The Picky Pair Uncovers a "Lost" Southern Treasure

{Laptop and a great book: LOST LAYSEN, a hidden treasure!!!}

It was a stolen moment, at a local coffee shop, The Stone Cup, that this {PP} began to discuss a book I had just finished as well as finalize the plans for a very important party, to be held later that evening for {BB}.

Like most of the world when you hear the name Margaret Mitchell, you think of one thing, the great Southern Story, GONE WITH THE WIND. What most of us are not aware of is that Margaret Mitchell had many other stories, manuscripts and items, all of which were destroyed {by her request} upon her death in 1949, even the original typescript of Gone With the Wind was not spared.

{It was to my delight when I came across a book titled LOST LAYSEN.

The title is what prompted me to choose it, out of all the books in {CM's} "treasured" collection. {CM} knows a treasure when she finds one! }

LOST LAYSEN is a spirited tale of love and honor on the doomed South Pacific island Laysen. The tale of Lost Laysen's discovery is itself a bittersweet story of love and time-honored secrets. {The real-life romance at the heart of it's discovery is as enthralling as any work of fiction. }

Margaret Mitchell gave the story to a young suitor, Henry Love Angel for his birthday. {Margaret Mitchell was just short of turning sixteen years old herself!} It is clear that Margaret Mitchell was a great writer and this earlier story that remained hidden for so many years is a testament to that fact.

Margaret Mitchell's letters and photographs are so rich and paint a deeper understanding to the story behind the creation of the book LOST LAYSEN.

"They reveal the deep level of intimacy between Margaret Mitchell and Henry Love Angel so deep, so clearly heartfelt, that they've left Margaret Mitchell scholars dumbfounded. Taken as a whole, they tell a story of love just as magical as LOST LAYSEN itself."

We will never really understand the reason behind Margaret Mitchell giving this tale to her unsuccessful suitor. It is however clear to see that here was a man filled with such rare devotion to her that, however disappointed , he remained true to his honor, keeping their secret to the end.

It is beautiful to see the devotion that Henry Love Angel had for his first love, Margaret Mitchell. What a testament to the romantic notion that a first loves Love will last forever, and stand the test of time.

{LHM and Baby B, outside Stone Cup}