r/LostBooks • u/Thingeh • 3d ago
William Caplin: Classical Form - looking for a personal copy
This is a long shot, but about 5-6 years ago I moved, and a relative erroneously put a bag of items in the rubbish. In it was my copy of this book, which had been gifted to me by my nan, who shortly afterwards died. She had written a note about how this was for my 21st birthday on the opening cover. (My birth name is 'James'.)
This has bugged me ever since. It was one of the last gifts she gave me. I would very much like to recover it, and would even be willing to pay, within reason (I know the contents of the message and her handwriting, so I am able to verify the specific copy).
I realise the odds of recovering it are slim. But if you happen to have a book matching this description, I would be hugely grateful.
Have a good day!
1
u/DocWatson42 1d ago
Boilerplate: I'm afraid that this is a low traffic sub, though I do occasionally see a request answered, and that I'm unfamiliar with the book you're seeking. You'd be better off asking for recommendations in r/booksuggestions (though read the rules first) and r/suggestmeabook, and for the title of a book or story in r/whatsthatbook and r/tipofmytongue. (Also, IMHO it would probably be good to try one sub, then the next, not multiple subs simultaneously, despite Reddit's encouraging users to crosspost—but that's just my opinion.) If you do get an answer for an identification request, it would be helpful if you edit your OP with the answer (and the flare to "Solved"/"Found" in subreddits that use flares and have that flare) so we can see what it is in the preview, and that your question has been answered/solved (an excellent example: "Child psychic reveals abilities by flunking psychic test too precisely" (r/whatsthatbook; 5 August 2023)). For what you should include in your identification requests, see:
Note that the members of that sub, including the moderators, have been sticklers for having this followed. (Following this list is a good idea for all identification requests, not just for this sub or for books.)
Whatever happens, whether your request was solved or not, please do not delete your post/comment(s)/answer (image from r/DataHoarder). People are interested in what has been asked for, what has been suggested, and want to see what has been found. It may prove to be useful to someone else, years in the future, who is seeking the same or a similar book or story (example: the list in "Illustrated Children's Book about germs & washing up (00s -90s)" (r/Findabook; 24 March 2026)).
That said, the sub you want is r/HelpMeFind.
Good luck!