This weekend I bought a book just to save it from an uncertain fate. Have you ever done that? Probably not but hear me out.
I was browsing the Half Price Books clearance section when I came across this beautiful spine and cover amongst the children’s chapter books. When it was published in 1879, it was part of a series called the “Boy Trapper Series” which was indeed geared toward kids.
In 2025, it’s an antique in great condition for its age and probably not that interesting to modern children.
Author Harry Castlemon penned this tale about a young boy named David Evans who works as a trapper and mail carrier. As best I can tell, it’s not worth much. I paid $5 for it on clearance but found a few copies going for $30-$40 online. The cover is beautiful and it reminded me of all the book crafts that folks are peddling in videos online these days. Crafty types are hollowing out books to hold a vase, making them into kitchen knife holders or ripping off the cover to frame. Heart stopping, some of these are, and I hated to see this poor old book gutted and hung on some kid’s wall.
So, there you go. My book collecting has officially taken a new turn. No longer am I just buying books I want to read, I’m now buying them so no one else can have them.
Valiant or nuts? It’s a fine line and I’m ok with whatever side you think I belong on.
Valiant or nuts? When I saw that, I thought that was the name of the book. Still, it might make a good title for a short story or book.
Glad you saved this book from a craft project. Books should be read.
Haha. I think you just named my autobiography!
And yes they do. They should be read, protected and cared for.
When I saw “Valiant” I thought of the old Sunday comic, Prince Valiant. Old books are works of art. I don’t think you’re nuts, of course. Your efforts remind me of my buying old photos. I wish I could find the stories behind them all, but it’s not possible. Can’t even do that with my own family photos!
I think it’s great that you’re willing to spend a minor sum to preserve this bit of fiction history, a piece of literary art.
Haha. Valiant certainly has gotten some attention! I think what you do with old photos is amazing, inspiring and a lot of work. There’s always room for “one more book” in my home!
I would display it as a work of art! Good find!
I’ll find it a good place here!