A writer's library

    Now here's a thing: a chance to buy a writer's library (or part thereof).

    London booksellers Heywood Hill are selling George MacDonald Fraser's working library, "over 2500 books including the historical source material and fictional influences for all his work, not least the incomparable Flashman novels". Follow the link above for more information, including some of what is included in the sale.

    I like the autobiographical lines Heywood Hill have chosen for their page -

    on writing:

"Anyway, for whatever reason, the bug of the senachie, the Highland teller of tales, seems to have bitten me early, and has never let go."

    and on editing:

"I am not normally receptive to suggestions, which I suppose makes me an editor’s nightmare. I make no apology for this; they're my books..."

    George MacDonald Fraser's daughter Caro Fraser is a writer, too, and I have on my shelf, though as yet unread, The Pupil, the first of her series of novels of legal life, all of which look very appealing. Do you know them?

Comments

[Jane Jazz]

My father, now almost 84, bought and read all the Flashman books, and some of his other novels, and would probably go for this sale like a shot if he was fit and able! It would be a shame for the collection to be split up... nice to think someone would come along and buy the lot, wouldn't it?

[Cornflower]

Yes, it would, and I'd love to see it as a whole.
Both the Flashman books and the McAuslan stories are popular in this house.

[Clemmie]

Hi. Thanks for your interest in our sale. Do come and pop in to the shop in June when the whole library will be on display - it is really quite special. And do keep an eye out for his autobiographical essay which we think is fantastic and a great insight into a wonderful writer. We are going to publish it as a special edition in late May. The Heywood Hill Team.