A Surprise Gift; or, Sometimes, My Life is Cooler Than I Ever Expected It to Be

[mabfan]

So, a few weeks ago, madwriter asked me if I wanted a Hebrew copy of Harlan Ellison's Dangerous Visions that had come into his possession. Now, while it's true that I can pronounce Hebrew, I don't read it too well, but I figured why not. After all, Nomi could read it, and maybe one day I'd be able to.

Dangerous Visions in Hebrew Photo copyright ©2009 by Michael A. Burstein

Dangerous Visions in Hebrew, Frontispiece Photo copyright ©2009 by Michael A. Burstein

Danny explained to me why he wanted me to have the book, though, and when he did, I felt a lump in my throat. I said to him, "I'm touched you would consider this gift for us. Rest assured we will treasure the book and keep it with all the other important books in our library."

Here's why:

Book Provenance Photo copyright ©2009 by Michael A. Burstein. Text copyright ©2009 by Danny Adams.

In case it's hard for you to read, here's the text on the page:

This book previously belonged to my uncle, science fiction author (and anthology contributor) Philip José Farmer. I brought it from his home in Peoria, Illinois on June 9, 2009. From there I offered it as a gift to fellow sf writer Michael A. Burstein and his wife Nomi.

Thank you, Danny.

Comments

[octoberland.livejournal.com]

That's really fantastic.

Also glad to hear you are surviving the removal of teeth. Ugh.

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

That's chills-down-my-spine awesome.

As in "awesome" meaning "inspiring awe."

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Awwwwwwwww!

[jencallisto]

Oh, how lovely!

[lisafeld.livejournal.com]

Very cool!

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

It's an understatement for me to say that I'm glad you like this, and that it went to those who would appreciate it.

(Though I'll admit I wish I'd been a little more careful with my handwriting while I was writing the inscription!)

And you're welcome, Michael.