LUCKY THIRTEEN!! DUPLICATES THREAD

I have three black Dial press editions to offer to anyone in the U.S. I hate it that the international postage rates are so wicked, but such is life. Anyone care to claim:

I'm Not Complaining by Ruth Adam
Angel by Elizabeth Taylor
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor

duplicate post deleted.

May I please have Angel? I'll PM my address to you--thank you so much!

While browsing the books at Goodwill the other day, I came across a green Virago edition of Molly Keane's Devoted Ladies. I've already read it, and really disliked it (though I love most of her other books), but I simply couldn't leave it to languish there! So if anyone here is interested, I'll be glad to send it on to a good home. :)

I shall also take this opportunity to offer Dorothy Edwards' Winter Sonata and Naomi Mitchison's Travel Light, both of which were interesting in very different ways, but which I know I won't revisit.

Anyone in the US is welcome to these three!

I'd love I'm Not Complaining -- if no one else wants it.

I'd love Winter Sonata if nobody has claimed.

#5. Jane, it will be on its way to you Monday.
#3> Katy, it's yours and will be mailed Monday.

Thanks so much.

Hi everyone

I went a bit mad on eBay this week and got some lovely Viragoes which included a couple of duplicates. Would anyone like a copy of Palladian or None Turn Back ?

#6> Katherine, you may certainly have it! Send me a PM with your address and I'll pop it in the mail next week!
#7> Thank you, Linda!

#9 I would be very grateful for None Turn Back it's the only one of this series that I don't have yet and I'm always wary of starting if I don't have access to all the books! But I am in UK.

Dear Kerry - it's yours!! PM me your snail mail address and I'll post it to you....depending on postage it may be sea mail I'm afraid ...

Thank you, going to your profile now.

So, I paid a visit to my favourite local charity shop, the Samaritans Bookshop, today and the helpful volunteer who is always there on Saturdays said he had been 'upstairs' to see if there were any more greens! I rather excitedly came away with a few more, including Enormous Changes at the Last Minute which I already have. It's a nice later green in pretty good nick with just a bit of scuffing and lift on the cover - happy to send to a good home if anyone wants it.

Still also have The Return of The Soldier, The Rising Tide and the tatty Weather in the Streets as mentioned on the last thread if anyone is interested.

Oh dear God - that wretched man on eBay has posted another 9 Viragos for sale....help me to stay strong and resist bidding for them or we shall end up in debtor's jail at this rate....

Never mind eBay - what about Awesome Books who keep sending me 20% codes and have a bargain bin full of green Viragos!

#9 I'd like Palladian if it's still available and can travel to NZ.

#14 I'd be very keen on Enormous Changes at the Last Minute but don't want to appear too greedy.

#17 No problem - just PM your address and I'll get it sent out! It will be surface mail as you are overseas, so please allow plenty of time!

I have a modern Virago edition of Invitation to the Waltz by Rosamond Lehmann up for grabs after I bought a lovely green edition in Oxford.

#17 very happy to send Palladian to NZ. Just PM me your address.

#19 Ooh, I was going to buy that one for next month's reading week. Could I have it please?

#21 - of course Heather with pleasure : ) PM me your address and it's yours.

Katherine, Winter Sonata is on its way to you!

Devoted Ladies and Travel Light are still available to anyone in the US...

I really do need to start taking my Virago list with me when I go shopping...

I now have a spare copy of All Passion Spent courtesy of the local charity shop - modern cover, very good nick - going spare to anyone who wants it. Can send overseas but it will be by surface mail due to the vast postage costs in the UK nowadays!

#17: Enormous Changes went off today so I hope it eventually wends its way to you in the southern hemisphere!

So it seems that you UK folks have the less-expensive option of "surface mail" to send packages overseas. Are we entirely without such an option in the US? I would love to be able to send packages overseas, but have been horrified by postage costs upon recent attempts.

There used to be that option, but not anymore. :(

You're kidding? Really? That seems so mean.....thankfully it still exists down under....

Does M-bag no longer exist?
I used it to send larger volumes or sets overseas., but that was several years ago. The PO wasn't terribly transparent about that class, if I recall correctly. You had to ask for that service.

We have surface mail, yes, which is relatively cheaper than air mail but still ridiculously expensive compared to what it was before the recent increases. It's such a shame that we're all penalised for wanting our spare books to go to good homes around the world!

#28 > I don't know about M-bag--I'll have to ask about that next time I go to the post office. It is just ridiculous how expensive the rates are--I wouldn't mind paying 2, 3, even 4 times as much as domestic to send something internationally, but 10 times as much? Or even more? It's crazy.

I've never heard of an M-bag, but I will surely ask! The last time a sent a hardcover to England, it was $25 - more than the book was worth new.

The M-bag rate is awesome, if you can still get it. I think it is for sending in bulk rather than single items. I once sent a box of about 20 books from Kansas to London for just over $10. (That was 15 years ago though!)

Here's the poop on the USPS M-bag. I never heard of this, and it does sound like a good deal.

>33: well that's a closely guarded secret isn't it? But if I understand what I see on the website, the price begins at around $30 (for up to 11 lbs) ?

I think you're correct, Laura, though what defines the various price groups is still a secret, apparently. Destination, perhaps? Wouldn't help those of us wanting to send a book or two overseas, but a BOX of books...

I've heard from US people in the Bookmooch group that there are such things as flat-rate envelopes/boxes for sending overseas from the US. I think they're available from USPS (link).

I think they're $17 which is expensive if you're only sending one book but if you get the sizes of the books right I've heard that you can sometimes fit 3-4 books in an envelope and then I think the cost per book is not too bad?

There's an old discussion here.

Linda, Angel arrived yesterday--thank you so much!

There *are* flat rate envelopes but you'd be very hard pressed to fit more than two paperbacks in one. Maybe three if they're thin mass markets.

