My Collection of Antique Books

I just thought I’d share with you some of the neat little antique books I have in my collection, how I came by them, any particular comments I might have concerning them, with names and inscriptions or writing found inside.

Please view this post on My Media Meanderings blog.

The Frost Spirit by John Greenleaf Whittier

HE COMES,—he comes,—the Frost Spirit comes,
you may trace his footsteps now,
in the naked woods and the blasted fields
and the brown hill’s withered brow.

He has smitten the leaves of the gray old trees
where their pleasant green came forth,
And the winds, which follow wherever he goes,
have shaken them down to earth.

He comes,—he comes,—the Frost Spirit comes!
from the frozen Labrador,
From the icy bridge of the Northern seas,
which the white bear wanders o’er,

Where the fisherman’s sail is stiff with ice,
and the luckless forms below
In the sunless cold of the lingering night
into marble statues grow.

He comes,—he comes,—the Frost Spirit
comes on the rushing Northern blast,
And the dark Norwegian pines have
bowed as his fearful breath went past.

With an unscorched wing he has hurried on,
where the fires of Hecla glow
On the darkly beautiful sky above
and the ancient ice below.

He comes,—he comes,—the Frost Spirit
comes and the quiet lake shall feel
The torpid touch of his glazing breath,
and ring to the skater’s heel;

And the streams which danced on the broken rocks,
or sang to the leaning grass,
Shall bow again to their winter chain,
and in mournful silence pass.

He comes,—he comes,—the Frost Spirit comes!
Let us meet him as we may,
And turn with the light of the parlor-fire
his evil power away;

And gather closer the circle round,
when that fire-light dances high,
And laugh at the shriek of the baffled Fiend
as his sounding wing goes by!

Don’t: Manual of Mistakes and Improprieties More or Less Prevalent in Conduct and Speech

I have recently acquired an original copy of a little book of manners written in 1884. The 4 1/2 x 6 inch handbook is packed full of etiquette for those seeking to improve their manners in the late 19th century. The book is entitled, “Don’t: A Manual of Mistakes and Improprieties More or Less Prevalent in Conduct and Speech”. The author’s psuedomymn is Censor, though a later publication tells his true name as Oliver Bell Bunce. ” The inside cover reads:

“I’ll view the manners of the town.”

Comedy of Errors

@ D. Appleton & Company, New York, 1884

 

Now in the public domain, I will be recording a few excerpts from this little book here for your entertainment and reading pleasure.

You and I both will be thankful that we no longer must confirm to these rules of ettiquette, although today’s society could stand to conform to a few “dont’s” such as which follows: Don’t let your g-string show above your jeans, don’t let small children watch TV commercials (for many reasons), don’t forget to take your hat off at appropriate times, don’t forget to ask a blessing on your meals, don’t forget to have manners while driving, and girls, why do you have to be the aggressor in a relationship – don’t! you are worth being wooed.

And now, to the don’ts of the 19th century. Please feel free to post your comments.

Here are a few vinettes from the book:

At the Table -

 

In Dress and Personal Habits -

In the Drawing-Room -In Public -

In Speech -

In General -

Affectionately addressed to Womankind -