Books as Portals to Another Time and Place
A touching inscription in a book transports us to a relationship, nearly a century ago, characterized by admiration, respect, and gratitude.
Books are not just mere collections of paper and ink; they are windows into another world. When we hold a used book in our hands, it can often feel as though we are stepping into a time and place long past, a time and place where the book was once cherished, carried, and shared by someone who may have loved it deeply. The very physicality of a used book — its worn pages, its creased spine, and sometimes, its yellowed edges — tells a story. But it is often the inscriptions inside that create the most profound connection between the present reader and the book’s past.
Sometimes, we come across inscriptions that transcend the ordinary. These notes were written by someone who felt compelled to leave a part of themselves in the book, to convey a sentiment, or to mark a moment in time. Such inscriptions are often touching, revealing not only the giver’s affection for the recipient but also a deeper connection that speaks to the emotional and personal significance of the book. A book, after all, is not just an object; it is a bridge between two people, an act of sharing not just knowledge or stories but a piece of the giver’s soul.
A book might serve as a vehicle for more than just intellectual exchange; it carries with it the history of the giver’s life, the circumstances that led to the giving of the book, and the significance of the bond between the giver and the recipient. Take, for example, a particularly touching inscription discovered in a book of mythology.
In this inscription, dated December 1950, a person named M.K. wrote the following to Thomas:
Dear Thomas,
There are certain qualities in a man that money cannot buy, namely, honor, integrity, fidelity, and loyalty. I sincerely appreciate all that you have done for me. I hope that the many hours of pleasure which this Dictionary of Mythology will afford you will requite in some measure the time you so unstintingly gave of yourself. To me you will always be ‘Dear Thomas.’
Sincerely yours,
M. K.
This inscription is poignant and sincere, revealing a deep, personal relationship. The phrase “I sincerely appreciate all that you have done for me” hints at a history of support and kindness. The qualities listed — honor, integrity, fidelity, and loyalty — suggest that Thomas was someone who displayed these virtues, possibly at a time when M.K. was in need of such qualities, maybe during a challenging or formative moment in life. The careful selection of a book, in this case, a Dictionary of Mythology, speaks to the shared intellectual interests of the two individuals. M.K. likely recognized that Thomas would enjoy this book, that it would bring him pleasure and perhaps provoke thoughtful reflection. It is a gift not just for knowledge but for the soul.
What stands out, however, is the use of two specific words: “requite” and “unstintingly.” These words, while perhaps not common in everyday conversation, convey a deep sense of sincerity and formality, appropriate for the depth of the relationship being described.
The word “requite” is rooted in the Latin requitare, meaning “to return or to repay,” but with a sense of emotional depth. It goes beyond a simple exchange to imply a return of something meaningful — gratitude, affection, or kindness. M.K. is not simply wishing for Thomas to enjoy the book; M.K. hopes that the gift will be a kind of repayment, a reflection of the time and care Thomas has given to them. The term invokes a sense of balance in the relationship, where giving and receiving are woven together with thoughtfulness and respect.
The word “unstintingly” comes from the verb stint, meaning “to supply an inadequate or ungenerous amount,” from the Old English styntan, meaning “make blunt.” The prefix “un-” negates that limitation, suggesting something given without reserve or hesitation. To give unstintingly is to offer something freely and generously, without any concern for return or recognition. In this context, M.K. is acknowledging the extraordinary generosity of Thomas’s actions, emphasizing that whatever he gave — whether it was time, support, or loyalty — was done without hesitation or calculation.
Together, these words elevate the inscription, giving it a formal yet deeply emotional tone. The choice of “requite” and “unstintingly” reflects not only the weight of the relationship but also the respect and admiration M.K. felt for Thomas. These words convey an almost poetic understanding of what it means to give and to receive, to support someone with no expectation of anything in return, and to hope that, somehow, a gift like this book could express even a fraction of that generosity.
Upon discovering such an inscription, one can’t help but feel a deep sense of sentimentality. To find a testament like this — written in December 1950 — reconnects us with something timeless: the power of human connection, the ways in which we express our gratitude, and the lasting marks we leave on each other’s lives. This message transcends generations, echoing across decades to find its way into our hands, a testament to a moment in time that, while seemingly small, is filled with emotion, history, and meaning.
As we hold this book in our hands, we are reminded that it is not just the words written on its pages that matter. It is the story behind the gift — the relationship between two people, the gesture of giving, and the love that binds them — that endures. Books are more than portals to stories; they are portals to the hearts of those who once cherished them, a living bridge to the people who, even decades later, continue to touch our lives in the most unexpected of ways.
Have you ever discovered a touching inscription in a book? If you could thank a special individual who helped you during a critical time in your life, what would that book be and what message would you write to that person?
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If you enjoyed this essay, you might enjoy my book, Serendipitous Discoveries from the Bookshelf, based on my popular blog, Atkins Bookshelf. The blog explores the world of ideas — through books, movies, music, quotations, and the English language — for the intellectually curious. At the heart of Atkins Bookshelf is a lifelong love of books and literature; its goal is to educate, entertain, and inspire.
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