>38: yes, I managed it once. Two slim books -- one a novel, one short story collection -- in the smallest flat rate box. But it was just luck.

#37 You are most welcome, Katy!

Winter Sonata arrived today; thank you!

#38 & 39 Ah, perhaps not so helpful then.

Ali, Invitation to the Waltz arrived this week - thank you so much! I'm really looking forward to reading it.

#42 : ) glad it got to you safely - I will be re-reading it in July for the Rosamond Lehmann reading week. I loved it first time round.

Belva, it's taken an age, but the Sybille Bedford is now on its way to you!

I have a lovely green cover copy of My Brilliant Career that I'm happy to send to anyone stateside.

I'd love it Deb and I'm local :)

46> It's all your! Just PM your address.

Simon, thank you ever so much.
hugs,

Thanks Deb!

I just picked up a copy of The Vet's Daughter if anyone is interested?

If nobody else wants it, I always like to give that as a gift. But someone who does not already have it should get first dibs.

I already have it, but I just want to encourage anyone who doesn't have it - it's brilliant!

I don't have it yet and would very much like it to fill a notable gap in my small but perfectly-formed Comyns collection (with the usual proviso that if postage to NZ is too much someone else can have priority).

No problemo, Grant, I actually get a thrill sending things far afield. Contact me on my thread with your address and I'll send it forthwith!

Ahead of Rosamond Lehmann reading week, I've just been given a duplicate copy of The Swan in The Evening. If anyone in the UK wants it I can pop it in the post pretty quickly!

I would love The Swan in The Evening, Karen!

It's yours! Just send me a pm with your details and I'll get it in the post asap!

Thank you!!

Does anyone want a fairly tatty Fontana paperback of The Weather in the Streets? US preferrred. Dibs here, then PM me with yer addy. :)

I have two to give away to anyone in the UK: Armour Wherein He Trusted by Mary Webb and Frost in May by Antonia White. Both are green copies. I won't be able to get to the post office until the week after next, so if you don't mind waiting just let me know if you want one or both.

#60 Helen, I'd love the Mary Webb, please. Last year for All Virago August I read Precious Bane and this year I have some others of hers to read and I could add this one.

I have a nice green cover copy of No Signposts in the Sea to offer to anyone in the US.

It's yours, Kerry! Just message me your address.

#60 May I have Frost in May, please?

Of course! Send me your address! :)

Thank you so much!

ETA- Oops, I misread your post as "anywhere in the US." Request withdrawn, but thanks again all same.

Oh, sorry! I couldn't see where you were from your profile! Frost in May still up for grabs! Anyone?

62: May I have No Signposts in the Sea?

23: Hello -- been away for a while and just checked back to find this posting -- too good to be true? Would Travel Light still be available? I looked through the list a bit, but might have missed something......

Edited to add that I'm in the US.

68> Sure, Kasthu--just send me a PM with your address.

Somehow, I don't have Frost in May - could I have it, Helen?

Of course, Simon! But I've just been to the post office this morning, so I'm afraid you'll have to wait until next week. Is that OK?

Of course, Simon! But I've just been to the post office this morning, so I'm afraid you'll have to wait until next week. Is that OK?

Kerry, I put your Mary Webb in the post today!

That's very OK :) I've just moved house, so I'll message you my new address.

Thanks Helen - it can be part of my AVAA!

Anyone want an Abacus copy of Molly Keane's Good Behavior? It's a great book.

Elaine, I would love the Abacus edition of Good Behavior if it is still available. I can't imagine that I don't have it in my library but apparently I don't.
Thank you.

Of course, Belva! I'll mail by the end of the week.

E

Thank you so much Elaine. You are appreciated.

Simon,
I received A Compass Error in the post today. Thank you so very much. Now I am on the hunt for A Favourite of the Gods. Wish me luck.
belva

Belva awesome books has a virago copy of A Favourite of the Gods available if that helps?

Belva - glad it arrived, but gosh it took a long time!

70: I just left you my address, but forgot to hit private... Please delete when finished with it! Thanks.

83> Done!

#69> Yes, Travel Light is still available and you may certainly have it! PM your address to me and I'll get it in the mail next week!

Woodeehoodeehoodeehoo!

Thank you!!!!!!

Stopped at a new used bookstore serendipitously today and found many many Viragos for a ridiculous bargain.

Here are three duplicates up for grabs:
Violet Trefusis Hunt the Slipper (black)
Laura Talbot The Gentlewoman (green)
Elizabeth Taylor Palladian (green)

I mistakenly listed a Rebecca West that is already bespoke, for which I apologize, mainly to LW3.

Just sent me a PM with your address.

Oh -- Might I have the Violet Trefusis??

Yes indeed!

All the way back to message 1 -- did anyone ever take Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont?

No, Lucy...Mrs. Palfrey is still available. Would you like to trade for the Rebecca West?

Oh I would love it! I'll pm you?

Do you need my address?

No Signposts in the Sea arrived today, thank you!

93> Enjoy!

Sybix, is The Gentlewomen still available?

As I posted on my 75 challenge thread but not yet on Virago Fabulous Finds, I acquired an amazing stash of books after passing The Bookbarn on my holidays which included nine VMCs and three Virago Travellers. I couldn't leave without buying a couple of duplicates for the group but one (Lantana Lane by Eleanor Dark) proved to have some staining inside which I hadn't noticed so wasn't sure whether to list it or not. Ask if you're desperate for a copy!

In more respectable condition (but slightly creased spine) is:

My Friend Says It's Bullet-Proof by Penelope Mortimer

and from a previous haul, I have a rather battered but readable copy of:

The Crowded Street by Winifred Holtby

I am happy to post world-wide.

Ooooh - I would very much like The Crowded Street if I may, Dee!

What treats did you get for yourself?

