I have been meaning to write this thank you post for my Aunt, a librarian, who rescued these old books to give to me. I love having old books on my shelf. It’s nice to think about the people who loved them before me. How many hands have held the covers and turned the pages? What is written in the flyleaf? Did I say I love old books?
Swiss Family Robinson, by Robert Louis Stevenson, copyright 1882, and illustrated. This copy has some pages falling out. It is yellowed and worn. There is a name on the first page and the date 4/19/09. When I read this copy, I plan to read it very carefully.
Mrs. Rorer’s Cook Book, by Mrs S. T. Rorer, copyright 1886. This “Manual of Home Economics” is in remarkable shape for its age. There is a lovely picture of Mrs. Rorer with a tissue sheet between the picture and the title page. There is a handwritten recipe for fudge dated December 1907 and a Lemon Pie recipe from 1901.
The Beacon Gate to Reading, by M.E. Sullivan and Philena Morris Cox, copyright 1926. The name of this flyleaf is Mrs Knuss (I think). This is a little primer that was used by young children to learn to read. There are even colored pictures and practice pages. A few of the practice pages have been practiced on.
Life on the Mississippi, by Mark Twain, copyright 1917. There is an illustration across from the title page. I believe the book is part seven of a set called The Complete Works of Mark Twain. There is a roman numeral VII on the spine, as well as an engraving of the profile of Mark Twain.
Rose in Bloom, by Louisa M. Alcott, copyright 1904. Like Mrs. Rorer’s cookbook, there is a picture with a tissue cover next to the title page. This volume also has illustrations. I haven’t read much of Louisa May Alcott, so I look forward to reading this book. Although, it is titled “A Sequel to Eight Cousins“, so I may need to read that first.
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. There is no copyright date on this book, but the inscription on the flyleaf says “From Grandma, Christmas 1897”. This copy of Jane Eyre has lovely detailing on the cove of green vines; you can see them in the picture.
Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo. There is no copyright date. This volume is in exceptional condition; there is just a little tear on the spine. This is my third copy of Les Miserables which I intend to read again soon so I can share it with you. It is one of my favorite stories.
The Standard Book of British and American Verse, selected by Nella Braddy, copyright 1932. One of the special things I noticed about this book was the list of authors. The list includes the authors’ names and birth to death years. When this volume was published, poets like William Butler Yeats, Robert Frost, and Rudyard Kipling were still alive. The note on the flyleaf says, “A gift to one who is so versatile, from one who loves to see people like that.” I’m looking forward to reading the poems in this volume.
McGuffey’s First Eclectic Reader, revised edition, copyright 1920. This is in the best condition of these books. The binding is till tight and the pages clean. I may even be able to use it with my own children one day. McGuffey has a great reputation for teaching children to read.
There is no such thing as too many books. Thank you, Aunt, for giving these to me!
That’s very nice, Cadie! Thank you. I’m glad that you are enjoying the books!