Hiroshima Mon Amour

In 1959, French director Alain Resnais released the film Hiroshima Mon Amour .

In June 1961, Marguerite Duras' screenplay of the film, with illustations from the movie, was published in the U.S. by Grove Press.

On June 5, 1961, the copy pictured was purchased, inscribed by the purchaser, and given to an acquaintance.

On March 22, 2006, the same copy was purchased for 69 cents, before tax, at a Salvation Army in Bay Ridge. It is a first edition, but the condition of the copy renders it of little value.

The inscription, however, is priceless:

If you're having trouble reading it, it says:

"6/5/61

I saw this at the bookstore today...

you know I don't wholly approve of you but ...

I wanted to give this

to you

Allan"

Wow.

Gift inscriptions is books are usually very sweet and tame (and boring). Not this!

To whom did Allan give this book? Why didn't he approve of the recipient? Yet, he thought enough of the person to shell out $1.95 for the book.

Makes you wonder......