Yes Leseratte - you will have to wait though until I get home from my vacation - after the 22nd for me to mail it. I will cross it off now, though. PM me with yr. address?

97: No problem, Karen. I'll let you know once it's in the post!

I went a bit mad in the Bookbarn, bought two Molly Keanes (Full House & Loving without Tears) plus various other more obscure VMCs which I didn't know much about but was pleased to add to my collection especially at only £1 each!

Soup, if My Friend Says It's Bullet-Proof by Penelope Mortimer is yet available, I would love to have it please.

100: Belva, you are very welcome! I don't think I have your address so PM me and I will send it off...

Thank you so much Dee. No rush on the book however. ♥

I would be interested in Lantana Lane, even with staining.

Thank you, Sybix! No hurry at all on the book - it's for my friend the future VMC convert. I've given her 11 so far, that should hold her for a while. : )

103: That's great Grant, I'm happy that I'll be sending it to a good home! I don't think I have your address so PM me and I'll pop it in the post.

Thanks so much Dee - no hurry to post, whenever you can.

£1 each is pretty good for a Virago!

I love the Bookbarn - EVEYRTHING is £1 each! I'm going in a few weeks' time.

*Sooooo* jealous!

Thanks, Helen, Frost in May arrived!

Youngest Child came home from a trip to town with friends celebrating A level results clutching a nice green copy of Mr. Fortune's Maggot for me! So I have a spare 2000 edition if anyone would like it.

And on the subject of Frost in May, there were at least two green copies sitting in charity shops near me when I last looked, so I'm happy to pick these up for anyone in the UK if they still need one!

Oh, would love Mr F's maggot if still available!

Edited to add: I'm glad there was plenty to celebrate about! Did they get the results they were hoping for then?

Also, apologies to those of you I'm due to send duplicates out to. I hope to post them by early next week.

It's yours Dee - I'll pop it in the post at the weekend.

Yes, my smallest daughter was very lucky with her results (two As, two Bs and a D in biology which she thought she'd completely failed!) - phew!

Thank you, Karen!

Those are excellent results. Well done, Kaggsy's smallest ;)

Well done smallest daughter!

Thank you - I'll pass it along! :)

Elaine, thank you so much forGood Behaviour. Picked it up a couple of days ago. I am excitedly looking forward to this read.

I visited some Oxfam shops during my holiday and hoovered up as many Viragos as I could. There were no green VMCs and none of any design that I didn't already have (has someone on this list just been to Wells and Salisbury?), but I did get two that someone here may like. Both are the modern style covers:

Mrs Miniver, printed 2008 with introduction by Valerie Grove, in excellent condition.
Provincial Daughter, printed 2002, with illustrations, lightly creased spine and bumped corners but overall good condition.

I'll send anywhere - overseas goes surface - but if there's an ugly rush I'm afraid I'll give preference to UK readers.

I'd love the Mrs. Miniver please if it's still available - thank you!!!

I don't have Provincial Daughter yet but if there's an ugly rush and it's too far feel free to send her elsewhere.

#118, 119 I'm still away from home at the moment but I will send out when I get back. Karen, I need your address - leave a PM on my profile. Grant, I have yours, I think, unless you've moved house recently. They're both slim volumes so it's not going to break the bank, but you will be waiting several weeks, Grant!

My son is tidying his room and, profiting from his example, I've decided to clear out my little study/computer room. It will be nice to see more than six square inches of carpet. In one of the piles I have discovered a duplicate copy of The Provincial Lady in Wartime. It's not a Virago but a Macmillan hardback, printed 1940. It has clean creamy pages, illustrated by Illingworth, but no dustwrapper. It has a decorative bookplate and a lovely gift inscription. Free to an appreciative home.

(I had a look on ebay in case it might be terrifically valuable. There were no copies for sale but I bought a copy of the Virago hardback of The Diary of a Provincial Lady. Well, it's a book I often read and my other five copies might wear out and leave me Diary-less...)

This is a bit of an odd question. Did anyone here mistakenly send me a copy of China Court by Rumer Godden? It's not a Virago, but a nice 1961 hardback from The Book Club, completely with only-slightly-scruffy dust jacket.

I know I didn't order it from anywhere as I already have a good hardback copy. Although I have been known to order things and then completely forget about it, winding up being pleasantly surprised to get a book in the post! Anyway, I've been holding onto the newly delivered one for a while now, hoping whoever sent it (whether from LT or elsewhere) would realise their mistake and get in touch, but that hasn't happened. There was no note enclosed, no return address on the packaging and the postmark wasn't visible.

It's a mystery!

If nobody sent it, would anyone like it?

If no one claims, (but I hope the owner/sender does), I would love to have it miss_read. And don't you just love a good mystery?

I have that edition of China Court, and it seems to still be on its shelf here, so it wasn't me!

Belva, I've given it several weeks already and noone has come forward, so I'll send it to you this week. Address please!

121 - hilarious final line, Kerry! I actually bought this the other day, same edition, so I'm ok. I now have 3 x DoPL, 1 x PLGF, 1 x PLiA, 1 x PLiW, and 3 x the 4-in-1 edition...

126: I know you can never have too much of a good thing..... but you'll need a special shelf just for your Provincial Ladies!!!

#126 When I get my new one I shall match you, Simon. Plus I have some on my Kindle, too.

I'm glad I'm not the only one - I don't have duplicate Provincial Ladies but I do have some duplicate Viragos with significant differences eg different introductions - I have all 6 Holtby novels in green, the new South Riding and another one - the new South Riding is lovely and the cover of the other, I think Poor Caroline is beautiful but it doesn't have an intro, the old South Riding is introduced by Lettice Cooper, herself a Virago (and Persephone) author. I also have a Kindle download of the BBC tie in edition (published by Random House not Virago). I also have two different copies of Our Spoons Came From Woolworths, Their Eyes Were Watching God and one of the Molly Keanes.

