Wednesday 27 February 2013

Bibliophile


I love books! I have collected quite a few over the years on the subjects I am interested in; art, architecture, history, dolls' houses etc etc. Some of my library ( if it doesn't sound pretentious to use that word!) are pictured here. Most of my books on Architecture and dolls houses are stored on these shelves down in my work dungeon (AKA the cellar). The bookcases aren't very good, so the shelves sag a bit with the weight of all the books, but they fill the space down here in the cellar very well, so I live with them!  


I get most of my books from second hand bookshops or charity shops. I like to have a good rummage along the shelves, and sometimes find a real gem amidst all the Catherine Cookson paperbacks. 


So, why am I showing you a shelf full of books? Well, partly it's to show you part of my work area you may not have seen before, to satisfy the current vogue for showing off work spaces in Blogland; and partly because I have been thinking of using some of my books to do little book reviews. Nothing profound or enlightening, just whether I like them or not really, and how they might help a fellow miniaturist (Elga did something very similar on her blog recently!).


I'm currently doing quite a bit of research for my next "Period Style' post (and there's a lot to be researched! it's taking ages!). The books I show may be on Architecture, history, furniture or dolls' houses, whatever I have that might be interesting to you.


I'll probably only do one or two books at a time, and will only appear occasionally, not every day I promise!! ;o). If you are able to see them ok, most of my dolls' house books are pictured above. Some have been well used as you may notice!


These are some of the books I have bought over the last couple of weeks. All of which will come in useful for my miniature projects and historical posts.

Sorry there are no miniatures today!! 

Look out for my first book review coming soon!!










33 comments:

  1. Hi Andy, what a library! I could happily rummage about and lose myself in your books. I see we have some the same and I envy your being able to find dolls house books at charity shops - much of my library is found at the same place, but not,alas, about dollshousing which is still considered a peculiar hobby around here.
    Thank you for the peek!

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    1. Hi Christine,

      I'm up quite late as I can't sleep, it's just past 1 am here.

      Some of my books are better than others, certainly when it comes to the ones about dolls' houses, I have some a rarely look inside, but can't bear to part with!

      Fi says she has trouble finding miniatures in Australia, so I suppose books on the subject are hard to find too. I do admit that some of my books have come from Amazon too though! ;o)

      I hope I feature some books you can get hold of!!

      Andy x

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  2. Oh Andy, I think we could live in each other's houses! I am just the same - mad mad mad on books! I love your collection - you know Fi will be going through it with a fine tooth comb!
    The Chatsworth book in your last picture is a fave of mine. I especially like the "behind the scenes" section with the attic pictures. Is that another lego corner house I spy??
    Your book review would be a great idea - bring it on...
    xxx

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    1. Hi Simon,

      I know you'd have the Chatsworth book! Are you going again this year? I thought of you when I bought it! Yes, the behind the scenes chapter is great, all those hidden parts of the house. I liked all the attics and their eclectic mix of objects too. I don't think they throw anything away!!

      LOL! I think Fi was offended by my lack of respect for Her Maj Victoria, so may not bother to look upon my works anymore; but I think it more likely that she will be taking a fair interest in the book titles.

      Yes, there is another Lego building on the shelf. It's official title is 'The Grand Emporium' basically a department store. There should be an advertising bill board on the roof, but it made it too tall to fit on the shelf!

      hugs
      Andy xxx

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    2. Now Andy....come on.....you know I'm made of tougher stuff than that!! We Aussies have thick skins don't you know???

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  3. I really like the idea I would check out you reviews :)

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    1. Hi Tina,

      Thanks, I hope you enjoy my first review!

      Andy x

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  4. Hey Andy, can we do a house swap!? The Lego house is AWESOME! And the books... *drooling* The Jane Austen's Town & Country peaked my interest. Where can i find the "the frumpy old mare" section? ;) Hug AM

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    1. Hi AM, well I could be quite happy spending a few days relaxing by the sea!!

