| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Shery Jespersen |
Posted - Jul 29 2009 : 09:38:29 AM
Edith Holden's book is surely familiar to many of you. For those Farmgirls who have not yet discovered this diamond for your book collection, this is an absolute Must-Have. I bought it when it came out in hardcover in the early 80s (if memory serves me correct). I loaned it out and sadly it never came home. So, recently with the help of online shopping, I found several 1st editions (hard cover) which are much different than the latter ones. The hard cover copies are a faithful recreation of Edith's hand-made diary - the pages looking worn and browned on the edges. Below is an Edith Holden 'Primer' and I have 6 copies for sale for anyone interested ($20 inc s/h). The watercolor illustrations, nature observations, poetic quotes take you through the calender year, day by day and month by month. The diary was never intended for publication by the authoress, and it only happened after her death. It is one of my 'Treasure' books. See image of book attached. Shery Jespersen
Edith Blackwell Holden (1871-1920) was a British artist and art teacher, known in her time as an illustrator of children's books (similar time frame as Beatrix Potter). Much influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, she specialized in painting animals and plants. Holden was made famous by the posthumous publication, in 1977, of her Nature Notes for 1906 under the title The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. She was living in Kineton Green Road, Olton, Solihull in 1905-6 when she recorded the notes. The collection of seasonal observations, poetry, and pictures of birds, plants, and insects -- which was never even considered for publication when it was composed -- had the nostalgic charm of a vanished world. It was a best seller.
During the 1906-09 school years, Edith Holden taught at the Solihull School for Girls. She fashioned her Nature Notes for 1906 as a model for her students' work. Then, like her younger sisters, Holden became an illustrator. She illustrated four volumes, 1907-10, of The Animal's Friend, a magazine of the National Council for Animals' Welfare, and a number of children's books, including The Three Goats Gruff. Her paintings were often exhibited from 1890-1907 by the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, and by the Royal Academy of Arts in 1907 and 1917. |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| KJD |
Posted - Aug 05 2009 : 8:24:17 PM
Add to your collections please: The Country Diary Cookery Notes - Edith Holden/Alison Harding and, Nature Notes of the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady - Edith Holden/Alan C. Jenkins - beautiful! |
| Peacebird |
Posted - Aug 04 2009 : 5:03:28 PM
I was given a copy of Country Diary when I was in college by my folks, and it is still a great favorite of mine! Her detailed nature diary and the beautiful sketches and watercolors she illustrated it with are simply awe inspiring!
chickens clucking, bees buzzing, flowers blooming, all is good! |
| melody |
Posted - Aug 04 2009 : 4:07:40 PM
Wow that's funny...I just picked up, at Goodwill, The Edwardian Lady-The Story of Edith Holden-Author of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Ina Taylor as I had found her book The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady only a few months before that and both books hardback no less! Both in remarkable condition including the dust jacket.
I can't wait to read them, but which one first??
Melody
Farmgirl #525
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Jul 29 2009 : 09:41:18 AM
Also to add, I'd be very interested in a copy :)
Email me or I will you through the forum....;
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Jul 29 2009 : 09:40:07 AM
I know her work as an illustrator and knew of this book, but have never had an opportunity to read it. She is right up my alley, however, especially in her influence of the British Arts and crafts movement.
I shall have to make this an autumn, front porch swing-with-a-quilt read! Thanks for reminding me!!!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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