My non Virago weakness is Katherine Mansfield - a Penguin collected stories, but I covet the newer edition with an intro by Ali Smith, two copies of Bliss and other stories by Tauschnitz and another very compact old hardback from the 1950s, a copy of each of her other main collections in Penguin, and selected stories edited with introductions by my grandfather (a 1980s OUP paperback) and Claire Tomalin (a beautiful recentish hardback which has the Bliss title but it's not the same as the original collection of that title).

I do also have some duplicates which I will list here when I've posted and sorted out the books I promised to people about 15 months ago and satisfied myself that I can find my first copy.

For people in the UK... anyone want a VMC Our Spoons Came From Woolworths by Barbara Comyns (the edition with the Stanley Spencer cover) or Rebecca West's The Return of the Soldier?

Non-VMC, but a great book, I have a spare Pan paperback of Hostages to Fortune by Elizabeth Cambridge (one of my favourite Persephone books.)

Finally, not sure if this will be useful for anyone, but I have a spare copy of the final three Mapp & Lucia books, collected as Lucia Victrix

Any of these available to a good home in the UK!

Gawsh - not wishing to appear greedy, but I'd love the Our Spoons, Simon, if it's still available!

It's yours, Karen!

Thank you *so* much! In my recent travels around the many second hand book sources of Leicester, I didn't come across any Comyns, and it will match my edition of Who Was Changed and Who was Dead - lovely!

Nobody for Lucia Victrix, Return of the Soldier or Hostages to Fortune? If not, I'll put them in the charity shop pile at the weekend :)

120: The Mrs Miniver arrived today Kerry, and thank you so much - it's a lovely version and very much appreciated!!!

Could I have Hostages to Fortune please, Simon? It's on my Persephone wishlist but I don't have the spare money for Persephones right now!

You certainly can, Dee! I probably have your address somewhere, but could you remind me of it?

#135 Good. I don't need to tell you it's in the post, now!

Provincial Daughter is in the post, Grant, but will take much longer than two days.

Thank you, Simon. I don't think you do have my address so will PM you right now....

Helen,
my China Court by Rumer Godden arrived this A.M. in the post. Thank you so very much. Can't wait to get to it.

"Five generations of Quins have lived in China Court, a house built in a remote village on the Cornish moors by Eustace Quin in 1840 and named after the china clay works from which the family draws its prosperity.
With infinite skill Rumer Godden has merged Then and Now into a timeless tapestry of human lives. A flower, a dog, a scent, the decorations of a dinner table, a word sharply spoken, a look evaded--all are significant in the pattern of life which flows through China Court. Although the canvas is a large one, there is no confusion. Each personality is clear and memorable, each incident set in delicate balance with another."

Yes, I cannot wait to read this one. Thank you again but I fear you paid much too dearly for the postage dear heart.

Will see you here or there,
hugs,
belva

As I posted in The Soul of Kindness thread - I have a copy of The Soul of Kindness to give away which I bought to give away on my blog - no one seems to want it - so I am offering it here. I'm happy to send anywhere.

.

It's absolutely fine, Belva! Over the years I've received so many lovely books from all of you, sent from all over the world - I figure the postage all evens up in the end! I do hope you enjoy the book. xx

Thank you so much Helen.

Oops, I bought a duplicate copy of Elizabeth Sprigge's The Life of Ivy Compton-Burnett yesterday - because LibraryThing said I didn't have it! (Perhaps my own fault.) Would anybody in the UK like it?

I would LOVE it please, Simon!

ETA: I will look to see if I have anything I could send you in exchange. Do you have a wishlist anywhere?

Great, Dee!
I don't have a wishlist on here, but anything you think I'd like from 1900-1950 that I don't have already on LibraryThing would probably interest me :) thanks for the idea of a swap, that's lovely of you.

147: Simon, you seem to already have copies of almost all my non-keepers from 1900-1950 but I can offer you a Penguin Modern Classics edition of Of Love and Hunger by Julian Maclaren-Ross if you're interested? I enjoyed it a lot and have posted a review of it on the book's main page.

Actually, I think it's indirectly thanks to you that I read it as Amazon recommended it as something I'd like as I liked Slaves of Solitude which I read after reading about it on your blog.

If you would like it, PM me your address. Thanks you for the Sprigge offer. You probably still have my address as you kindly sent me a book about a week ago!

This is not a Virago, but it is an excellent novel. I received City of Women by David Gillham as an Early Review book last month. The time is Berlin in 1943 when the city had few men and the women had to cope with the realities of war. Read my review for more information (no spoilers).

I loved this book but will probably never reread it because I just have too many unread books on my shelves. So if anyone wants my copy just let me know. The book itself looks just like the August hardcover release, not a generic ARC cover. Stateside only because it is heavy.

I also have a Virago second generation of Hall's The Unlit Lamp that needs a new home. This is fairly light so it can go anywhere.

May I have The Unlit Lamp, Elaine? Please and thank you?

You bet! I have your address.

E

#151 I know....it seems I've taken advantage of your generosity many times! Thanks again.

Elaine - given that I am currently reading The Fall of Berlin - could I have City of Women?

You will really enjoy this, Barb. I'll mail it off tomorrow.

I read your review Elaine and it looks right up my alley. Thank you my dear!

Dee - sorry, still haven't got ICB biog off to you, but will do so tomorrow, I hope!

156: I've just returned from posting Of Love and Hunger, Simon! These things have to be done in their own time, I think ;-)

Heehee! Thanks, Dee :)

Elaine, darling! Your lovely book arrived today. I will get to it in the fullness of time but I think sooner rather than later. Thank you!!!!

#149 Husband just called me at work to tell me I have three book parcels waiting at home, and one of them is from you, Elaine. Can't wait to get out of here and check them all out!

