I have amassed a sweet little collection of old, old, old books. From the late 1800's, to the early 1900's---my favorites!---, to some kitschy books from the 50's, I am enamored with the worn linen covers and lovely patinas. I love the thick, ivory, even beige, paper. Typically, I shred these books to use in my art projects and upcycle the empty shell into a new art journal. But lately their charm has captured me and made me treasure them as bookish little gems.
I have even developed a sub-collection of vintage language dictionaries. This 3lb copy of McLaughlin's New Pronouncing Dictionary English-Italian was just $2 at a tiny central California used bookstore.
This is the back cover of a second grade reader circa 1914. Inside Little Red Riding Hood meets Mr. Wolf.
This small book of Engineers Arithmetic stands a mere four inches tall. I was going to use the text and drawings in some of my steampunk artwork. Opening sentence: "This is by no means a complete guide to steam engineering....".
Domestic Science once applied is cooking. A vintage cookbook featuring bland recipes I would never make. But I love the font.
Most were found at thrift stores and used bookstores. See the link below for my Flicker gallery on the beauty of old books.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63285680@N00/galleries/72157625441249500/
