“Literature and fiction are two entirely different things. Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.” G.K. Chesterton, in A defence of Penny Dredfuls. The Historical Fiction Collection features popular fiction from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. Including westerns, science fiction, mysteries and romances, these books are genre classics that provide some wonderful examples of publishing trends and quirks of the day. There are some fabulous titles.. Our friend the charlatan Silcote of Silcotes Madcap Marigold John Halifax gentleman Mrs Romney and But men must work The golden temptress; an exciting story A modern Portia, the romance of a woman barrister and don't forget.. Purple Dawson, rancher.
Styles of writing have changed too.. “The hot shimmering air outside, glistening with tiny wavelets that made the heat appear as if it were almost tangible, was heavy with the fragrance of the new-mown hay and the gorse and ripening fruit and honey; but here in her shady retreat it was tempered to a delicious coolness, which was in a manner emphasized and rendered more delicious and palpable to the sense by the manner and ripple of the stream at her feet.”
Our Alma; an Australian story, by Henry Goldsmith,1894. “Elizabeth! Love!” he cried hoarsely. She was closer to him now – he could feel her hands trembling in his. “Do you know what you are asking?” he said. “Can you forget? Can you forgive? I have made you suffer so much! I have been so wrong, so cruel, so weak, so selfish! It – it is not possible you can love me, Elizabeth!” Tony's Wife, by Effie Adelaide Maria Albanesi, 192? They just don’t write sentences like that any more! Illustrations and frontispieces are also intriguing.. “A tale which holdeth children from play & old men from the chimney corner”.
Chapters often have their own titles.. “The squire invades Mr. Sugden’s territory and gets beaten” ; and “The conference on the ramparts is interrupted by an old friend”; not to mention “Sunt lachryme rerum” . Dedications, acknowlegments of donations all add to a social history of Auckland.. “Auckland Public Library Quaker Historical Collection – this book belongs to the society of friends.” “This edition is issued for circulation in the Colonies and India only, and must not be sold in or imported into the United Kingdom” All of these books were once available for loan with notes and admonitions.. “In order to facilitate other Subscribers getting this Book without undue delay, it is respectfully requested that it may be returned to the Library as soon as read. If kept beyond the date last stamped, a fine of ONE PENNY PER DAY will be charged for the first week, and after that time TWO PENCE A DAY. (SEE CITY LIBRARY BY-LAWS.)”“Ten days allowed for reading this book. 1d per day fine after due date”
Who could forget such gems – well, Auckland City Library certainly hasn’t! This collection is housed in the basement of the Central City Library. Some items may be borrowed – special conditions do apply. |
