12-millionth volume acquired by University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library has acquired its 12-millionth volume, the manuscript of The Adventures of Tommy - the only children's book written and illustrated by science fiction novelist, H.G. Wells. A generous gift to the University Library from Illinois alumni Jim and Diane Staes of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, made the acquisition of this unique manuscript possible. The Adventures of Tommy has been added to the Library's world-renowned archival holdings of the papers of H.G. Wells and joins his other manuscripts, including those of The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds. Through the use of cartoons or 'picshuas,' as Wells called them, The Adventures of Tommy tells the story of a little boy who rescues a proud and very rich man from the sea - and the unusual thank-you gift he receives. The manuscript now resides in The Rare Book & Manuscript Library at the University of Illinois"