We had a rather nice library at my secondary school (1860s/1930s buildings, but founded 1513). Old boys (alumni), also old teachers had given books to the library over the years. This meant that there was an interesting cross section of people's taste over about 70 years.

There were about 25 G.A. Henty titles, which unfortunately were admired more for their binding than their content (this was the 1960s, after all) - so they gently mouldered on their shelves. There were also about 10 bound volumes of Punch from the Great War which in contrast were very popular, probably because of the great cartoons.

One book by an old boy was mentioned in hushed tones and frequently consulted - Sons and Lovers by D H Lawrence. This was around the time of the Chatterley obscenity trial so obviously owt by Bert had to be scrutinised! Poor old Henty was no doubt spinning in his grave....

Needless to say about 5 years after I left, some prune decided to bring the library into the 20th century, put in a mezzanine floor and no doubt the Hentys and the Punch volumes were either nicked, burned or sent to secondhand bookshops.