We all have favourite books that we keep and wouldn't think of giving away. I've heard them referred to as 'keepers' when speaking about fiction, but not relating to non-fiction.
I certainly have a few books that I wouldn't part with, mainly because of the subject matter, but they can sometimes cost quite a bit if there isn't a modern paperback reprint available, and not always available from local libraries.
Fashions in Hair: The First Five Thousand Years by Richard Corson.
My hardback copy- slightly tatty- is a 1984 reprint and was bought from a book sale at our County library about eight years ago for 80p. The most interesting 80 pence I have ever spent.
(It is a rather heavy book and 6cm thick.)
It starts with 1400BC and ends with 1978, over 3,000 black and white illustrations- and yes there is a hairstyle shown that I did actually have myself, around 1978. :)
There's explanatory text discussing how the styles developed during specific time periods, with additional images such as 14thC Venetian hairpins to caricatures of hairstyles.
There was a later reprint, but second hand prices are similar to the previous version.
I've not yet found another book that is as comprehensive as this one.
So do you have a reference book that you wouldn't part with ?
Please use the comment form to tell us about it ...
Carol Bevitt's blog on her writing and inspirations, along with occasional literature related news...
My research material is sourced from car boot sales or the internet. Once a project (normally an article) is complete, I recycle them.
ReplyDeleteThere's one book, an autobiography, which is very rare and pricless to me. That's staying put!
It's for my labour-of-love book. It's a privilege to research the subject.