Hey! How's everyone doing out there so far?
Heaps of entries under 'H' so I better get hopping!
Published by Zondervon this monster 2000 page book puts the multivolume original edition in one 2000 page tome. This Bible reference has been around for a few hundred years. The edition I have has a print date of 1972. It was part of my father's collection of books. I don't really need to use this physical book copy since it is so extensively available on the internet. But I think it occupies a pretty cool looking place on my "Bible Reference" bookshelf in my home office.
I enjoy finding out how things work. Not that I retain or learn that much from reading a book like this. I'd forgotten about owning this book. Apparently the book didn't impact me all that much, but I've kept it in very good condition.
A Concise History of the World by J.M. Roberts
Here's another book that's in pristine condition. This is one of many history books that I own. I could probably do a pretty good A to Z theme of just history books. Hmm--I kind of like that idea.
The Past Through Tomorrow by Robert A Heinlein
I was introduced to the science fiction genre in about 1960 when I was around nine years old. At the library I came across a well worn copy of a novel by Robert Heinlein and checked it out to read. The book impressed me enough that I sought out more sci-fi. I was already a fan of science fiction and horror films so discovering the printed alternatives was pretty cool. When I got the special offer to join the Doubleday Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club this Heinlein collection of short stories was one of the books I snatched up. That was over fifty years ago. Now I should probably read at least some of the stories.
A Treasury of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
This hefty volume of Holmes stories was part of another book club haul, this time from my first book club membership with the Doubleday One Dollar Book Club. I joined that club when I was in junior high so I've had this book a long time now. It's been over 50 years since I've read anything from this book.
Again from Doubleday Books Clubs--this time the Mystery Book Club--pictured below is one of several short story collections presented by Alfred Hitchcock. There are some really good stories in these books with top rate authors represented. There are probably stories you know in these and many of you might even have some of these books. Happy to own these books.
Here to Stay by John Hersey
Saving the best for last, this is one of my favorite books as well as one of my favorite authors. I have several books by John Hersey. There are also a few of his books that I regrettably let go at yard sales. The biggest gem in this collection of amazing stories is Hiroshima, a graphic and moving account of the aftermath of the first atomic bomb. This one has really stuck with me over the years, but I've read it several times since I first got this book from Doubleday in the late sixties.
Did you join any "Book Clubs" in the past? How did you acquire most of your books? If you've read the Hersey book, were you impacted by his "Hiroshima" story?
Jamie (jannghi.blogspot.com):
ReplyDeleteI read the Hiroshima book last year. It was thought-provoking.
When I was in a book club (with a private Facebook group page), I'd usually get the books from the library. Once to twice I already had the one on hand (from second hand stores).
Jamie, it's been a while since I've been to a library. I used to check stuff out quite a bit.
DeleteLee
Can't go wrong with Heinlein or Sherlock Holmes!
ReplyDeleteAlex, classic stuff that has fueled young imaginations for many decades.
DeleteLee
I was also abducted by Sci-fi, and the ship was also Heinlein. I didn't get abducted by it until high school though.
ReplyDeleteCraig, I can't recall what the draw was of the Heinlein book that hooked me, but it stuck with me after I read it. So did Heinlein's name when I was looking for books later.
DeleteLee
That commentary, and many others, are much more convenient on my e-Sword program...
ReplyDeleteCW, my usual go to these days. I'm to lazy to go to the bookshelf and look for something and then take the book out.
DeleteLee
How much does that Matthew Henry book weigh?
ReplyDeleteJohn H, don't have a scale that will weigh it and I'm not so good guessing weights. Maybe 8 lbs?
DeleteThanks for creating this blog and helping others to learn
ReplyDeleteThe Hiroshima book sounds interesting. I have a history book of each year starting in 1900 and my daddy gave this to me a couple of years before he died. I cherish it.
ReplyDeleteThere is a similar book by David Macaulay "The Way Things Work." He went to school here in Rhode Island, and often mentioned as a clever mind and incredible illustrator. His first book was Cathedral. Those types of books were like the evil that is now YouTube...."You say you're only going to check "something" out for a minute, and the next things you know, you've lost 3 days "somewhere!" ZD
ReplyDeleteZD, I recall that name and book. I might have it around here somewhere--or something else by Macaulay. Sometimes it's nice to just disappear into a chair and let the imagination go.
DeleteLee
Once upon a time ago I did join a book club – probably Doubleday – that was fine for a while, and did kickstart my book-collection. But it was ridiculously difficult to get out of the club when I wanted to. Lesson learned. You’ve got some interesting titles on your list today. Alfred Hitchcock, Sherlock Holmes…haven’t heard of John Hersey. “Hiroshima” might be hard for me to read without a hanky.
ReplyDeleteDiedre, my book collection grew quickly thanks to being a part of several book clubs. Never had a problem getting out of them. Didn't really want to get out of the book clubs. And in my younger days I rarely got to go to a book store.
DeleteHersey's "Hiroshima" is a great read that everyone should check out. It's kind of tough, but it's also beautiful and frightening. It might be available online for free.
Lee