Ever since the Crossroads Used Book Sale, I’ve been enjoying my new old books and writing about why they are such a delight to me.
I treasure them also because I believe these books were far more precious in their day than a book is now, simply because of the relative scarcity of books and the cost of publishing.
Only the cream of the crop would be published!
I value these unique books that were so highly valued by society. It is evident that these volumes were made to last, and they did last.
Would a book published in 2012 last until 2112? Maybe, but probably not as well as those leather covers and thick pages have lasted.
Myths Every Child Should Know
Here is a well-travelled Christmas present, originally published in 1905, edited by Hamilton Wright Mabie.
Notice the “This is My Book” section showing the owner lived in Edmonton, Alberta (which is why I found it in a Calgary, Alberta used book store). And notice also the sticker from Santa Monica, California, in this book.
Apparently Bill gave this as a Christmas present to Frank in Edmonton in 1937.
The Bottle Fairy
Here is a sweet children’s story book with an inscription from 1923, given as a birthday present to Master Wallace McIntyre. (Don’t you just love how they used the term “Master” for boys?)
The Pleasures of Life
The cover and the inscription are works of art!
Any book can transport you to another world and another time, in the same way a traveler goes on a holiday. But old books can be like the person who actually lived in that other place and time.
You can’t help but notice the differences in language, attitudes and the political climate that come through unintentionally by what the author writes. It makes me feel like I know the author’s world, instead of just reading about it in a history book.
And those marvelous inscriptions! Did everyone have such exquisite handwriting? Judging from the old school books which made handwriting such a priority, I think most did.
Here is one of my favorite signatures, written by “Aunt Laura”. This is in The Pleasures of Life by Sir John Lubbock (copyright 1887). I also love the embossed designs and flowers on the cover.
Not only is the penmanship a work of art, but reading the note makes me feel like I’m getting a peek into the personal life and family of the original owner.
A King Among Men
This 1915 book was a reward to Miss Donna Mills for a job well done: learning the Ten Commandments!
Happy hunting, and happy reading!
Do you have any old books that particularly thrill you? Do tell! Send me a message on my About page if you want to send me photos to include on another post.
Happily Writing 