and Ohio so
I'll thank them both.
My extravagence on the hardback edition I see is now justified as I
just gaze on the most delicious looking book, sumptuosly illustrated
and high quality smooth heavy paper that will withstand any amount of
browsing. The last bit of the title panics me slightly so that is to be
ignored but here, under the guise of a disappointingly commercial dust
jacket that belies the quality of the content, is a reference book of
the highest order. For a bookaholic like me this is paradise indeed.
All that remains is for me to see where I stand in relation to the
1001, I usually barely make double figures in these situations, this
despite a lifetime spent reading , but clearly all the wrong books.
I will report back in due course, I may be gone some time.
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