In an astonishing turn of events, a book checked out from the Worcester Public Library in Massachusetts in 1973 has finally made its way back to its rightful home—51 years later. The 1899 edition of The Early Work of Aubrey Beardsley, a collection featuring the late artist’s renowned illustrations, was recently returned to the library, much to the staff’s surprise and delight.

A Long-Lost Classic

The book, originally borrowed on May 22, 1973, was never returned on time. The person who checked it out is unknown, and its whereabouts remained a mystery for more than five decades. The Early Work of Aubrey Beardsley includes a biography of the artist, alongside 150 reproductions of his iconic black ink drawings, which were influenced by Japanese art and known for their erotic and grotesque style. Beardsley, who died of tuberculosis at the age of 25 in 1898, was only a year younger than the publication of this book, making it an even rarer collector’s item.

Rediscovered After 51 Years

The book’s rediscovery started when an unnamed individual brought it to the Cambridge Public Library. A librarian there recognized its historical value and contacted Worcester Public Library, where the book had originally been loaned. By this time, the book had long since been removed from the library’s catalog due to its overdue status, and staff had essentially given up on expecting its return.

Alex London, a genealogy and local history librarian at Worcester Public Library, shared the news on social media, saying that it was the “most overdue book” he had ever encountered in his career. While the exact circumstances of the book’s location during its absence remain unclear, London speculated that it might have been found while someone was cleaning out a deceased relative’s home, as is often the case with missing library books.

A Timeless Reminder

The return of The Early Work of Aubrey Beardsley is a remarkable reminder that it’s never too late to return a borrowed item. Although the book had been checked out for more than half a century, the library’s team is thrilled to have it back in their collection, even if it’s been long overdue.