The book’s original due date was in November 1911, making the book’s finding this year in November an even more remarkable milestone.
The book’s log shows that it was checked out a few times in 1910 and for the last time in 1911. The book was found in excellent condition, leading interested parties to believe it had been left somewhere untouched in a box or attic.
Though this copy of the book isn’t rare, and family members have more original editions than they know what to do with, it does have an exciting flaw; the author’s last name appears as “Wiggins” instead of “Wiggin.”
Facebook; pictured above is inside the overdue book
This error was likely due to the book’s printer, but this copy may be one of the only copies to have this mistake.
But it feels almost fated for a book that went on to create even more confusion in its long absence from library shelves.
The Times cites the original price of the 1907 book at $1.50. However, now an original copy goes for more than $170 on eBay.
People are left with so many questions about this overdue book; who initially checked the book out? Who returned it?
And what happened in between, besides two world wars, the advent of the digital age, and dozens of cultural transformations?
However, one thing is for sure; literature and art are as close to time capsules as we encounter in our daily lives, and all involved are thrilled to have this gift from the past.