Sometimes life hands out little gems.
Yesterday I went to the Morrab Library book sale. They stock mainly adult books, but I was hoping there might be some interesting old maps or illustrated reference books that might intrigue children in our school library.
In the event, I managed to snaffle an Usborne book on insects for 50p and a copy of WINNIE-THE-POOH in Latin, but the purchase that made me really jump out of my skin was one for my home library:
AMBIT, Issue 12, 1962
Set up in 1959 by London paediatrician, Dr Martin Bax, Ambit is a literary magazine that has, after 56 years of publication, managed to remain edgy while becoming well-established — click the links for a potted history and a 3:am interview with the founder.
I love old books and magazines, for the stories, poems and art, and for the little insights into “the way things used to be” — old currencies, antiquated language, and no online submissions (semi-forgotten things that I love to remember).
Then there are the “exciting firsts” on the literary scene; the advent of things we now see as history. Check out the VENTURE advert for interviews with Albert Camus, and a new market for non-conformist talent:
And finally a request to return the subscription form with ten shillings.
YES PLEASE.
Massive thanks to Morrab Library for making my day.
More on Ambit:
Here’s Ambit Issue #1, Summer 1959, and here’s how you get hold of other back issues.