The last post and this one have a bit of a theme…
Some families pass down fancy china, or heirloom jewelry (although I do have a couple of rings that would fit in this category). Mine gave me some pretty special books. Although “gave” might be a bit of a stretch, since I kinda just packed them up one time when I was visiting my parents recently. They know about it, as it had long been known that I would take them one day. Finally, my dad said it would be OK to bring them with me. Mom has been cleaning out the house since she retired a few years ago, so I think anything that I might want that I can fit in my own home right now tends to come with me sooner rather than later.
What I am now the very happy owner of is an almost perfect condition set of collector’s edition Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books. They were from a 1974 printing, and are hardbound leatherette books with slipcases. They have beautiful pages and maps. Inside they look brand new, the only wear is a bit on the spines and cases, but it is super minor. I’m pretty sure my dad bought them back when they were first printed (or close to it). And like some of the art from the last post, these books have been in my life from day one. They were always on the shelf. I’m not sure if they were ever read (I read Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but the paperback versions). I even managed to bring back his old hardbound copy of The Silmarillion as well. These are showpieces, for sure. Just looking at them on the mantle makes me happy. They sit next to a second edition set of Webster’s Dictionary (not in super great condition, but that dictionary was well used over the years).
These books also remind me that my love of reading came from home. There were always books. And my parents encouraged me to read – even if my mom constantly got on me for reading without a light nearby and that I would strain my eyesight if I didn’t turn one on. My dad and I share a love of the Clive Cussler Dirk Pitt series, as I picked up one of his books that my dad had lying around and loved it. My dad has never been a big reader, but he did read, and being able to share something that we both loved was and is something that I am grateful for.
scijessreads 
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