The book cover, from the early 1900s, is a faded silk, rimmed with gold braid. In the center is a hand-painted picture of a graceful, modest-looking woman dressed in blue.
And inside this old, lovely cover? Why, a sex novel, of course.
Brandeis University women working on the upcoming annual Brandeis Used Book Sale found several of these covers enclosing books that the proper ladies of the early 20th Century might not have wanted to be seen reading: Steamy words were kept behind sedate covers.
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The covers, from $10 to $15, will be at the sale, which opens Saturday and continues through June 19 in the parking lot of Old Orchard Center at Golf Road and Skokie Boulevard in Skokie.
Between 450,000 and 500,000 books will be on sale, with prices starting at 10 cents. Highest prices will go for the rare and collectible books sold at the closed bid auction. An auction list may be obtained by calling 708-724-9715, and written bids must be received no later than 9 p.m June 17.
Most of the books, however, are priced below $5. Admission is free except for a $5 donation opening night. (Call the above number for hours). Next weekend, June 20-21, will be bargain weekend, with all books 50 cents or less.