Tuesday 19 June 2012

Book of the week - Mr Noah and the second flood signed and inscribed by author

Mr Noah and the second flood by Sheila Burnford with illustrations by Michael Foreman published by Victor Gollancz, 1st edition, 1973. From the introduction; Mr and Mrs Noah, true descendants of the original Noah, live on an isolated mountain-top. They are visited once a year by their Bank Manager, who brings with him a gold bar, a year's supply of the farmer's monthly, and a cake from Mrs Bank Manager wrapped up in an old Sunday newspaper. One year, reading in the Sunday paper about the pollution of the skies, Mr. Noah realises that there is about to be a second flood. He dusts his ancient papyrus plans and begins to build an ark; but as launching day looms near, remarkably few animals have arrived to claim a place...

Signed and inscribed by the author - as follows;

Dear Peter, in a recent article in the Guardian on Mr. Noah, there is this quote "I don't write for any age! I just write what I would like to read, with a couple of people in mind. Whose opinions I value." One of those 'people' is Middle Daughter, the other is, of course, you. So once again as affectionately and gratefully as always. Sheila 24th March 1973.

I bought Mr. Noah from a book fair, but sadly, the seller was unable to tell me anything about its history.

Now sold, thank you for your interest

Have you read Mr. Noah and the second flood or anything else by Sheila Burnford?


10 comments:

  1. Hi Barbara - How brilliant having a book with such a fabulous inscription inside by the author! I remember the cover of this so I must have seen it when I was younger. Was she not the author of 'The Incredible Journey'? Amazing story, but then I was also greatly taken with the film when it came out.

    Thanks for confirming again that you can still see my follow gadget. It looks like the problem is confined locally here in Ireland - I'm holding thumbs it will sort itself out. Of course the sun has shone today (and yesterday) as I have been stuck inside at work!!

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  2. I've not heard of the author or these books. What a lovely inscription, though. I'm sure the owner must have treasured this book. I know I would have.

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  3. This author and book are both new to me. I think it is awesome that the author inscribed such a personal note inside. What a treasure for Peter!

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  4. barbaraannefisher20 June 2012 at 14:21

    Hi Sharon, I was thrilled to find the inscription but also saddened that the original owner gave the book away. She did indeed write the incredible journey, another favourite from my childhood. I’m not sure if I cried more tears over that or Black Beauty – I loved them both.

    I spent yesterday in the garden. Everything is now cut down, tied up, planted and generally tidied, but back inside today.

    I hope you follow gadget gets sorted soon.

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  5. barbaraannefisher20 June 2012 at 14:24

    I hope so Donna, it is such a lovely inscription.

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  6. barbaraannefisher20 June 2012 at 14:25

    Yes, it just makes it that little bit more special. Thank you for commenting.

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  7. I really like the cover and the story sounds interesting. I haven't heard of the book or the author. I think the author's message is unique and I like that she said she writes what she likes and for Middle Daugher and Peter. I am so curious about who Peter is or was to the author!

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  8. barbaraannefisher21 June 2012 at 16:47

    Hi Jess, yes I would like to know that too. It's a shame when the history like is lost.

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  9. The Desert Rocks21 June 2012 at 19:10

    Sounds like a great book. A second flood huh? Oh no!

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  10. barbaraannefisher21 June 2012 at 20:16

    It’s June, and part of our back garden is still under water! It often floods in the winter, but this is the first time it's happened in the summer. I think I should start building that ark!

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I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx