Two books borrowed during the 1960s have been returned to McMaster's Library, although the University has no record of them ever having been checked out.

The books, Anarchism and Other Essays (1910) and Modern Science and Anarchism (1903), were accompanied by a letter of apology outlining the circumstances of their disappearance from the Library's shelves.

“The two books enclosed came into my possession sometime in the 1960s when I worked for Ken Blackwell (the Bertrand Russell Archivist) in the early days of the Bertrand Russell Archives,” wrote the book borrower. “I don't recall the details, but I expect I was comparing them to a list of titles in Russell's own library. At any rate they migrated with me when I left and I came across them only recently while culling my own collection.” The writer goes on to apologize profusely for his half-century-long oversight.

Given that he claims to have been an employee, the story would explain why the Library has no record of the books having been checked out, although Carl Spadoni, director of the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, is quick to point out the story is not entirely without its holes: “The Russell Archives weren't established until the 1970s, so he is off by a decade.”

Given the circumstances, Spadoni won't be pursuing a fine, which more than likely would have totaled in the thousands of dollars. “Ultimately, we appreciate the return of the two books, as well as the man's effort to write a letter of apology.” He did add that the Library takes book theft seriously and if books are stolen security is contacted immediately and criminal charges can be laid.

Both books are in good condition and are autographed copies, significant considering that their authors, Emma Goldman and Peter Kropotkin, were two of the foremost anarchists of their time.

The books have been relocated for shelving in Archives and Research Collections.