Blades wrote this humorous account of various forces that can intentionally or accidentally destroy book collections, ranging from pests and fire to women and children. Blades’ accounts give readers an insight on the lifestyle and technology of a previous era, highlighting gas lamps and asbestos stoves for example. While his advice is antiquated, Blades offers an interesting and irreverent account of a serious need. Books, after all, are fragile and in need of the utmost care regardless of the century.
Tag: collecting
The Old Clock Book: A History of Dials, Clocks, Watches and More
by N. Hudson Moore Purchase through Amazon N. Hudson Moore (1857-1927) was the penname of Hannah Woodbridge Hudson, who, in person went by the nickname Nannie. In London, her books were published under the name Mrs. Hannah Woodbridge Hudson Moore. She was a passionate antiquarian and knowledgeable about furniture and design, and wrote numerous volumes… Continue reading The Old Clock Book: A History of Dials, Clocks, Watches and More
The Rise of the Book Plate: An Exemplative of the Art
by W. G. Bowdoin, Introduction by Henry Blackwell Purchase through Amazon Bookplates were made to denote ownership and hopefully steer the volume back to the rightful shelf if borrowed. They often contained highly stylized writing, drawings, coat of arms, badges or other images of interest to the owner. Theearliest known form of a bookplate originates… Continue reading The Rise of the Book Plate: An Exemplative of the Art
The Amenities of Book Collecting
by A. Edward Newton with a new introduction by Katherine Mead-Brewer The Amenities of Book Collecting is a unique compilation of literary history, autobiography, travel writing, and, of course, the history of book collecting. Through these essays and reflections, Newton presents his own travels, collecting goals and expeditions, relationships, and interests as an introduction, for the… Continue reading The Amenities of Book Collecting
Collecting Old Books: Percy Fitzgerald’s The Book Fancier
Purchase through Amazon | Purchase on CreateSpace It takes one to know one’ is true of avid readers, and certainly of bibliophiles who are acquainted with Percy Fitzgerald, a man who enjoyed writing about old books as much as he did reading them. His observations and prejudices about his favorites will inevitably start a conversation… Continue reading Collecting Old Books: Percy Fitzgerald’s The Book Fancier
A Definitive Commentary on Bookplates: Edward Gordon Craig’s Nothing, or The Bookplate
Purchase through Amazon Edward Gordon Craig was an artist philosopher whose daring stage sets were many years ahead of their time and whose theories about the use of masks in theater remain startling even today. His work with bookplates is too little remembered, but the designs are a wonderful introduction to his aesthetic theories and… Continue reading A Definitive Commentary on Bookplates: Edward Gordon Craig’s Nothing, or The Bookplate
Collecting American Presidential Autographs
Purchase through Amazon Paul C. Richards, Edited and Introduced by Paul Rich The collecting of autographs of American presidents is done with a passion that is not found about similar figures in other countries. Canadian prime ministers or Finnish presidents are not the focus of hobbyists. The enthusiasm of getting a set of presidential signatures is… Continue reading Collecting American Presidential Autographs
Understanding Art
Purchase on Amazon Edited and Introduced by Daniel Gutierrez-Sandoval Hendrik Willem van Loon was a Dutch-American professor, journalist, prolific writer, and illustrator. His most famous work, “The Story of Mankind” earned him the prestigious John Newbery Medal, extended by the American Library Association for distinguished contributions to American literature for children. “How to Look at… Continue reading Understanding Art
Material History and Ritual Objects: George Blake Dexter’s The Lure of Amateur Collecting
Purchase through Amazon Edited and Introduced by Devin Proctor From the original 1923 front cover: “The habit of collecting is one that yields the greatest delight to its possessor, since the collector goes through the world always on the watch for the beautiful and rare. Mr. Dexter mounted the hobby as a child, and through… Continue reading Material History and Ritual Objects: George Blake Dexter’s The Lure of Amateur Collecting
Westphalia Press 