In what is a strange turn of events, a random package showed up in one lady’s mailbox and ended up being the surprise of a lifetime. Anne Lagacé Dowson received a package, with a bubble wrapped and masking taped surprise. Of course, many would hesitate to think of the potential item that could be contained inside, but upon further inspection she realized she received a precious gift, a first-edition, 1938 published copy of Virginia Woolf’s Three Guineas. This first-edition might not be in mint condition but it is a “a really beautiful cloth-bound edition,” which is certain to excite any book lover.
Source: Amazon
The plot thickens further, as Dowson reads the note included with the book. It appears that a “book fairy” left the package, and claims to be “secretly gifting books to strangers since 2000.” Not wanting to just sell the books they leave, the “fairy” would much rather have it “in the hand of someone who appreciated Woolf’s work.” One asks themselves: how did they know that Dowson liked Woolf? The answer itself is that the anonymous “fairy” saw a poster of Woolf through Dowson’s window in her home, which the note deemed as simple “aesthetic curiosity.”While Dowson admits that the thought of someone peering into her house is slightly uncomfortable, she does recognize that “if I was really creeped out, I wouldn’t leave my blind up and my light on at night.” Apparently, in this situation, it worked towards her advantage.
Source: Wikimedia
For those who are interested in the book, Three Guineas is Woolf’s famous book length essay which discusses her views on women, the workplace, and how to prevent war. Started as a “novel-essay,” Woolf realized it would be best to split up the novel and the essay, thus creating Three Guineas and The Years. Like many of Woolf’s works, both are cherished as essential parts in her ouevre. Thus, having a first-edition copy land in your mailbox, like Dowson, is a scenario one only dreams of.
What book would you want to have left in your mailbox anonymously?
YouTube Channel: Helder de Brito Cabeçadas Dias
Featured image via Wikimedia
h/t CBC
