A book has returned to the library of University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom after nearly 50 years. The 175th edition of the book was picked up by a reader in the summer of 1974. But for failing to return the book on time, he was fined 13 cents (100 cents = 1 dollar) per day for 1,748.
Last Wednesday, UCL published a report on the book on their website. A picture of the book is also given. According to the report, the book arrived at the table of librarian Suzanne Trey by courier this year. The recipient of the book also sent a note. However, he did not mention his name there.
UCL says the book is a 165th edition of the Roman comedy drama Corollas. The book, written in Latin by an anonymous author in the fifth century AD, is a complete drama; Which is the only complete Roman drama except Plutas, Terrence and Seneca. Its main preoccupation is a magician's attempt to cheat with one of his poor heirs.
Librarian Suzanne said she spent 16 months at home doing office work for the coronation period. Recently joined the physical work. He came to the office and saw that there were many books on his desk. That book was also in it. The note accompanying the book reads, 'Dear Librarian, I am afraid to return the book. The deadline to return has passed almost 50 years ago! Please do not discard the book. I had to spend time and effort to get it back. (I believe) it will be an "antique" thing now. '
Sujana said, 'I was surprised to read the note. My jaw seemed to be drooping in amazement. '
Professor Gassin Manuwald is the head of the Greek and Latin department at UCL and a researcher on Roman drama. He said such loyalty of a former user of UCL is amazing. In a sense, the book is antique. True, this is the most recent version of the standard tuber series. The version is now also available in Google Books. However, being able to read the hard copy of the original version of 185 will give a different feeling.
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