Old Books, Rare Friends: Two Literary Sleuths and Their Shared Passion

I enjoyed how the two women alternated writing about their lives. They were always searching in attics for great finds. As they aged and it was no longer safe for them to climb up to attics they searched in basements for treasures to stock their shop and sell to famous librarians.

This book was recommended to me by a friend. At first, I read a chapter and put it down; though it was interesting, I was quite busy on other books, work and life in general. When I finally picked it up again, a couple of months later, I set aside time, prioritizing, this book.I hardly had to prioritize though, as it ended up being a full day, 8+ hours of immersion while on my back patio. The book takes you through two women with different lives and yet similar passions for knowledge, history and culture, and shares the progression of them weaving their background and present into their future.Their positive attitude is present in spite of challenges, which I believe is what brings them from existing in life to complete living in life.A treasure that you won't want to put down, you may feel compelled to ration yourself a chapter or pages a day to not feel the let down at the end of the book; however, you may find yourself in spite, devouring it in a day as I did.Rest assure, I am purchasing this book for all of my closest friends as the story is not only illuminating but inspiring as well.You feel their passions; how often does that happen in any of life?You are doing yourself a disservice to not drink this memoir ala' couple in...

As a bookseller, and a lover of books, I enjoyed sharing the stories of Leona and Madeleine, and only wish I had been able to meet them. They were both brilliant women who carved a niche for themselves in the world of books and book publishing for over fifty years. I like to imagine a conversation I would have begun with them, plying them with all my questions, and begging to accompany them on their next book adventure search.Their life experiences were rich, rewarding and exciting. Their unique relationship created a synergy that propelled each woman to reach new achievements in rare book collecting and in authorship.After I finished the book, I knew this was only an introduction for me, and that now I want to track down some of their other books and delve more deeply into their discoveries. I was saddened to learn that both women have now passed. We are all richer for the extensive research legacy they left behind for us to enjoy.

Way too wordy . I couldn't read anymore of their minutiae . A stellar example of writers needing wings to get to the point. No one is that interesting.

It would be an extraordinary feat if these two women did today what they did at the beginning of the 20th century. Incredibly inspiring women, and before the books ends , Leone and Maddy will be your special friends.

Wonderful book and SellerCondition as described

A very interesting insight into the intertwined lives of two women who were partners and friends for only 50 years. I also enjoyed insights into the antiquarian book trade and how it has evolved. Shall definitely be reading more about Louisa May Alcott's alternative life!

Wonderful, insightful look into the friendship and professional development and careers of two incredible women. Their creative approach to collecting and selling rare manuscripts was only one of many achievements highlighted in this readable account. My only regret is that I didn’t get a chance to meet them in person.

Love this book.