Shop of Horrors

If it doesn't fit into any of the above categories, post it here!
User avatar
Rob Houghton
Posts: 16029
Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Rob Houghton »

I certainly have loads! :- . The one I saw is one I have in more modern editions but would like an older copy. 8)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



Society Member
User avatar
Francis
Posts: 7275
Joined: 17 Nov 2009, 21:13
Favourite book/series: Mountain of Adventure / Adventure and Famous Five
Favourite character: George and Timmy
Location: Guildford, Surrey

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Francis »

I spotted 'The Mountain of Adventure' today (1951 edition) with full dustwrapper - for £10. It was in one of my favourite bookshops where the prices usually seem about right. I already have it so I restrained myself!
Society Member
User avatar
walter raleigh
Posts: 1236
Joined: 09 May 2014, 04:35
Favourite book/series: 5 Fall Into Adventure/R Mysteries/Adventure Series
Favourite character: George Kirrin
Location: On Kirrin Island Again

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by walter raleigh »

Robert Houghton wrote:I know this was a first edition paperback...but £10? This is an example of how Sue Bell can be fairly expensive, in my opinion! I think I paid about £2 for my copy.

http://www.greenmeadowbooks.co.uk/?page ... _id=590983
I don't know, I personally don't think that's too bad. It seems to be one of the rarer Armada paperbacks and although it's hard to tell from the picture it looks to be in excellent condition. I probably wouldn't pay it but it's certainly not as overpriced as some of Stella and Rose's more egregious examples.

Of course you could alway just buy a new copy: :roll:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Circus-Days-A ... 20f8904996" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"Stuck in a state of permanent pre-pubescence like poor Julian in the Famous Five!"

Society Member
User avatar
Rob Houghton
Posts: 16029
Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Rob Houghton »

I've used Green Meadow Books (Sue Bell) many times in the past - but I do tend to think her more modern books are a little over-priced. I've actually ordered a copy of 'Circus Days Again' from her - a hardback from 1952 with dustwrapper, for £15, which I think is better value than £10 for a paperback. Admittedly the paperback was a first edition in that version...but I already have a near fine copy, which I bought for £1. in an Oxfam Bookshop. ;-)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



Society Member
User avatar
Francis
Posts: 7275
Joined: 17 Nov 2009, 21:13
Favourite book/series: Mountain of Adventure / Adventure and Famous Five
Favourite character: George and Timmy
Location: Guildford, Surrey

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Francis »

Sue Bell obviously provides a service and has an excellent stock. As buyers we have to be selective and wait for the right price for us - even if it takes time.
Society Member
User avatar
John Pickup
Posts: 4876
Joined: 30 Oct 2013, 21:29
Favourite book/series: Barney mysteries
Favourite character: Snubby
Location: Notts

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by John Pickup »

Well said, Francis. No-one forces us to buy.
Society Member
User avatar
Rob Houghton
Posts: 16029
Joined: 26 Feb 2005, 22:38
Favourite book/series: Rubadub Mystery, Famous Five and The Find-Outers
Favourite character: Snubby, Uncle Robert, George, Fatty
Location: Kings Norton, Birmingham

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Rob Houghton »

True! :-)

I was just trying to show a balance, as I have bought excellent books from both Sue Bell and Stella's books, which often gets some bad press on here! 8)
'Oh voice of Spring of Youth
hearts mad delight,
Sing on, sing on, and when the sun is gone
I'll warm me with your echoes
through the night.'

(E. Blyton, Sunday Times, 1951)



Society Member
User avatar
Anita Bensoussane
Forum Administrator
Posts: 26772
Joined: 30 Jan 2005, 23:25
Favourite book/series: Adventure series, Six Cousins books, Six Bad Boys
Favourite character: Jack Trent, Fatty and Elizabeth Allen
Location: UK

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Anita Bensoussane »

I also bought a few items from Sue Bell at Enid Blyton Days. She had a lot of vintage books and ephemera in fine condition, but I went for the cheaper things. Sue used to bring a couple of "bargain boxes" from which I picked up a number of 1970s-80s publications, plus copies of Enid Blyton's Magazine which may have had a little colouring-in or something like that. She clearly enjoyed being at the Day and it was always nice to chat to her.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.

