Tag: vintage books

Valentine’s Day Book Review of Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Often, in February, after several long cold months of winter, I long for a mini-holiday in a place guaranteed to be warm and sunny.  It’s been ages since I’ve been able to go, but this year the flight and hotel deal was amazing, so off my sister-in-law and I went to San Diego.  (More photos … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Book Review of Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher →

Quality Classic Christmas stories that Stand the Test of Time

With the holiday activities slowing down, now is a great time to chill with a classic Christmas story. Here are some recommendations from my recent discoveries. “Uncle Richard’s New Year Dinner” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a fortuitous mix-up.You can read the story here Unable to find a publisher, the author printed 200 copies of this … Continue reading Quality Classic Christmas stories that Stand the Test of Time →

The Wonderful World of Cats

I recently re-read this precious book--after 58 years! In a testament to the quality of the stories, I was surprised at how many of the plots I still remembered. And almost as much as the stories, I also remembered the unique drawings. Unlike some contemporary children's books, these stories aren’t written “down” to children. They … Continue reading The Wonderful World of Cats →

Yesterday’s classics speaking into today’s world

The only palliative for the errors of our modern world is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books C.S. Lewis I have saved a number of quotes to share about the value of reading classic books. Now, I’m asking … Continue reading Yesterday’s classics speaking into today’s world →

Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire

A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire →

Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history

Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history →