I had an Elaine parcel yesterday! Hooray for Elaine!

Simon, please can I borrow the copy of Of love and hunger when it arrives? (Unless you want to read it immediately...hmm!). Library doesn't have it and Amazon copies are expensive but it looks really interesintg!

You are all welcome!

162 - but of course!

162 & 164: Hope you both enjoy it :)

Thank you! Both Dee and Simon!

Horrifyingly, Dee, I only sent your parcel yesterday... hope it arrives soon. So sorry!

167: You have absolutely no need to apologise, Simon. I have a (ahem) few other books around to be getting on with, anyway :)

167: The Sprigge arrived, thank you so much! I really enjoyed the one Ivy C-B novel I've read A House and Its Head and look forward to finding out more about I C-B herself. Though what I have heard has been quite grim!

I enjoyed the book that you sent simon Dee, thanks!

I bought a green of Cotter's England by Christina Stead in Stratford and I was all happy and excited and I did write my name (neatly in ink) inside the front cover and I did start to read it yesterday and a bit of today and I CANNOT STAND IT.

So, traditional green, good condition apart from one crease (not white) up the spine, more of a wrinkle than a crease and my name in green ink inside the front cover (plus date and where bought it), someone else's name in biro on first leaf, and price.

Would anyone like it?

I have tried two books of hers Lyzzy and just can't get into them, so I won't ask for your copy. But your post made me smile. I started a British murder mystery last week and found that I hated the lead character. Slogged on for a chapter and then thought, Life's too short... but it's been a while since I couldn't stand a book. I must think about what the last one was. I should perhaps refer back to AV/AA as there is sometimes one in that bunch.

Yep - there was one - The Last Magician by Janette Turner Hospital. I really disliked that one. In fact I disliked it so much I tossed it, unfinished, into the Goodwill bin but only because it was not a Virago. If I had had a Virago copy I would've kept it as part of the greater collection.

>171-173 - I studied The Man Who Loved Children by Stead at uni many years ago. Hated the characters and hated the book. I have not read another title of hers since although I read a couple of chapter so For Love Alone but put it down for something more interesting. I have also kept my editions as part of the greater collection.
The only title of Janette Turner Hospital's that I have enjoyed was Due Preparations for the Plague. It is disappointing when a book doesn't live up to expectations.

Hello mrspenny! I've been looking out for The Man Who Loved Children for quite a long time. Maybe I should read one of the ones I have in case I don't like them either.

Barb, you have to tell us the title and author of the disliked murder mystery!

E

Elaine - Dead and Buried by Quintin Jardine. It was too masculine for me although I'm not sure I could put that into words that make sense. Plus it was one of a long series and I had not read the others. Plus the author was in the process of getting rid of the detective's wife so that (I think) he could liven up the character's sex life. Such a cliche in a long running series. Plus his daughter was being stalked by a maniac. Another cliche. It all felt formulaic and so predictable so I decided to skip it.

Grant - I had a quick look at your Stead collection - perhaps you could start with Seven Poor Men of Sydney or one of the novellas from The Puzzleheaded Girl. If you can find a copy of Hazel Rowley's biography of Christina Stead grab it because it is a very good biography. I think I still have a copy of The Man who Loved Children somewhere in the house - if I find it, and you are still looking, I will gladly dispatch it across to you.

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll probably try The Puzzleheaded Girl first as I'm in short story mode at the moment. I will look out for the bio as well.

So actually no one wants this book and I will have to just register it on BookCrossing ... ?

I have a copy of Cotter's England already. This discussion is not helping to move it any higher up the Tbr pile! I did enjoy Letty Fox : her luck when I read it last year, but so many of Stead's titles don't appeal to me when I read the plot descriptions.

I made it all the way through The Little Hotel, which should've been good (disparate group in, I think, a Swiss hotel?), but wasn't.

In defence of Janette Turner Hospital, I loved The Tiger in the Tiger Pit which was the first book I read by her. I read in an interview that she wrote her first two books (including the above) in linear style and then switched to post-modern style. Clearly I don't like post-modern because everything I have tried by her since has struck me as deliberately ugly and confusing.

Liz, if you don't mind sending to Canada, I'd like it. Not sure if that makes me brave or just plain contrary. :-)

With all of the discussion of Christina Stead's Cotter's England, I found this review to be of great interest. I thought perhaps it might be to some of you as well and might open up more specific topics of conversation.

http://happyantipodean.blogspot.com/2008/07/christina-steads-cotters-england-196....

184> Hmmm . . . I got "This page does not exist." Maybe that was someone's opinion of Cotter's England?

184> I tried, but got "The page you were looking for does not exist on this blog." Maybe the author had second thoughts about Cotter's England . . .

Looks like Belva's link got a bit truncated. Try this one: http://happyantipodean.blogspot.ca/2008/07/christina-steads-cotters-england-1967...

Ack, sorry for the double post--not sure what happened there.

Thanks for reposting the link. Still not sure it interests me much.

Yes, that review made me feel REALLY guilty!

But hey-ho, I've got to read some fanTAStic Larry McMurtrys a book earlier than I would have otherwise.

Sqdancer happy to send it over, can you send me your address via PM. Hooray! It will leave me!

Thanx sqdancer. And sorry about the messed up blog addy you guys. ***blushing***

I have a spare copy of Jane Bowles' Everything is Nice in VMC edition (because Sort Of are bringing out an edition, which they have sent me) which I'd be happy to send to anybody in the UK! I haven't read any of her stories, but her novel Two Serious Ladies is very brilliant - quite like Muriel Spark, if that tempts anyone.

:-(

192: I'd be really interested in that, Simon. I've started Two Serious Ladies and whilst I have mixed feelings about Bowles' writing, I think I'd prefer her in short story form!

