Natural History and Botanical Art

Dear reader, whoops I becoming all Bronte, you may remember that I mentioned a local community library that wanted some help to sell some books that they had been donated but no one wanted to borrow. As many of the books they had been donated were Natural History books their initial thought was that I would like to buy them. They did not know the value of the books and had even spoken to a book dealer who had offered them a sum that did not reflect their true value. While I and the community group realise that the dealer needed to make a profit, but there is a difference between making a profit and defrauding the group.

Anyway, they were able to sell most of the books via Ebay, and have now been able to buy all the books that reader want to read. They still have some spare cash and can buy more books and fill the requests of many of their readers. Additionally they have had received more donations of books too.

However, there is a twist here, as before they sold the books they contacted the person who had donated the virtually pristine collection of Natural History books in case that person had failed to realise the true value as well. The woman who was a widow, had known the value and had no objection to the books being sold. Additionally she also had further books that she wanted to donate. Again these books were predominantly Wildlife, Natural History and Botany. The difference was that these are all books of Natural History illustration.

Well I have had the rare privilege of looking at some of these books this afternoon. I was being offered the first choice of these books, but there is no way I can afford any of these books. While I have always loved Natural History and Botanical art, I just don't have the space or conditions to keep beautiful books like these and keep them beautiful.