Stonefaction
Dundee Birding....(target 150 in 2024).
I found a copy of the above book By Herbert Axell & Eric Hosking (1978 edition) in the local Oxfam bookshop in Dundee a few days ago. When flicking through it I noticed what appeared to be a hand-written message inside signed by Bert. "For Joan A good friend who shared the good old days. Bert". I tried to ascertain whether Bert was indeed Mr Axell which seems likely, but didn't get very far. A friend then informed me that his wife was actually called Joan (there is a printed dedication 2 pages further on to his wife, Joan).
I then went back to the book to try to see if the message is actually hand-written or if it is actually printed on. There is no heavy indentation on the thick paper so it may be printed, but I can't be certain.
So, to get to the point of this post... Can someone else with a copy of the book please tell me if the message pictured is also in theirs (ie. a standard printed addition)? If it isn't, does anyone have access to a signature to confirm whether it is indeed Bert Axell's, and lastly - if it is, and the Joan in the hand-written dedication isn't actually his wife then any suggestions who she may be?
(I'm now leaning towards the "writing" being a printed addition - largely because why would he sign a copy of the book for his wife?, which would render parts 2 & 3 of the question immaterial).
I then went back to the book to try to see if the message is actually hand-written or if it is actually printed on. There is no heavy indentation on the thick paper so it may be printed, but I can't be certain.
So, to get to the point of this post... Can someone else with a copy of the book please tell me if the message pictured is also in theirs (ie. a standard printed addition)? If it isn't, does anyone have access to a signature to confirm whether it is indeed Bert Axell's, and lastly - if it is, and the Joan in the hand-written dedication isn't actually his wife then any suggestions who she may be?
(I'm now leaning towards the "writing" being a printed addition - largely because why would he sign a copy of the book for his wife?, which would render parts 2 & 3 of the question immaterial).