When We Were Very Young – A.A. Milne. Seventh Canadian Edition, 1926. Published by McClelland & Stewart Ltd. Printed in Canada. It is a book of poetry.
Mr. OP took this and a few other “antique” books (surely it’s past vintage at almost 90 years old?) to an antiquarian book store once and was told they were basically worth nothing. It’s a combo of the edition, the lack of dust jacket and possibly the number of books that were printed I’m assuming. It does seem that something that has lasted so long (and in decent enough condition) with beautiful thick creamy paper should be worth more than a dismissal, particularly as the e-book version is selling for $18.99 US! But what do I know, I’m no book dealer.
“There once was a Dormouse who lived in a bed
Of delphiniums (blue) and geraniums (red),
And all the day long he’d a wonderful view
Of geraniums (red) and delphiniums (blue).
[page 66, The Dormouse and the Doctor]
Status: Learn how to properly draw mice, by copying the beautiful illos within.
Kill-ratio: 16:2 / 8:1
Alt-title: Untitled Object No. 347 For Remembering What It Was Like to Be Very Small.
Obsolescence Project 
I have this edition somewhere too. I always loved the drawings on the flyleaves even “when I was very young.” These enhanced in my copy by someone’s (my father “when he was very young”?) crayon doodles. That child’s hand responding to, engaging with the book make it all the more personal, & thus precious. to me. Book collectors, alas, call that “defacement” and deem the book worthless.
Crayon doodles by your dad! That is, to use the cliche – priceless. Very precious indeed. Worth and value, funny things. Might write a post about that someday:)
Obsolescence and being very young, books and the digital world – somehow this is very thought provoking, as I imagine it is meant to be.
Could you ever part with it?
Thanks Karen. It is rather precious. In terms of parting – I suppose with books it all comes down to if/when we move. Then the tough choices have to be made. I’ve already gotten rid of tons of books (literally two suitcases full) – but these beauties are dear:)
And a collector would want a first edition.
So your assumptions are correct. 🙂
ABEbooks is a good place to check on books.
I used to buy and sell second hand books.
The missing dust jacket is a big minus. 😦
Did you? I have always over romanticized that job.
My arms got good and strong and my hands got very dusty. 🙂
🙂 I didn’t think about getting strong – but yeah the dust!