Wednesday, June 24, 2009

old books


I'm working my way through a lovely old book, I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith. I read the recommendation somewhere & reserved it at our library, serendipitously ordering a first edition.

The book is laugh out loud funny (which I can really use this morning; dark night last). While trying to find a photo of my particular printing (the above is the first British edition), I found this JK Rowling comment that I wholeheartedly agree with: "This book has one of the most charismatic narrators I've ever met." I am entirely charmed. I do recommend it, only 90 pages in. But my recommendation is not the point of this post.

I am so loving the old book experience. The pages are so soft, the illustration sketches charming and, of course, the smell. Next week will find me browsing our library (it's in a converted old mansion on King Street), choosing reading material based entirely on age. 1948 was a perfect year.

5 comments:

katie said...

i love the idea of choosing a book based on the year. i've heard about this book from several places. i might just have to pick it up.

Alyssa said...

Oh! I just read this, and it was so awesome... a friend lent it to me for the "nursing/reading" phase (which is over now, sigh... that little wiggler!)

Natalie said...

I read this book a few years ago and loved it. We just read it for book club and had a wonderful discussion. Love the year idea, I might have to use that idea for our next book choices.

Natalie Daines said...

There's always an antique shop with great book treasures in every little village here. I almost purchased an early Jane Austen collector's edition, but my frugal mind wouldn't allow for it! It was beautiful and felt gorgeous!

BTW, I'm on page 112 of "I Capture the Castle!" Great minds, eh, Val?

BTW(#2) I'm quickly becoming addictied to your blog. I love the way you write!

vfg said...

And to think I'd never heard of it. Especially crazy that you're reading right now, Natalie! (and thank you)