Old Books Monday

Don't you find Old Books full of character? Just the text print, the illustrations, the old cracked bindings, and the wear and tear of some showing how much they were used?

I have a few I decided to post about.

But first of all, if you are popping in early enough, come sit down and have a very simple breakfast with me. I am eating healthy again...(yes, emphasis on again.) So have a cheery bowl of oatmeal and blueberries with me. NO sugar!! just honey to sweeten.


Let me tell you about some books in this house!



this one, Gone With The Wind, I was blessed to get from my paternal grandmother. dated 1936. I'm sure as soon as she could get her copy, she ran out and purchased it, knowing her. One of my favorite stories too. Just loved those swooping Southern belle dresses. hah, but those tiny little corset waistlines are "gone with the wind!"


this one, Wind In the Willows, also came from my grandparents old farmhouse when they moved. (dated 1933) I nabbed it. My kids loved reading these old stories.

On the inside cover is a map of the Wild Wood.

I love the illustrations! Does anybody else still read these stories to young ones?



Here's another. A Child's Treasury dated 1926 - from the farm,again.
A collection of poems, stories, music and lessons for children. Oh to be delicate with this one. It is definitely falling apart. Much used, ya think???







My future grandbabies will be the fourth generation to be read to from this book! :-)


Here's a "newer" one from the 50's. A find from Goodwill years ago. My boys loved reading this one. Actually Katie did too, I think.



Hmm, did the knights in these stories play a part in a desire to become a Marine...I wonder.......?


Again, loving the illustrations. - a lot of kids today probably would not have liked the "olde english" language and style this book was written in....but my kids did.


This little book, worn and warped and stained with use came to me via marriage. It was a copy my hubby had. The title says it all. It is written in a style difficult to read and I had to reread every paragraph the first few times I went through it in order to interpret and digest it all. But now, I have read and re-read it so many times since we were married 28 years ago (almost!) that I can swiftly read it. Every time I get to the end, I just go back and start over. Little portions at a time. It sits with my bible and current spiritual readings.
It is by a Monk, one of the most humble men that must have lived on this earth. Brother Lawrence. His lessons and letters are treasures for a lifetime....can never part with this book.


This book was written by my own paternal great grandfather, Angus Robertson Shaw. He was the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.


It is dated 1902.


The dedication page states this:

To my affectionate Wife, whose gentleness and thoughtfulness and sympathy have been to me a source of constant inspiration, and to my dear Children, whose merry young lives have brought so much sunshine into my home. THIS VOLUME is lovingly dedicated.

How precious, because I do know my grandfather who was one of his sons. And truly he was a saint, and had such a dry sense of humor...always telling jokes to us. He must have been sunshine to his dad. :-)

I have never read this book. It is a goal of mine for this year 2010. It's about time, yes?

And my last choice for this post, is indeed a very special one. It rests in the barrister bookcase in the living room for safety. It was gifted to me from my mom. It is a grammar school reader that belonged to my grandfather's brother, Egbert Shaw. ( another son of the above great grandfather)

It is simply dated on the front cover, 1893. Life Of WASHINGTON. To the left lower corner you can see the words "in Words of One Syllable."


Ahh..the story of chopping the cherry tree...




You can bet that the stories in this book are not dumbed down, and contain the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the godly character of this honorable man who was our first president. So thankful to get a copy of this sentimental and valuable book. Thanks to my parents for passing it on.

Hope you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for stopping by and listening to me drone on about Old Books. How about you? Do you have any very special books in your home?

Have a great day, and thanks to all of you for remembering our military. Thanks for whispering a quick prayer for their safety and their success!!!! God bless you ..
Julie