Preface

Updates to this eBook were provided by Andrew Sly.

THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP

BY

CHRISTOPHER MORLEY

TO THE BOOKSELLERS

Be pleased to know, most worthy, that this little book is dedicated to you in affection and respect.

The faults of the composition are plain to you all. I begin merely in the hope of saying something further of the adventures of ROGER MIFFLIN, whose exploits in"Parnassus on Wheels"some of you have been kind enough to applaud. But then came Miss Titania Chapman, and my young advertising man fell in love with her, and the two of them rather ran away with the tale.

I think I should explain that the passage in Chapter VIII, dealing with the delightful talent of Mr. Sidney Drew, was written before the lamented death of that charming artist. But as it was a sincere tribute, sincerely meant, I have seen no reason for removing it.

Chapters I, II, III, and VI appeared originally in The Bookman, and to the editor of that admirable magazine I owe thanks for his permission to reprint.

Now that Roger is to have ten Parnassuses on the road, I am emboldened to think that some of you may encounter them on their travels. And if you do, I hope you will find that these new errants of the Parnassus on Wheels Corporation are living up to the ancient and honourable traditions of our noble profession.

CHRISTOPHER MORLEY.

Philadelphia,

April 28, 1919

CONTENTS

Chapter

I

The Haunted Bookshop

II

The Corn Cob Club[1]

III

Titania Arrives

IV

The Disappearing Volume

V

Aubrey Walks Part Way Home—and Rides The Rest of the Way

VI

Titania Learns the Business

VII

Aubrey Takes Lodgings

VIII

Aubrey Goes to the Movies, and Wishes he Knew More German

IX

Again the Narrative is Retarded

X

Roger Raids the Ice-Box

XI

Titania Tries Reading in Bed

XII

Aubrey Determines to give Service that's Different

XIII

The Battle of Ludlow Street

XIV

The"Cromwell"Makes its Last Appearance

XV

Mr. Chapman Waves His Wand

The Haunted Bookshop