Though most people prefer to buy useful things when they're preparing for a baby. Sheets, towels, little hats. Things like that.
I buy books, naturally. What newborn doesn't need a first edition copy of Anne of the Island?
Growing up, Anne was--and remains today--one of my favorite books, and best friends. I can't wait to share her story with my daughter.
A lot of people hate first editions with writing of any kind inside, but I have to admit that I love them. It's nice to know that I'm the latest in a group of people who have loved this book. And the old-fashioned handwriting is swoonworthy!
I love the idea of an era that was slow-moving enough so that you had time to dot every i, swoop and curl every letter. That was different enough from now so that you could write "Please return" on the front cover of your book and expect that, if you lost it, someone actually would take the time to get it back to you. This inscription captured my imagination in a most Anne-like way, and gave rise to a little daydream of two kindred spirits meeting over the return of a beloved book. I think it would make a sweet little story--maybe I'll write it, if I get the chance.
That's awesome! :D I love finding notes in books, too!
ReplyDeleteLovely! I would love to own some first edition LMM books, especially the Anne books. Anne of the Island is one of my favourites in the series :-)
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother's brother inscribed his books with the following:
"Stolen from the library of John Carpenter."
I think it is a wonderful gift for baby girl. Goodness, I hope she loves Anne as much as we do.
ReplyDeleteI once attended a lecture all about marginalia and inscriptions written in children's books and it was fascinating! I definitely think there's a book there somewhere.
ReplyDeleteVintage Reading: What an amazing idea for a class! I'd love to be able to take it.
ReplyDeleteKate: Anne of the Island is my favorite, too. :)
Adrienne: You're right...especially considering her name-to-be!
What a sweet story and a beautiful inscription!
ReplyDeleteWhat a Mom! Buying first editions for your little reader. The Anne series was a childhood favorite of mine - it is wonderful that your daughter will have this to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteAwwww...this just warmed my heart. And I do love the handwriting in the book ... it fits the story!
ReplyDeletehow awesome. you must be getting so excited.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of buying book for the little one you will have soon, and I think this was a perfect choice. I also love that it was inscribed so lovingly.
ReplyDeleteI have a complaint to make! Having linked over here from your kind comment on MY blog, I am still sitting here in my dressing gown, reading through your past posts! SO glad you led me here!
ReplyDeleteToo many 'me too!' bits to comment on, so I'll choose just a few. I home educated my two offspring (a boy and a girl, both now grown-up, but still at home) and read them the first several Anne books, which they both loved. My own copy of Anne of Green Gables was an eighth birthday present to me from my parents. I know you'll love sharing them with your daughter!
I discovered Georgette Heyer in my early teens (Friday's Child - if you haven't read it yet, do! You'll LOVE it!) and read her to the kids, too! Now my younger sister (aged 60) is reading them...
I was immune to babies until my first pregnancy and then I morphed into an earth mother! It's good that you're a reader to get you through the enforced bedrest! I got a Kindle for Christmas...
OK, enough rambling. I'm off to add you to my blogroll. :)
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful sentiments!
I hope that one day you do get to write that story of two kindred spirits and the book that connects them, because it's just as lovely. =)
And of course, best wishes on the pregnancy!
Awesome gift :) Way cool!
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