This is a surprising little book published in 1969. Although the pictures are virtually all in b&w its an interesting selection and most of the prints came from Thorburns own collection. He was - judging from a letter I once received from him - slightly protective of what he had collected. But of course I might have been youthfully rude in my inquiry....
Just came across your blog. I had a need to do some research in the Scottish United Services Library at Edinburgh Castle on a few occasions in the early 1970s - as I recall, Thorburn was the curator. A most strange experience - I'm not sure what it was the staff at the library did all day, but they most certainly regarded anyone wishing to look at their books as a very unwelcome invasion! Another senior individual there was (I think) Bill Boag.
ReplyDeleteOne other thing that I recall is that the library (it was really just a stockroom attached to the SUS museum) was heated by a very ancient coal stove, and everything - including a lot of priceless old books - was covered in deep black soot. I used to go there in my oldest clothes and have a bath when I got home!
Regards - Tony