"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."

The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame

I bought a nice edition hardcover 2nd hand last summer to replace my paperback copy which was falling to pieces, having lived in my bookcase continously, when not being actively read, since I bought it new before I left highschool in 1977. In that context, the dedication in the hardcover is its own ultra short (sad) story:

"Dear Sarah: This is a 'special' story - one to keep. Happy Birthday on your 11th, Jan 15th, '96. Much Love Auntie Sheila & Uncle Jim"

--- Alain Hargreaves