The Aardvark Blog

No claim to infallibility; lots new in
19/03/2016

I would certainly not make a good medium, since no sooner had I prophesied a quiet weekend than the shop filled up last Sunday and we were busy most of the day. The column of customers was headed by several groups of cyclists, so I was not entirely wrong.

Following on I was out buying four days in a row. On Monday I picked up some very interesting maps and other bits and pieces for our map show at the end of next month. This show will be very different from previous shows, but will contain some unusual and interesting items. Can't wait to say more, but for now my lips are sealed.

On Tuesday we headed off in the truck and came back with 350 new theology and biblical studies titles. Some really interesting books - some of which have already started to sell on line. If you are interested in academic religion now is definitely the time to visit the shop.

By way of complete contrast on Wednesday I headed out to buy a similar quantity of fantastic DVD's. I selected roughly a quarter of the available stock, and the titles I took include some fascinating foreign films, Opera and Ballet DVDs, cult UK and US TV show box sets, and some more recent award winning titles such as the Grand Budapest Hotel. Altogether a wonderful selection that  could not be viewed anywhere other than the NFT shop ( but here they will be at our usual bargain Aardvark prices).

On Thursday I went out to look at some antiquarian books in the north of Shropshire. The seller and his wife were delightful and very amusing, telling stories of the family members who had owned some of the books previously. I had gone to look at a Yeats volume, but returned with some other books entirely including a copy of the scarce two volume letters of Jane Austen. Looking this up on line later some optimistic soul had priced the pair at £6,000 ( albeit his set are in jacket which my set are not). Needless to say the Aardvark set will be much more affordable and will not cost the equivalent of a car.

Friday I had a whole day off from buying books and other objects and even managed to get a few hours off away from the shop. Who knows what today will bring, but next week will be spent in preparation for our grand exhibition and for the Easter Event on Saturday. Sarah Rogers will be returning with her sinful chocolates, and there is music and much else besides. A perfect opening for the Easter weekend.