      I meant to say that I was going to purchase the 'le Grand Livre de la Maison Miniature' that you mentioned recently on your blog, as a special birthday treat to myself, but when I eventually found a copy on Amazon it was £75.00!!!! Needless to say it stayed on the virtual shelf at Amazon!

      'Jane Austin's Town and Country Style' is a great little book, I recommend it to anyone who likes Regency style! I thought the book was worth having just for the title alone, so it was a pleasant surprise to find it well written with loads of great pictures in it.

      No books on Queens, well not down here at least, unless you count Quentin Crisp (who did play Queen Elizabeth I in Orlando!!) several books on buildings of Victorian Britain though! ;o)

      hugs
      Andy xxx

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    3. Hi Andy,

      Just adding my two bits on 'Le Grand Livre de la Maison' I have it, and purchased it from Lea Frisoni directly and it was $75 AU including postage which usually costs a bomb to send it here so 75 GBP is ridiculous.I'm sure Lea sells it for around 25 - 30 Er I would jump at AM's offer as I love the book. Even though I can't read a word of French the diagrams are self explanatory and I sometimes google translate bits I need to know. I think her style might be a bit 'shabby Chic' (i hate that term) for you taste but what I like about it is, she shows how almost every thing can be made buy your own hands without having to purchase any DH items, it's very clever.

      Well thats my book review for the day. Now rather than find my own reply space I think I will continue here. If I ever get to come and visit you I think I will need an extra day to peruse your extensive book collection!! Tudor England, Regency Furniture, and I must have a look at the French Chateaux book, does it have Chenonceau in it? My most Favourite, I spent a whole day there twice and took sooo many photos! I would love to have a look at the Jane Austen Town and country book and you have so many DH books, I really should get my hands on some. I just missed a bid on a rather good one....I was working and didn't see the notification....grrrrr!

      Well, I can't wait for your reviews!!

      ML Fi xx

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  5. I can't believe there's even a book just about the English fireplace... (LOL) I think it's a good idea you're going to bring some of that paper treasures out of the dungeon to the daylight in blogland...

    Greetings
    Birgit

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    1. Hi Birgit,

      LOL! yes, a whole book on fireplaces! and it's quite a good book too! There is quite a variation of fireplace styles over the years in Britain, as we refused to adopt the European idea of stoves.

      The book has been signed by the author too, though I don't know anything about him.

      Hugs
      Andy xxx

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  6. Always curious to know what other people read...''show me what you read and you show who you are'' (or what was it?) is so true.
    I like your choice of books; and a book review would indeed be highly appreciated
    thanks for giving me a peek!
    Hugs,
    Gee

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    1. Hi Gee,

      Nice to hear from you, thanks for your comments. It is a good exercise for me, as i forget what books I have sometimes! Thing is, now I've said I'm going to do a review, I'm not sure which books to start with! ;o)

      Hugs
      Andy xxx

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  7. I'm a book hoarder, too! You're so lucky to have them on shelves, Andy, most of mine are in stacks in the cellar :( I was going to build nice shelves for them upstairs but my dollhouse is currently hogging that spot, lol! I also could not help but admire the Lego house --too cool!

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    1. Hi John,

      Great to hear from you!

      LOL! David likes to have piles of books about the house, we seem to have some in most rooms in the house, he thinks it looks artistic!

      Ah! a cabinet under Merrimen part for under dolls house book storage, two birds - one stone!! ;o)

      Don't go rushing that last room in Merriman Park! we all want to savour it for as long as possible!!

      Ah yes, My Grand Emporium! It could use a good Merchandiser for the windows, know anyone!! ;o)

      Hugs
      Andy xxxxxx

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  8. You know Andy,

    I am going to scrutinise your books and come back, they look soooo interesting I love books and would love to hear your opinions on the ones you have.

    ML Fi xx

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    1. Hi Fi! funny, Simon said you'd do that! LOL!