193 - was that because it has to stay on these shores, Belva? Sorry! Counting my pennies at the moment.
194 - hopefully this will convert you! I've got your address already, so I'll send it off soon.

194: That's wonderful, Simon, thank you! I started off really enjoying Bowles' style in Two Serious Ladies but then found it difficult to sustain my interest and never finished the book. I have a feeling the short stories might work better for me!

Yes Simon, but I totally understand as I just posted a package off to Australia and was amazed at the pennies I spent. Half again as much as what is in said parcel. Enjoy it Soup.

Thanks for understanding, Belva! When I'm rich and/or famous (or have a job!) I'll send things off everywhere :)

Dee - it's on its way!

:-)

>198: The book arrived yesterday, Simon, thank you! I'm looking forward to making a start with it soon.

I have a couple of Molly Keane duplicates to offer but am going to wait until after Christmas as I know she's on a few people's Virago wishlists and would hate to clash with a Santa!

Fab :)

I spent time over the holidays getting a bunch of my books on shelves and have found a dismaying number of duplicates! I'd definitely like to turn the dismay into something more positive and pass these on.
I've got copies of a VMC green Frost in May and a Virago green-spine Life Before Man. I also have a couple of other Atwoods: a brand-new Anchor edition of The Handmaid's Tale and a Virago edition of The Blind Assassin.

I have a rather large pile of non-Virago-y books that I guess I will put up using Member Giveaway - has anyone here used that?

202> Yes, I've used Member Giveaway a few times. It's very easy to do.

Lisa - I'd love Life Before Man. I have almost all of Atwoods in Virago except that one. I'm in NJ.

Romain, you got it, PM me your address and I'll get it to you.

And thanks Cariola, I'll try Member Giveaway.

Lisa,
I would be thrilled to have The Handmaid's Tale please, if still available.

Belva, you got it; it's probably my favorite Atwood, or maybe tied with The Blind Assassin, funny how I have ended up with duplicates of both of those! PM me your address and I'll send it to you.

Thank you so much Lisa. Off to P.M. you. No hurry at all. We are away for a time and I know this is a busy time for all.

May I please have Frost in May? I've read it but don't own it, and would love to add it to my tiny but very slowly-growing VMC collection.

I got a duplicate copy of Company Parade for Christmas so I shall keep the better looking copy and would like to pass on the other to one of my Virago friends. It's an original dark green edition, in good condition but with a reading crease to the spine. It was probably a gift originally as the price on the back cover has been neatly scratched out. I'm happy to send anywhere but outside Europe it will go by surface mail.

I would love it Kerry - but feel mean grabbing it as you have only just sent me a book - so put me right at the end of the queue. If anyone else would like it please send it them - and if no one else does want it then - could I please?

Of course you may have it, Ali. I like giving books away, especially here as I know they're wanted. I can't see me getting to the PO for a few days but you will get it. I'm sure you have some Chritsmas goodies to keep you going for the moment!

kdcdavis - Frost in May is yours, just PM your address and I'll send it and the others at the same time.

That still leaves The Blind Assassin for any takers; I'll leave that up for awhile.

I offered a black Dial copy of Frost in May to a newer member here a month or so ago, but I never heard from her and she has posted on threads here, so it's up for grabs to anybody in the USA. It does have my name, date acquired, and whence it came on the title page --- a bad habit of mine now that I'm letting books go, but otherwise it's a very nice copy.

Lisa, if you find no takers for your duplicate copy of Blind Assassin, I would love to replace my hardback with a Virago edition. But I don't want to be a piggie and I do have a copy of the book so if anyone else wants it please do send it along to them. Thank you.
b

Having a slight clear out and have a couple of new duplicates:

A View of the Harbour - as I was lucky enough to win Dee's giveaway for a green copy, I have a modern cover version up for grabs
A Pin to see the Peepshow - upgraded my green copy and have a spare green - not perfect, with a crease down the spine, but nice nevertheless

Also still have the following which I'll offer for the last time before donating:

The Return of the Soldier - modern cover, very good condition
The Rising Tide - ditto
The Weather in the Streets - grungy old Penguin copy missing titles pages and starting at first page of story but ok as a reading copy

I *will* send overseas but it would be by surface mail only.

>216: ooh ooh ooh! May I please have A Pin to See the Peepshow? Surface mail is absolutely OK -- I'm in no hurry but am sold based on fine reviews by members of this group.

217: Yes of course Laura - it's yours! I don't think I have your address so if you send me a pm I will pop it in the post when I'm next out!

#216 Could I please have A View of the Harbour? It's a very noticeable gap in my ET collection. Surface mail is fine.

219: No problem Grant - I think I still have your address so I will send this off!

>215 - Belva, you got it, I've just packaged up The Blind Assasin and The Handmaid's Tale along with the others to Romain and kdcdavis. They'll go out either today or Wednesday via Media Mail.
Happy New Year everyone!

Thank you muchly and Happy New Year to you as well.

217/219: Just to say that your books went off by surface mail today - do hope they reach you before *next* Christmas!

I hope someone will accept my first edition (probably the only edition) of A Literary Journey Through Wartime Britain.
I loved it but doubt whether I would reread it and it needs to be read. I described a little about it in the What Else Are You Reading Thread.

Hi Liz - well, Kirkus Reviews describes it as charming and "A choice item for the literate" so I would love to give it a try if I may - your description sounds wonderful!

It is a forgotten little gem. Please PM me your address and I'll get it off to you this week.
Elaine

Ooops - sorry Elaine for calling you Liz *blushes and feels silly*.

I will send you my address and thank you *very* much for the book.

:s

Well, there are really lots of us with Liz as an id, but I think only LyzzyBee can claim Liz as her genuine first name! My excuse is that it was part of a pen name when I wrote turgid bodice-rippers, it actually is my middle name, and in my next life I want to be Elizabeth Bennett.

The book will be mailed this week.

