I’ve started something new at Ash Tree Books.
At the fairs and markets I attend, I’m going to be bringing along a Magical Suitcase β a suitcase dedicated to a different themed collection of books at each event.
The suitcase itself is an old, rather battered antique suitcase that has clearly lived a life before finding its way to Ash Tree Books. It may not look particularly magical β but I think that makes it even more fitting. πΌ
At each event, it gets a new assignment: carrying a small, carefully curated collection of books based around a particular theme.
What’s inside changes every time.
And that’s the magic of it.
π₯ Take a Peek Inside the Magical Suitcase
For my first Magical Suitcase, I featured whale books. π
After the fair, I wanted to share a closer look at the collection and the six books that were inside.
π The First Magical Suitcase: Whales
There is something about whales that has fascinated us for generations. Their immense size, intelligence, social bonds, migrations, songs, and relationship with the ocean have inspired scientific study, conservation efforts, literature, art, and plenty of curiosity about the world beneath the sea.
For this collection, I gathered six collectible books, each approaching whales from a slightly different perspective.
The little sign I placed inside the suitcase read:
βThe ocean speaks in many voices. One of its oldest belongs to the whale.
Whales remind us of the vastness of the sea and our connection to the natural world. Their intelligence, family bonds, and epic migrations have inspired people for centuries.
This collection brings together books celebrating these extraordinary creatures.β
All six books featured in this Magical Suitcase are currently available for purchase through Ash Tree Books. π
π Musgo Blue Whale β Vincent Smith
A softcover edition from 1979, Musgo Blue Whale takes readers on a journey into the world of whales, telling their story from the perspective of the whale and considering the impact of human intrusion into their world.
π Song of the Whale β Rex Weyler
A 1986 first edition in hardcover with a beautiful dust jacket. Song of the Whale tells the dramatic story of Dr. Paul Spong and the movement to save the whales, while exploring discoveries about whale intelligence.
π The Whale People β Roderick Haig-Brown
A beautiful 1962 first edition in excellent condition. This is a particularly lovely collectible, with a teal textured cover, gold gilt lettering on the spine, and drawings by Mary Wailer.
I had another copy of this book previously, but this one is in even better condition β truly a beauty for any library shelf.
π The Year of the Whale β Victor B. Scheffer
A first edition with a beautiful dust jacket and in A+ condition.
This is one of those books that has a wonderful visual charm. It has gorgeous illustrations, navy-blue lettering, and whale and constellation illustrations opening the chapters. The midnight-blue cover features two embossed whales on the front, with a gold gilt spine.
It has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it particularly special.
The Year of the Whale β Victor B. Scheffer | First Edition
π Mind in the Waters: A Book to Celebrate the Consciousness of Whales and Dolphins β Joan McIntyre
A large softcover from 1974, assembled by Joan McIntyre and published by McClelland & Stewart.
Beautifully illustrated, the book brings together a collection of writings and discussions surrounding whales, dolphins, and consciousness.
π Guardians of the Whales: The Quest to Study Whales in the Wild β Bruce Obee & Graeme Ellis
A 1992 first edition, and particularly special because it is signed by the author.
With beautiful photographs throughout, this book follows the quest to study whales in their natural environment.
β¨ A New Ash Tree Books Tradition β¨
The Magical Suitcase will be making another appearance at my next event β but I’m keeping the next theme a secret for now.
Every fair will feature a different collection.
So if you’d like to know what’s inside the Magical Suitcase, you’ll have to come by the Ash Tree Books table and take a peek for yourself.
The first people to discover each new collection will be the ones who happen to open that old, battered suitcase at the next fair. πΌπ
ππ³π Gather around… and take a peek. ππ³π
– Ash