      Let me know if there are any titles you can't make out!! ;o)

      I have to admit some books are better than others, and some get read more than others too, dare I say that one or two have never been read at all!!!!

      Look forward to scrutinising feedback soon! ;o)

      hugs
      Andy xxxxx

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  9. Ha ha, Are we All book Lovers too??? I have my collection half in my "Living Room", and another bookcase in my "Dining Room" which actually is my Dollhouse Room now LOL! In my old house I had a room we called the Library (to distinguish it from the Living Room...) but when I moved to my Much smaller house, I had to sell two thirds of my books!!! I still go looking for books that I can't Believe I sold...! And I just bought myself a new book for my Birthday... you would Love it Andy, it is called "English Country House Interiors" by Jeremy Musson. It is crammed with luscious pictures and great information!!
    I Eagerly await hearing more about your collection!!!

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  10. Hi Betsy!

    I can't believe that you had to sell so many books! What a shame! I do occasionally weed out some of my old books to make space for new ones, but would not know where to start if I had to get rid of two thirds of them! I'd probably make David sell his instead!! LOL!

    LOL! We have a room (basically a second sitting room) which we call the Music Room!! Well David's Piano is in there, and the music scores are stored in there too, so it isn't as bad as it sounds! ;o)

    Jeremy Musson, that name rings a bell, hold on....

    Ah, no don't have that book! I do have another book on county houses written by him called 'How to Read a Country House' so will have to look out for a copy of the book you mentioned, if it's not £75.00 like the French book on dolls' houses I wanted!! (see my reply to AM's comment!)

    Hugs
    Andy xxxxx

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  11. Hi. Wow, that was a great collection of books you have. It will be interesting to read your reviews.

    By Lil from Sweden

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  12. Great collection Andy and a fun post. Too bad you don't live closer, I would register for a library card!

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  13. Oh, I would love to browse around in your library for awhile, looks like you have some very interesting books in there. I also love scouring secondhand bookshops, charity shops, etc.

    Looking forward to your book reviews!

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  14. That's a great collection you have there Andy and I'm looking forward to your posts detailing a few of them.

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  15. That's a marvellously impressive collection you have there Andy and I'm really looking forward to your more detailed views on some of the. I'm quite keen to know if I have some of your favourites too!

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  16. Goodness! You've almost got as many as me!
    David x

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  17. ¡Guau Andy, menudo arsenal de libros tienes! Es una maravilla! Yo también adoro los libros de historia, decoración y cómo no, de casas de muñecas. Pero no tengo tantos... es muy difícil encontrarlos traducidos al Castellano. No obstante, alguno sí que tengo.

    ¡Un abrazo enorme!

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  18. Hi Andy, if you ever will invite me to come in, I promise to be a very good girl and to sit in a small corner of your cellar reading all your interesting books ;)! I don't have so many books..........I mostly visit the internet for information.
    But if I visit recycle stores and flea markets I am always looking for books :D!
    Looking forward to your book reviews.
    Hugs, Ilona

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  19. Hi Andy, Greetings from one Bibliophile to another!

    I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through the book titles of your shelf. We have quite a few common books relating to dollhouses. If I am there, I will definitely pick out Jane Austen Town and Country style and start to read. How fascinating!

    I think you should blog about anything you fancy. I will love to read your book reviews. :)

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  20. Now we could know that you have a good "source of information" about architecture and minis!

    I´ve followed you for a long time, so now, that I´ve created a blog I´ve linked you! If you like to take a look here is the link http://riversidemanorproject.blogspot.com.es

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  21. Andy, I have to say I LOVE your collection of Lego Figures on your shelves!!! My sons played Endlessly with Legos, so we had a huge collection... they wouldn't let me part with them so they are all stored in a large bin... except for a few strays which I keep in my china cabinet! When I was digging my garden here when I first moved in... I dug up a Lego man... and considered it a good omen!!!

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  22. Oh! And Happy Birthday too!!! Fiona gave away the date.... but I am so late! Hope you had a wonderful day!

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