The Antiques Roadshow generally makes me think of that sad, Sunday feeling, but it does sometimes uncover a lovely story or two. The current favourite has to be that of Mr James, who was given some books by his schoolmaster back when he was 11 and, rather than giving them a read, he shoved them away unopened.
Skip forward a couple of decades, and his wife discovered that the inside of the books had been hollowed out and a variety of chocolate bars had been secreted inside.
Now, I disapprove of cutting up books in general (how can you deface those poor defenceless words, you monsters!) but this story did make me giggle. Just imagine the disappointment of that 11 year old, when he realised he’d passed up on the goods.
That said, I’d like to think that what you find in a decent book is even better than chocolate. It’s tends to last better, at least, but really, the ideal situation is a combination of both. Maybe with a bath and a glass of wine thrown in for good measure, mmm.
I did always want one of those fake books though, although I think the only thing I really wanted to hide at that age would be my diary, which would kind of defeat the purpose. Although I suppose it would be a grand way to hide my chocolate stash from Ink…
Lynsey May 
Your bookshelves also need that fake book that’s really a lever and opens your secret chocolate cellar. Just make sure it’s a book no chocolate thieves would possibly be interested in – a Katie Price autiobiography or something?
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Dave, you are so right. Secret cellar full of cool stuff, including nefarious plans and a popcorn machine. Ah, one day!
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I like to think you already have Katie Price’s autobiography in your collection.
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*shudders violently*
Dude.
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Katie Price? No – but Snooki’s amazing novel? I think she just might…
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I will not stand for this libel. Oh wait, i could just delete it if I wanted to.
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Great story! My Dad still has a book called ‘Sea Dogs All’ that’s been hollowed out like that and filled with old coins for some reason. As a child, I used to get it off the shelf, look at the coins and read the few remaining words around the edges, trying to work out what the book was about.
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That book sounds fascinating! And I love the image of you squinting at odd words, trying to piece a story together.
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I saw that episode. 11 yr old me would have been gutted to realise I’d thrown aside chocolate (actually present-day me would too), but of course I’d have opened the book. 😀
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I think that goes to show you’ll always be on the winning side when it comes to both books and chocolate 🙂
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