A few years ago at the IceInSpace Astrocamp, Andrew Murrell arrived
with a box of astronomy books to sell at the swap meet.
One of the books included a mint copy of the second edition of Hartungs.
When the second edition was published, Andrew and David Frew were
friends at the time. Andrew told me that one day David arrived from the
printers carrying cartons of the first run of books hot off the press.
David opened a carton and handed Andrew a book. Essentially the first
one to be distributed.
The book he had brought to the swap meet was that very first one David
had handed to him. Andrew had subsequently picked up another copy
which he had used in the field.
Anyway we are there in the covered area at Lostock and a guy moseys
up and starts browsing the books. "Is this one any good?", he asks,
picking up the Hartungs. Andrew has a price tag on it of only a
few dollars and Andrew calmly informs him that it is an excellent guide
to observe with.
However this chap doesn't seem convinced.
I chirp in and explain how the book is divided into chapters devoted to
each constellation observable from the southern hemisphere and that
each of these makes for an excellent observing list for a night's viewing.
In short, it is a really fabulous book.
He still does not look convinced.
Andrew was a salesman by profession and by now both us are starting
to wonder why this pitch is not moving this book at such a dirt cheap price.
However, a few more soft words from Andrew and the guy pulls out a few
bucks and the deal is done.
The buyer could probably have that book appraised on the amateur
astronomy equivalent of the Antiques Roadshow today and be amazed
what some second hand book stores are asking for it at the moment.
