I went to Stourport Library the other day in search of a book called The Passing of Mitton, by Issac Wedley, published by The Shuttle Press in 1921.

I’ve never seen a copy, and only know of its existence because one day last summer an old man told me of it while we shared a bench on the Stourport canal. I looked for it online at first, which is where I learnt that Stourport Library held a copy. Where better, so that members of the public can read it? However, my enquiry at the library led to the sad discovery that the book was missing. Stolen, presumably. I consider it to be a very rare and precious book indeed, especially as it has not been put online, and a great loss. If other copies of the book still survive it struck me they will be found in Stourport , and I’m sure the library would be glad to receive another copy to have as a permanent reference book again. So, the call is out...

Name and address supplied Stourport