Elaine

Thanks Elaine!

Ooo, lucky you, Kaggsy!

Happy to lend it on to you Simon when I've read it!

Lisa - the Atwood arrived today. I am thrilled! Thank you!

231 - oo, thanks Karen! I will take care of it and return it :) But obviously no rush at all - I'm not going to run out of books any time soon!

233: Likewise! Which is why I have said to Elaine there is no rush!

A very nice copy of A View of the Harbour arrived today. Thank you very much. Surface mail though? It's only been about 9 days! That must be some kind of record.

I have the following duplicates to offer. They are all original green Virago Modern Classics though the Gamel Woolsey is one of those published in association with Penguin and has the Penguin logo rather than the apple. Can post to anywhere.

One Way of Love - Gamel Woolsey -good condition
Rumour of Heaven - Beatrix Lehmann - good condition

Mad Puppetstown - M.J Farrell (Molly Keane) - battered condition
Two Days in Aragon - M.J Farrell (Molly Keane)- battered condition
Devoted Ladies - M.J Farrell (Molly Keane)- battered condition

The top two are in great condition but the three Molly Keanes less so. They have very creased and chipped spines and are available because I have found replacement copies in better condition. They are fully intact and readable but probably best avoided if you are fussy about your Viragos!

The top two are on offer because Mr Dragon went Christmas shopping for Viragos for me. Despite being equipped with photos of my Virago bookshelves, he missed that I already had these but did also bring home a Nina Bawden which I didn't have!

235: That's amazing! Glad it arrived so quickly!!!!!

236: Dee, I would very much love Rumour of Heaven if I am not being too greedy - thank you in advance!

And I would love to have One Way of Love if you please.

Wonderful, you are very welcome Karen and Grant.

I have both your addresses and will let you know when I've managed to get to the post office!

Thank you *so* much Dee - really appreciated!

Could I put in a plea for Mad Puppetstown and Two Days in Aragon, Dee? Or just the first one, if others want a claim(!)

241: I don't think anyone will object to you claiming both, Simon, especially given their less than mint condition! I am very pleased to have found them a good home and will let you know when they're in the post.

236: I meant to say, that even if Mr. Dragon got some duplicates, at least he meant well by hunting for Viragos for you!

243: I thought it was lovely of him Karen, especially as he went to the trouble of photographing my bookshelves before he went! I don't think he realised I had rows double-parked behind the ones he could see though!

242 - thanks so much! Condition isn't very important to me, so I'm happy to snap up the poorer quality ones :D

244: That's so sweet!!

232>Romain, so happy that Media Mail doesn't take too, too long!

>#221:
LisaMorr; I received the two Atwoods in the post today. Thank you again so very much. I am quite pleased to have a Virago edition of The Blind Assassin and in checking out the back of The Handmaid's Tale, it looks to be a fascinating read. Can't wait to get into it.
hugs,

248> So glad they got there in due course. Enjoy!

Thank you for Frost in May, Lisa!

I have a brand new 2011 Virago Press red and black cover edition of Molly Keane's Good Behavior sitting here on my computer desk awaiting some needy soul's desire.

I also have a dark Virago green copy of Mary Hocking's Virago Modern Classics 1990 edition of A Particular Place awaiting the same fate.

I hope that someone needs/wants them and will give them a loving home.

hugs all round,

Belva, if you are happy to send to UK, I would love the Mary Hocking, please. (But if not, say No.)

Kerry, I am so more than happy to send you the Mary Hocking. I know you will give her loving care. I will get it off to you one day this week and will post when I do. I believe I still have your address but will P.M. you to be sure it is accurate.

Grant, Karen, Simon and Ali,

I've just taken a picturesque walk through the snow to the post office and posted your Viragos!

254:

Thank you *so* much Dee!

It's very pretty here too - since everything I need is within 10 mnutes walking distance I don't panic too much when the white stuff falls. In fact, having just been reading about Siberia in One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, this is a walk in the sunshine!

ooh thank you Dee : )

Thanks Dee!

251> Belva, I would love to get Good Behavior if still available!

250> Glad it arrived!

Lisa, you are so more than welcome to have the Molly Keane. Will get it off to you tomorrow or next day. And for some strange reason I already have your addy. ;-)

And more thanks, Dee - they arrived this morning!

Thanks Belva!

You are welcome Lisa.

I don't know how many of you are Olivia Manning fans but I thought I would offer it up here first. I seem to have found myself with two copies of her Balkan Trilogy. My bookshelves have become a mess what with moving them around the house etc. (excepting, of course, for my Virago & Persephone) Anyway I had one copy in with my War non-fiction. Hmmmm... And one scattered in with my other books. It is a Penguin edition and the print date is 1982. If anyone is interested please let me know and I will get it off today or tomorrow along with the others I am posting out.
Thank you,

Would you be willing to send to the UK, Belva? If so I'd be delighted to receive the Manning.

Genny, I would be most happy to send it to you in the U.K. I just checked and I do not have your address. Could you please send it to me in a P.M.? Thank you so much.
hugs,

254: The book arrived safely today Dee and it's lovely - thank you *so* much! (and I suppose thanks are due to Mr. Dragon too for snapping up duplicates!!!) :)

I'm very pleased the UK books arrived promptly. Grant will have a longer wait, particularly as I used surface mail for the first time. Hope it doesn't take too long, Grant!

For Georgette Heyer fans

In an attempt to keep mindlessly busy, I decided to inventory my largest bookcase. I found I had two hardback copies of Frederica. The one I am offering is one I picked up last year from the Shakespeare Hospice bookstore in Stratford. It was published in 1965 and has a very pretty dust jacket.

Let me know if you want it.

Sorry, overseas friends. I would like to keep this stateside because I can print US postage off my computer and real life has intruded in my time to get to the post office. Hope this is only temporary and I can be back to mailing my excess to the UK, NZ, ad OZ soon.

