[quote=b.zang]Recently I borrowed this book from the library and loved it so much I just had to find my own copy. The book is out of print but Amazon marketplace had some, so I ordered from the dealer who advertised all proceeds to the Red Cross for Haiti relief. The listing said -good condition.
Could they have sent me the wrong book? I received a book in virtually brand new condition. On the flyleaf, handwritten, is this message: "This is the official first copy off the press won in a drawing of pre-purchasers held at the book launch, November 18, 1996 at the Vancouver Public Library." There's more, then the author's name and signature. HOLY COW!!!
As a librarian (retired) I can tell you that when we attend these types of things we are given all sorts of books, always first editions because the publishers want the librarians to see them first and then recommend them to their patrons, and most of all purchase them for their libraries. Then when you get home from these conferences/special events, you look over all the books you've gotten and decide which ones you really don't want. In my case those books always went to the library I worked at, but many other people gave them as gifts, or to friends. This one obviously ended up with someone who never wanted it in the first place, so just donated it to a worthy organization.