illus. 605pp. 8vo, cloth, d.w. Ottawa: Cloutier, 1953. vg
Binding: Hardcover
Language: French
Price: $17.50
Item #77259
I thought you'd find this interesting: I learned of Argosy by reading a bit of "bad" publicity in the book "Used and Rare" by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone; no doubt you're familiar with it. (It was unfortunate that the authors had to grind their ax in print in what was an otherwise enjoyable book.) But I had never heard of Argosy before and my curiosity was piqued, so negative comments notwithstanding, I decided to pay a brief visit to the store. I reserved a book (long sought-after) ahead of time because I knew I'd be on an extremely tight schedule with several stops to make in just a few hours' time. Calling to reserve the book was a pleasant, very efficient experience, with a prompt return call to confirm availability. When I stopped in to purchase the book, the greeting (by one of the sisters, I'm not sure which) was extremely pleasant, the service so prompt and also she informed me of a signed letter by the subject I was interested in (unfortunately, I was unable to purchase the letter that day). I found the photo of Lawrence Olivier and Vivien Leigh as Caesar (or Antony?) and Cleopatra which hangs over the register very interesting-- had seen it before in a book. My only disappointment was that I was unable to actually spend time in the store-- it looked so inviting! But I will make it a point to spend time there on my next visit. So you see, even bad publicity can be very beneficial! Thank you for an enjoyable, if brief, experience!
Dear Argosy - you've made my day - my order (Netherlands at War, 1940-1945) arrived on my doorstep this morning unheralded and very, very welcome. My sisters and I are Dutch immigrants in New Zealand and we all lived through that war 60 plus years ago as young kids. We had occasion to share what we remembered recently and now you've supplied the book. I can't tell you what this means...