Overdue book returned

The New York Public Library can celebrate

A book that was 55 years overdue has finally been returned.

Originally checked out of the Fort Washington branch in Upper Manhattan on April 10, 1958, it was returned in a plain brown wrapper.

The book was Fire of Francis Xavier, by Arthur R. McGratty.

Library records don't go back that far, so it is impossible to tell who borrowed it.  Whoever it was, the shamefaced fan of the fiery saint is extremely honest -- a check for $100 was included in the envelope, for outstanding fines.

The New York Public Library has a second reason to celebrate, because a neat little profit was reaped.

A "Very Fine" first edition copy of Fire of Francis Xavier is on sale on eBay for $32.00.