Thrifting Antique Books

To collect or not to collect?

That is the question.

And for me the answer, when it comes to vintage and antique books especially, is always a resounding absolutely 100% yes.

What about you?

When I saw this antique 18 volume set of Shakespeare across the room at my local thrift store my thrifting and book-loving heart went all flitter flutter.

I know you guys know what I mean by that.

 

It’s that wonderful feeling that every thrifter/junker gets when something is so perfect that it almost takes your breath away.

They’re certainly not in perfect condition, but that’s exactly why I needed to save them. Something not in perfect condition can still be perfect… even more perfect actually.

 

I seem to be attracted to old books that are damaged… they seem more real to me somehow. Is that crazy?

They speak to me… and I always always listen.

 

These books needed a new loving home… and that home needed to be mine.

 

There are 17 volumes of plays all published in 1901 by the University Society Inc., and the one in front in the first pic is the Topical Index which, for whatever reason, has a pub year of 1887.

 

Poor tragic Ophelia… in all her pink prettiness.

 

A few of the books have some marked up pages. I love that!

These books were definitely used to learn these plays.

 

One volume was marked David G. Battle for lst Communion in 1957. I wonder if he was given the whole set.

 

The back pages of another was used for notes.

 

Someone was performing in one of the plays and had to do some memory work.

 

According to my internet research my 18 books are part of a 42 volume set. It would certainly be something to have all of them, but I’m happy with what I found.

I paid the hefty sum of of 50 cents a piece. So worth every penny!

 

Here they are in their new home… in one of my DIY dresser and bifold door bookcase units in the master bedroom with some of my other antique books.

 

They’re so awesome!

I’ve been a bit MIA lately because we were away visiting both our families for the long Thanksgiving weekend and then our internet was down when we got home… and Major League baseball is in the post season and the Toronto Blue Jays just won the American League Division Series. Woo hoo!

We’re big baseball fans here and I’ve been spending a lot of time watching the games with John. Next is the American League Championship Series, and if we win that… then the World Series.  Yikes! It’s so exciting!

But on non-baseball-game nights I have been working on my hallway floor makeover.

Here’s a little teaser.

 

I’m using all these colours, and maybe even a few more. Whatever leftovers I have around here just might be thrown into the mix too. lol. Why not?

I hope that’s not too scary. I promise it won’t look like a funhouse… a fun house I hope, but not a funhouse. lol. It’s a little slow going getting it done, but I can’t wait to show it to you.

Thanks so much for reading, and until next time… keep on keepin’ on.

 

XOX