PS. UK buddies. Please stop by the Shakespeare Hospice bookstore when you are in the Stratford vicinity. It is amazing, cheap and supports such a worthy charity. The address is 45/45A Rother Street. Go to the market square with the American Fountain. If you stand facing the fountain, walk to your right. That's Rother Steet. The bookstore
is a very short two blocks from where you are. If my instructions are unclear, just ask someone! (And hope you don't get a tourist!)

Are all of Georgette Heyer's books Regency romances or Regency themed? I have only tried the one, These Old Shades, and I just couldn't get into it. Seems that I have attempted Regency era novels previously and that they were simply not my cup of tea.

At any rate, I am willing to put up These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer hopefully to someone who loves her.

I am so sorry (to one of my past Virago Secret Santas) that I did not enjoy it. I think I even had Heyer on my wish list as I had been searching for comfy, cozy reads of which my library is sadly lacking and she was recked to me.

So if you would enjoy basically a brand new Heyer, please let me know.
thanks

Well, Belva, Heyer is on my list of authors to try, and she has been recommended to me often, so I would be pleased to give These Old Shades a try. Just to relieve you of the burden of excess bookery, you know. ;>)

# 267 Dee: One Way of Love arrived today. Thank you very much indeed. If that is surface mail it's as fast as airmail!

>#270:
Linda, I would be more than happy to send it on to you. And you can thank romain/Barbara for it. :-) I think I still have your addy but will P.M. you just to make sure. 'Excess bookery' gone tomorrow.

Not a good one to start with, Belva. I always found the hero just a little too old for the heroine in this one. Don't give up on Heyer yet, but maybe wait a while and then try Venetia or Frederica.

271: That's great Grant. I was a bit worried it would take forever but have obviously heard too many surface mail horror stories!

>#273:
Will do that Elaine.

#271,274 I've used surface mail a lot for parcels going outside Europe and delivery time does vary, not always proportionally to distance. I understand that if there is spare capacity in the aeroplanes surface parcels do go by air.

#276: I did the same for my recent parcels, as there does seem to be quite a substantial difference in cost for outside Europe. The Australian one took 9 days by surface mail which is amazing, and the US one was not too bad either!

I can confirm what Kerry said, having sorted mail for both the NZ and British PO. Surface mail is supposed to take months but when an airmail container is going out half empty and has to be paid for anyway, they shove the surface in with the airmail parcels. At peak times this does not happen but when things are slow it sometimes works in your favor.

These Old Shades was my first Heyer and I read it in 1969 when it was quite okay to have a much older hero in romance books. Having re-read a couple of Mary Stewarts and Rosamund Pilchers recently I notice that their heroines often marry their cousins. And what about those 50's films where Audrey Hepburn romanced Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, Rex Harrison, Cary Grant and, I think, Gary Cooper all of whom were at least 20 years older than her and some more like 30? Nowadays they'd be arrested!!!

> 268 Is Frederica still on offer? I've enjoyed Heyer's mysteries and was thinking of giving a Regency a try.....

Thanks so much Belva for Good Behaviour. It arrived this week some time - just got back from a business trip last night. I've just decided to start reading it next!

#279 As both of my grandmothers married men much older than they were, I can accept the romance of that situation, and I wouldn't be here if they hadn't. Of course, they were both left widows with young children in difficult times, too. But never mind that part!

Yes, Frederica is still available and I am very happy it has a new home. Please PM me your address, Jen. I mail it off next week.

Elaine

OOOO, Jen! I hope you fall in love. If I haven't said it before (but I have), Frederica is my favorite!
One grandmother was 14 years younger than her husband...he was her father's drinking buddy, and her father would pat her on the head and say, "I'm saving this one for you, Austin." (It's perfectly O.K. to find that a little creepy, but like Linda, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been so.) I think my other grandfather was a bit younger than his wife.

Hooray, hooray! Thank you so much! Sounds great! Looking forward to it!

She arrived today, and such a beauty! Nice, civilized compact-size hard cover with a sweet vintage pink and green Regency illustration on her dust jacket. Thank you thank you, Elaine!

You're welcome. I couldn't pass up that edition when I saw it at the Shakespeare Hospice bookstore.

I have a couple of duplicates to offer to a new home:

All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West - a VMC with the new cover (a woman in a pink coat seen from behind)
A Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym - a non VMC and a very well-read copy but thought someone might like it for our year of Pym reading

I'm happy to send these anywhere but I will probably send them via surface mail if it's outside Europe.

>288 Heather, could I have the Pym please???? :)

#289 Yes, of course! Could you let me know your address via pm?

>290 Thank you!!

Not a Virago, but the granddaughter of a Virago author.

A lovely hardback of The Perfect Summer by Juliet Nicolson, the granddaughrter of Vita Sackville-West This is Juliet's social history of England in 1911, the hot summer three years before all hell breaks loose. Don't expect too much comment on the working classes or the poor. As befits a great-granddaughter of a Sackville of Knole, Juliet concentrates on the aristocracy. Definitely for fans of Downton Abbey.

Again, I apologize but this one has to stay stateside because of its weight.

Elaine, may I beg this one of you if it is still available please? Love Downton Abbey and love Vita Sackville-West but am assuming the work is not like Vita's. Sounds good.

Of course, Belva. It is a very enjoyable read/

Elaine

Oh, thank you so very much Elaine. I'm excited. Take your time with the sending of it though.
warm hugs,
belva

>#281:
Sorry Lisa. I didn't mean to ignore your thank you. Somehow I just now caught it as I wasn't specifically looking for it. :-)
You are so more than welcome. I hope you enjoy it.
hugs,
belva

And to gennyt; the book arrived today and I think I am going to love this one though it is even now sending me on a search for the following three.
healing hugs,
belva