University of Missouri Special Collections call number: PR4717 .N4 1891

Donor: Kenneth R. Mares

Source: https://library.missouri.edu/giving/adoptabook/

New Grub Street by George Gissing.

This Victorian novel, published in 1891, is an illustration of what life was like for authors in 19^th century London Writing in the vein of Charles Dickens and Louisa May Alcott, George Gissing brings to life the complexities and conflicts between integrity and the capitalism of the time, the truth of genteel poverty (it was, indeed, real poverty), and the damage done to humanity and treasured relationships by the inability to live with dignity. [1]

The spines were reinforced and the tape and buckram were removed from the binding.

Buckram: A sturdy book cloth, commonly made of cotton and occasionally of linen, that has been impregnated with a sizing agent. [2]

University of Missouri Special Collections call number: 181.1 L873c

Donor: Steve Richardson

Source: https://library.missouri.edu/giving/adoptabook/

Confucious and the Chinese Classics, or, Readings in Chinese Literature by Augustus Ward Loomis, published in 1867.

This book is a biography of Confucious and a look at how his followers lived. Confucius himself rose from a low position in society working menial jobs in the government and the military to become the philospher we still know today. He believed in humanity's integrity and their ability to be moral, and his philosophy stressed working to enhance these ideas. He was known as a modest and extremely political-minded man who continually involved himself in the affairs of the day, often in detriment to himself and despite what his critics (some of whom were his followers) had to say. [1]

The binding and the boards were loose, so they were resewed and put back on. [2] 

University of Missouri Special Collections call number: PR4034 .N7 1818

Donor: Jane Austen Society of North America, Inc.

Source: https://library.missouri.edu/giving/adoptabook/

Northanger Abbey and Persuasion by Jane Austen, published 1818.

These first editions of the first novel Austen sold and the last one she wrote both needed kozo repairs to the hinges. [1]

Source: https://library.missouri.edu/giving/adoptabook/book/?book_id=dDd1S1ZSMjNFbDJvZlhVejFJczdnUT09OjqyDsFRjrH46HxrKklCmQu8

Persuasion and Northanger Abbey are slightly lesser known novels of Jane Austen. Both are commentaries on decisions made and how those decisions have an effect on the present and the future. Northanger Abbey centers on a young girl who, obssessed with gothic novels, sees horror everywhere when journeying to an estate, only to find that life is nothing like her treasured books. Persuasion is about a woman who falls in love with a young man, but walks away from him; years later, they are given a second chance. Austen's commentary on the true depths of human life make her one of the most-well known classic authors ever. 

University of Missouri Special Collections call number: 972 N594h

Donor: Steve Richardson and Sally Richardson

Source: https://library.missouri.edu/giving/adoptabook/

History of South America and Mexico: comprising their discovery, geography, politics, commerce, and revolutions by John M. Niles, published 1837.

This book needed new spine liners, the volume was remounted, and the edges and corners were repaired. [1]

The book contains a reprinting of both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, as well as detailed accounts of certain battles during the "Texian Revolution." [2]