So, the Bodleian Library has acquired a new collection of Baggage Books, from Alan Bennett.
Had Sir Thomas Bodley been taken seriously that great library, where I grew up for 50 years, might not be in thrall to such storage problems now.
His ‘original’ Copyright Act began it all, but his successors, not having taken his directions seriously, had to re-buy in 1903 the first edition of Shakespeare’s plays for £3,000.
It may take you some time to have an obscure 1930 novel in your hand but think, if we had taken Sir Thomas seriously, Pride and Prejudice might not now be so renowned — certainly not in Bollywood!
With Osney before us throw out all those baggage books now!
Bob Key, Combe
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