Beautiful Books
Beautiful Books
I hugely appreciate books on culture, theology, and otherwise very deep and grave thought, and I number many of these among my favorite volumes. Still, there are times when my feminine spirit yearns for gentle language and artistry. I have a stack of books that are inspiring for their beauty, and I would like to share a bit about some of these.
The Cottage Garden, Christopher Lloyd and Richard Bird.
This books is full of stunning photography and charming ink drawings. Mr. Lloyd, who grew up in an English village, explores the history and making of the cottage garden with its beautiful turbulence of blooms. It is not a sentimental book about flowers only, but a practical look at growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and even livestock. It embraces the entire cottager’s lifestyle. This is probably my very favorite!
The Pleasures of Tea: Recipes and Rituals, Kim Waller (of Victoria magazine).
This book is one to cause scuffles among the girls who each want to read it. There are countless recipes for delectable tea-time treats, complemented by historical notes, short essays, and charming photographs. It shares ideas for special celebrations, whether a private breakfast-in-bed or a bridal tea for a dear friend.
The Private World of Tasha Tudor, Tasha Tudor and Richard Brown.
Tasha Tudor, a beloved children’s illustrator, always felt that she belonged to another century. Rather than simply dream about a rural farm, antique dresses, and cottage gardens, she set out to live that kind of life. Join her in a homey conversation, set amid the breathtaking photographs of Mr. Brown. You will be inspired!
Note: Tasha Tudor is greatly influenced by transcendentalism, and she touches on this in one or two places.
Hair, from the Klutz Company.
I confess that pony-tails are a necessary part of a girl’s everyday life, but why settle for only that? Learn how to achieve a feminine and sophisticated appearance with French twists, braided chignons, Gibson tucks, and French braids. Note: While most of the ladies are dressed modestly and femininely, there are two or three that are less than lovely.
The Complete Encyclopedia of Garden Flowers, Kate Bryant.
This is a lovely book to browse on a sleepy afternoon. In a very approachable format, Bryant explores thousands of common plants, whether annuals, perennials, shrubs, bulbs, trees, vines, vegetables, herbs, ferns, ornamental grasses, or just about anything else. The colorful photographs and informative text may give you new ideas for the next growing season!
Photograph: Beautiful Books. (Shown clockwise from left: The Cottage Garden, An English Country Lady’s Book of Dried Flowers, Hair, and The Pleasures of Tea: Recipes and Rituals.)
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STEPHANIE said...
I’ll definitely be searching for those next time we’re at the library. Thanks for the suggestions!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 08:38 PM
Friday, December 7, 2007