26 November 2010

friends come out to read




I'm so pleased these little friends have greeted my recent second hand book purchases with such enthusiasm! Besides an obvious natural affinity with the subject matter, they have become captivated with the ageing beauty of the covers and pages within. They agree as a whole (even the birds) that the first book, 'The Life Of Spiders' (1912) is indeed a special find. J.H. Fabre, scribes his research with a poet's prowess, and there is something about the tone of writing in this era that I personally love - and I'm sure they'll agree. The pages smell dusty and woody, and one feels drawn into the drama of an unfolding tale, as though we've been shrunk in size so as not to miss anything in this eight legged world. The second book 'An Australian Bird Book' by J.A. Leach (1923) is in contrast far more literal. Facts accompany colour and b/w plates, preparing us for a day of serious bird watching with binoculars, safari hat and a thermos of tea(!) in hand. Tally Ho!

> Ceramic spider: by Megan Bogonovich - her work is wonderful
> Yowie Birds: Once upon a time, Cadbury chocolate developed a product a bit like Kinder Surprise. I just happened to REALLY like the birds the most.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow Helen, what very special book finds! I feel a tickle in my fingers to look through these pages! And I'm sure you and your little companions will have a lot of fun and inspiration with it.

helicopter6 said...

If you click on 'The Life Of Spiders' link, I think the whole volume is online... but no, not quite the same as a lovely falling apart edition from early 20th century.

pea said...

Oh, that's look fantastic!I love old book's dust and the smell of old paper...and photos are very interesting, i like it

helicopter6 said...

Hi pea. I can completely understand why you like the photos after visiting your blog!! Toys & books... always lovely!

CA_grafico said...

I wish I had those birds.

helicopter6 said...

They're all mine CA (insert evil laugh)...

Hazel Terry said...

Those birds are a great! :-)

Sandra Eterovic said...

I love your little friends! That spider is cool...
I can see that Swinkie's beautiful work is going to feel right at home at your place!
:)

helicopter6 said...

It will in deed Sandra. The exhibition finishes this weekend, so it will be in my hot little hands soon. Birdy celebrations all round. And yes, the spider is very cool... kinda creepy in a ken doll spider hybrid way (makes me think of 'The Fly'), but he's very friendly.