I recently bought a used book, a withdrawn ex-library copy of the second edition of Sidney Joel-Cohen's legendary textbook "Abdominal and Vaginal Hysterectomy. New Techniques Based on Time and Motion Studies" (1). The book is not only a masterpiece describing gynecological surgery techniques, my copy also has by written notes, stickers and stamps with a story to tell. The book is signed and was dedicated by Joel-Cohen in 1977 to Professor Sir John Dewhurst at Queen Charlotte's Hospital in London. Sir John donated the book to the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Library, but later it showed up in the Wellcome Library, Imperial College School of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus in London. Despite a sticker with a clear prohibition to take the book away from the library, it is now after a legal purchase in my possession. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Less)