"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.


Society Member
User avatar
pete9012S
Posts: 17573
Joined: 24 Jan 2010, 15:32
Favourite book/series: Five On A Treasure Island
Favourite character: Frederick Algernon Trotteville
Location: UK

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by pete9012S »

I sometimes get the feeling that some private sellers (not commercial dealers) who stumble across the occasional old Enid Book (retro 1987 copies included)think that we are all so in love and besotted with the author that we can't wait to dispense vast sums of cash on any any old tat that comes along,when as we know,we all love a bargain!! :D
" A kind heart always brings its own reward," said Mrs. Lee.
- The Christmas Tree Aeroplane -

Society Member
Tony Summerfield
Posts: 6386
Joined: 26 Dec 2004, 12:20

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Tony Summerfield »

walter raleigh wrote:Of course you could alway just buy a new copy: :roll:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Circus-Days-A ... 20f8904996" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm not sure I would call that a 'new copy' as it was published by Beaver 28 years ago! :D
User avatar
Wayne Pyer
Posts: 1390
Joined: 17 Jun 2009, 17:55
Favourite book/series: adventure/find outers
Favourite character: Bill Smugs/Kiki/Fatty
Location: Wales, UK

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Wayne Pyer »

Robert Houghton wrote:
John Pickup wrote:I visited Rose's Books in Hay a couple of years ago and whilst I was impressed with the layout of the shop and the stock that was available I wasn't enamoured with the staff whom I found to be quite unfriendly. Maybe she was having a bad day.
I think it depends on who's in the shop that day! ;-) I do seem to recall that the staff at the Tintern store (which is much bigger than at Hay) were more friendly, and there is a much bigger selection of books at all prices. Admittedly it depends on what the buyer calls a good price. Usually it's around £8 - £10 for a standard Famous Five without a DW.
I'm with Robert here, John. I've found the "Hay" shop quite welcoming, cosy and reasonably priced. They also had a lovely dog that reminded of Looney, if my memory serves. :D
Wayne, living in an Enid Blyton world.
User avatar
John Pickup
Posts: 4876
Joined: 30 Oct 2013, 21:29
Favourite book/series: Barney mysteries
Favourite character: Snubby
Location: Notts

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by John Pickup »

The Hay shop was as you described it, Wayne, it was the woman behind the counter who spoiled my visit. She just didn't seem interested. Can't remember the dog though, perhaps he was out for a walk whilst I was there. :D
Society Member
User avatar
walter raleigh
Posts: 1236
Joined: 09 May 2014, 04:35
Favourite book/series: 5 Fall Into Adventure/R Mysteries/Adventure Series
Favourite character: George Kirrin
Location: On Kirrin Island Again

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by walter raleigh »

Tony Summerfield wrote:
walter raleigh wrote:Of course you could alway just buy a new copy: :roll:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Circus-Days-A ... 20f8904996" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I'm not sure I would call that a 'new copy' as it was published by Beaver 28 years ago! :D
I just assumed it was a new copy as I'd not seen it before and it looked quite modern. :oops: That'll teach me not to double check in The Cave first won't it! Although in my defence it does seem to be the newest paperback edition. :wink:
"Stuck in a state of permanent pre-pubescence like poor Julian in the Famous Five!"

Society Member
Tony Summerfield
Posts: 6386
Joined: 26 Dec 2004, 12:20

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Tony Summerfield »

I'm afraid that the pc brigade put an end to all the circus books as none of them has been in print for over 20 years. Of course that has now changed a bit as Egmont have brought them back in an Omnibus edition.
User avatar
Wayne Pyer
Posts: 1390
Joined: 17 Jun 2009, 17:55
Favourite book/series: adventure/find outers
Favourite character: Bill Smugs/Kiki/Fatty
Location: Wales, UK

Re: Ebay Rip Off Merchant!

Post by Wayne Pyer »

John Pickup wrote:The Hay shop was as you described it, Wayne, it was the woman behind the counter who spoiled my visit. She just didn't seem interested. Can't remember the dog though, perhaps he was out for a walk whilst I was there. :D
Now that you mention John. The lady did seem pre-occupied with her computer and hardly spoke a word to me. :D
Wayne, living in an Enid Blyton world.
Post Reply