A little treasure.
The Forge at Appledore sells antiques. Nothing too expensive, most are very affordable. It is a lovely place and I could spend the day just browsing through the bits and pieces they have for sale. I rarely find anything that interests me but yesterday while browsing the book section, I found this. Hidden in a corner and barely visible, I gently pulled it out from the shelf.
95 years old and still in tact. A childs book....how to id British butterflies and capture them for your collection. The Victorians would net them and bring them home to put in glass cases to adorn their sitting room walls. Thankfully that no longer happens. What I wanted to show you is the illustrations, so different from today but so beautiful in their simplicity.
I spent most of last evening reading and looking at this beautiful little book. I felt as though I had been transported to the period. This little book is one to treasure.
That certainly is a little treasure - I really like the old-fashioned nature books published pre-war and just after. I've got quite a few of them tucked away on my bookshelves.
ReplyDeleteHi Rowan,
ReplyDeleteI agree, there is something utterly charming about them.
Enchanting - like being transported back in time. Think this book was waiting there for you to find.
ReplyDeletep.s. I once found a white moth and took to my biology teacher to identify. He gave it to me later, pinned and id in a glass case - White Ermine moth [Spilosoma lubricipeda]. He was 'old school' and it was in Kent ;)
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI hated biology...all those eyeballs waiting to be dissected. It was all too hands on for me. I much prefer to read and learn.
The White Ermine is very common here. I see a lot in my garden. I bought another little book yesterday about moths 1950's. Havn't read it yet....saving this one for this evening and I am just so excited.
These illustrations are fabulous. I can see why you are enchanted with this little treasure. You never know what you might find in a shop of antiquities. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
DeleteIt is such a pretty little book and the writings so straight forward. I think Poppi and Riley may enjoy reading it.
I bought it mainly for the illustrations.....and the photography which is so unusual.
Hi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful little book!
(had to post using my blogger account because it just isn't accepting my wordpress)
Hi Liz,
DeleteSeveral people have said they had a problem for one reason or another.
Hope it does not keep happening as it is so annoying, isn't it?
Absolutely enchanting! What a thrill for you Cheryl. I love really old Nature books especially ones with beautiful illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of Nature books which my Mother was given as prizes at school, not as old as yours of course but they are beautiful. I hope you enjoy the other book too.
Hi Jan,
DeleteNow your nature books really are little treasures. It is wonderful, I think, when books are handed down from generation to generation.
Hi Cheryl, What a delightful book. It's such a joy to find things like this isn't it. it always makes me think of the people who lived then and those who have looked at the book through the intervening years. How different everything was then but how similar as well, after all, we are still spotting butterflies! I agree with you about the Victorian attitude regarding life, as something to be preserved and observed but not as something to engage in... very unhealthy I think! :)
ReplyDeleteHI Lucinda,
DeleteI really love old books and like you, I think of those who have enjoyed the book before me.
I was surprised to read that the Large Blue was a very rare butterfly during that period.
I know recent programmes have brought it back from extinction and it is doing very well :)
The little books tells how they killed the butterfly, and do you know Lucinda, it was like a stab in my heart. I really should not read these things, I find them painful but then I am sensitive to all suffering.
What a rare find! Imagine a child's book lasting all through those years. I wonder how may little hands turned those pages? How many little eyes popped out at the sight of those impossible-to-catch butterflies? And how many little hearts wished and wished they could spring to life on the pages?
ReplyDeleteNice that you found that little treasure. I'm sure you will have hours of pleasure in reading it.
Hi Wendy,
DeleteI think the little book has been treasured by someone. Although the cover is marked, the pages inside the book are just perfect.
I think it may have been in someones collection.
I shall love it forever :)
What a delightful find, Cheryl! As much as I like color photography, I can't help but think of all the time and care that went into painting each of these illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI agree--I'd much rather see the butterflies fluttering through my garden than hanging on my wall.
HI Rose,
ReplyDeleteI think most people love coloured photography, but I confess, I have a passion for black and white. Possibly because it takes us back to a bygone age. I also love the simplicity of it........for some reason I am connected to it.
Dear Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteTruly a gift....sitting with such a treasure would transport me too.
I always wait for the butterflies to come to me when they are ready to die. I have my boxes and my cabinet of curiosities. Your grandchildren are so fortunate to have you. A turn of the century field guide is a wonderful addition to your library. I love moths too but not in my wool!
Sherry
Dear Sherry,
DeleteIt is such a lovely little book.
I know the butterflies are safe in your hands.
I wish more people loved them as much as you do :)
Ha, so funny. I do understand but they did make me laugh. Mr P worries about his best jumpers. I hang lavender and eucalyptus in the wardrobes to deter the little devils :}
It is indeed a treasure! Don't you just love holding a book that someone cherished all those decades ago?
ReplyDeleteIndeed I do, that is part of the appeal :)
DeleteI would be so torn Cheryl. I would want so badly to remove the pages for framing and fill my house with these precious butterflies! And then I would be mortified to actually do such a thing! I love your find and glad the book is being enjoyed again.
ReplyDelete