I have a lot of old books. For me, it's not about their value...as an antique dealer I tend to sell the books I find with value, to collectors who appreciate them. I enjoy the graphics- the covers, and page art, and love to decorate with them in my home! I also love books with special meaning. Colorful covered books are definitely most plentiful and I find the white and off-white cover books the hardest to find.
Sometimes, it's all about the cover design...beautiful deco designs, colors, pictures, or just the title.
I kept the book "Larry's Speed Ball" because my husband is named Larry!
I love very old antique leather bound books (many of these date from 1840-1870). Most of mine have some damage, but I love them anyway.
Some have beautiful marbleized covers or page edges, others have lovely inside papers- they are great to scan and use in artwork.
I love this old copy of Macbeth with all the written notations inside...
and this 1843 French lessons book.
This set of miniature leather classics was a gift from my Aunt Sandy.
I love to use books in decorating vignettes as they add a lot of character.
The large David Copperfield book in this group was my late mother-in-law's when she was a teenager.
I also have a large collection of childrens books and old school readers, but I'll save those for another day... I'd love to hear about your special books and how you use them!
Until next time...
Linda
These are beautiful books, I'm so glad you share these wonderful covers. I find it hard to decide whether to leave them intact or to use part of them for creations.
ReplyDeleteKim
I just love old books too! I'm going to have to try to scan pages, since I just can't part with the originals for art work. I took some photos of the old books that I have. I'll have to post them sometime. Becca
ReplyDeleteI buy old books for the same reasons. I love the testure and color. I think they add so much warmth to a table.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week!
Linda you have a great collection! I have some I use to decorate with, and just love them...I need more:)
ReplyDeleteMuch to my husband's dismay, I LOVE old books, too! :) The feel, the smell...they just carry me away. I decorate with them, too, because I think nothing makes a home feel homier than to have books in every room. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a great collection. We have a few in our guest room that reside on a chest.
ReplyDeleteI love decorating with old books too and you have some awesome ones with great graphics. I love all of the dog figurines and pictures too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Jane
Hi Linda, Great collection!! I especially love the little classics and the marbleized covers! Books have always been a good seller for me so I pick them up whenever I can. Some of my favorites are ones that were in my and my husband's families. But my absolute favorite is one that was my mom's in grade school~~a little grammer book covered with a cute calico oilcloth--will keep it forever!! Have a good week, Julie
ReplyDeleteI love old books, especially ones with hand written notations, or writing in the cover telling who it was for and who it was from, maybe a holiday or birthday sentiment...I like to buy the "classics" for summer reading and always try to get a vintage copy if I can. My antique glass-doored bookcase looks so nice with all the old books inside, waiting for a reader...
ReplyDeleteLove the little leather classics!! Thanks for stopping by my blog for a peek, Hope all is well, Happy Junking! Hugs, Janna
ReplyDeleteI'm with you...LOVE OLD BOOKS!!! They add charm to one's home. Looking forward to seeing the children's books that you have.
ReplyDeleteEaster Blessings.
Warmly,
Deb :)
Oh great books! I am collecting some up. I like the colors but want good ones too! Yours look lovely!
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring!
Hugs, Lisa
Linda, I have just recently started looking for old books. Mostly ones with the leather covers. I love them. I have found about three really old ones now. My husband had to glue the cover back together when I brought it home. It just fell off. I love the patina of the old books. Some of them sure can get expensive. I have been lucky so far and have not had to pay too much. You have some beauties in your collection.
ReplyDeleteI *love* old books too...they help fill in space, add character, and the embossed leather ones are just pretty!
ReplyDeleteRene'
Linda, I love all of your wonderful old books and how you have them displayed. I'm not much of a reader, funny since I'm a writer I know, but I'm more of a magazine kind of girl! My daughter on the other hand LOVES old books, you two are kindred spirits!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Love the colors of your books and your decorating style! I recognized the Bobbsey Twins book right away. Mom read all of these when she was a little girl. Thanks for stopping by today - we saw Wonderland in 3D and it was much more enjoyable than I had even expected. Have a great week! ~ Angela
ReplyDeleteYou do have a great collection of vintage books. I just recently started looking for some to display on my coffee table...kind of fun to look through, such history!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful books Linda! I too LOVE old books...especially the French ones!! :)
ReplyDeleteHugs ~
:) T
I love your decorating techniques with old books. I love looking at the wonderful graphics in old books. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comments.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday.
What a beautiful and varied collection you have! I have lots of books, but no old books. I'll have to start searching for some.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Linda, I love old books too! They have so much more charm. I use them in decorating too. I really need to organize mine better.
ReplyDeletesmiles, alice
Oh! Those were beautiful! The Edith Wharton!
ReplyDeleteI used to spend so much time in my college library leafing through those tissue thin pages of leather bound Victorian books!
Thanks for sharing.
Tootles,
Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/