I was at a book and antique fair on Sunday last and there was this enormous volume detailing the entire history of the Marine Corps for sale, bound in camouflage and presented by the Corps itself.
A truly incredible volume ~ I think it runs to nearly 700 pages ~ and while I've done much research in my life, I can just imagine the amount of research and planning that went into this. Not to forget that it is very heavy, too.
The seller noticed my interest in the book and the conversation went thus:
Seller: "Do you have an interest in things military?"
Me: "Yes, my Dad was a soldier and I lived through a war, so yes."
Seller: "So why that volume on the Marine Corps?"
Me: "I have a friend who is a Sergeant in the Marine Corps."
Seller: "Really?"
Me: "Yes."
Seller: [looks at me strangely] "Oh, OK."
Great volume: I just wish that I could have afforded it.