Books That Make Me Really Happy

Most books I purchase bring me some sense of satisfaction, whether it’s the design, the contents, and sometimes, even just the weight.  Yes the weight.  Drop a Kindle on the floor and it sounds like four pennies fell out of your pocket.  Drop a copy of Peel's Bibliography of the Canadian Prairies to 1953 on the ground and, well, people know you mean business.  But I digress…

Every once in awhile I acquire a book that makes me really happy.  For example, a little while ago I obtained a copy of, Leonardo da Vinci: The Tragic Pursuit of Perfection, written by Antonina Vallentin and translated by E.W. Dickes (New York: Viking Press, 1938).  A decent early study of the great inventor’s life and achievements, this book made me happy because it came to me as a gift.  Then it made me really happy when I opened the cover to discover that it had previously been given to someone else as a gift as well, but many decades ago.  Evidence inside the front cover reveals that the book was originally a Christmas gift from Dr. Robert Charles Wallace CMG, Ph.D., FRSC (1881-1955) to his friend Mr. Thomas Gibson in 1938.  Born on the Orkney Islands of Scotland, Dr. Wallace came to Canada in 1912 where he later rose to prominence as a geologist, educator, and administrator.  While serving as the 11^th Principal of Queen’s University at Kingston Ontario between the years 1936 and 1951, he also attracted controversy for his advocacy and support of various Canadian eugenics policies.

History within a history ... and an Italian roast coffee

Wallace employed what appears to be a calling card as his Ex Libris within the book that noted his name and official office 'Principle's House / Queen's University', inscribing upon it ‘with kind Christmas greetings’.  Overall, it's a great little piece of history offering provenance but some mystery about the book still remains.  While I know much about the man who gifted the book in 1938, I’ve yet to determine whom exactly the recipient of this gift was.  Perhaps some day I will figure this part out as well.  Still, thanks to these little inscriptions made by Dr. Wallace 73 years ago, I now have the enjoyment of knowing that the book was very likely happily received by others the same way as when it recently came to me.

Dr. Wallace's calling card / Ex Libris

The recipient - Thos. Gibson, Xmas 1938