Did you think I had forgotten about my Book and Reader dating agency? I mean March is almost over and not a whisper. Do not fear, all is well. You can’t hurry love.
The happy couple this month are the book Flowers and my friend the delightful Cathy. I like to call her Swotty. She is an eco-warrior, she loves flowers and the world.
I found this little book in a covered market in a nearby town. The cover is repaired and retorn, and features the humble daisy. It was love at first sight, quite irresistible, and I wanted it for myself. But that was not meant to be.
It is a book for children, with text by C E Smith and drawings by Janet Harvey Kelman. Although I can’t find a date anywhere in the book, I think this edition might have been produced in late 1920’s to early 1930’s. Inside the front cover, in pencil, the name Josephine Fulford – Upper IIIP is written. I love that. A tangible link to the past. One that gets you thinking: who was Josephine and what became of her? Did she marry and have a family, are her descendants close by? Perhaps she became a famous botanist or naturalist. Did she love the book or were her botanical studies a chore? I am hoping this mini-tome was a joy to her and inspired a lifelong love of nature.
For ease of identification, the book is divided by colour, illustrated by 48 colour plates. These plates are quite stunning. You won’t find any tongue twisting Latin names here, just evocative common ones: Dog’s Mercury, Mouse-eared Chickweed, Brooklime Speedwell, Biting Stonecrop, Tormentil. Beautiful words, a salve to the tongue. Words to be said out loud, to be savoured and tasted. And all for 3/6, three shillings and sixpence. A bargain.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Beautiful illustrations – that’s my kind of book!
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They don’t really make books like this anymore. A little treasure.
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It is a lovely little book Gilly..thank you so much…I will treasure it! What do I do now…? Do I send one back to you…or maybe I could send you a video garden tour to save our poor postie’s efforts at the moment??
Hope you and Eric are bravely weathering this storm…at least at this time of year there is lots to keep gardeners brains occupied and not dwelling too much on the state of things..and the state of things to come…stay safe, healthy and happy xxxxx
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You are very welcome and don’t have to do anything in return. You do plenty for other people anyway. We are absolutely fine, taking each day as it comes. Give my love to the gang xxxx
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I adore botanical prints. The OH bought me a large book some years ago and I still get immense pleasure browsing through it. So interesting what you can find in a second hand book store.
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I love second hand book shops, in fact I try not to go in them as it is hard to prise me out again!
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I am the same! If I enter I will not leave empty handed 😊
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Lovely little book. I love second hand book shops too, I love the serendipity of never knowing what you’ll find.
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It is like a treasure hunt!
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That’s beautiful, what a find!
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Yes it was, my heart beat a little bit faster when I spotted it!
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🙂
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That is lovely, the prints are beautiful and I see it will be treasured. It is the kind of uplifting thought that helps us all right now 💖
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Thanks TT x
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What a wonderful find and a delightful book, which would be welcome on my bookshelf. xx
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If I find another one I will send it to you xx
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Thanks, that’s very kind of you. I have to say I would be amazed if you do find another one. xx
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Lovely drawings!
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