When we have been to interesting places I like to seek out beautiful antiquarian books featuring the locations we have visited. We love reading about how places have changed, seeing travel, topography and antiquities through the eyes of 18th and 19th Century writers and travellers. Most of the books we choose also have wonderful illustrations, normally aquatints or engravings. They add richness and depth to the books. And, of course, the bindings are gorgeous, and glow on our bookshelves.
Our recent trips to the Scottish Borders, Bath, Somerset and Gloucester have inspired some purchases.
I am delighted with Morton’s Monastic Annals of Teviotdale which covers all of our favourite ruined abbeys in the Scottish Borders, including the two we visited last week: Jedburgh and Dryburgh.
I’ve wanted a copy of Sir Walter Scott’s Minstrelsy for ages, and am very happy with the handsome set I purchased. There is a poem featuring Lord Soulis of Hermitage Castle, which we visited on our recent trip.
The final selection of antiquarian books was inspired by our visit to Bath, Somerset and Gloucester.
Whilst some of them follow the topographical theme, I did also track down some books of poetry composed by poets living in Bath during the 18th Century. They provide a fascinating social commentary and insight into the development of the city, especially fascinating when read alongside the more famous novelists such as Jane Austen and Tobias Smollet.
I managed to find a copy of Jane Bowdler’s Poems and Essays, as well as The New Bath Guide or The Memoirs of the B-N-R-D Family. The latter is a series of letters sent, supposedly, whilst the author is in Bath, and describing the buildings, the visitors and the social events.
Of all the gay places the world can afford,
By gentle and simple for pastime ador'd,
Fine balls, and fine concerts, fine buildings, and springs,
Fine walks, and fine views, and a thousand fine things,
(Not to mention the sweet situation and air)
What place, my dear mother, with Bath can compare?
I am searching for a copy of Mary Chandler's book of poems: The Description of Bath. As I haven't yet found of copy, I have satisfied myself with a modern facsimile. I am really enjoying the poems I have read so far, and realising how little Bath has changed since the book was published in the early 18th Century.
Surrounded by the Avon's winding streams,
Beneath the hills, a peopled island seems;
An ancient Abbey in its centre stands,
The laboured work of superstitious hands;
When holy craft supreme did guide the helm,
And Gothic darkness overspread the realm.....
The Spacious Portico demands my song,
Where beaux and belles appear, a shining throng!
To take a cordial draught, and clear the soul...
I have purchased a rather beautiful book about Bath but, as it's coming from the States, it hasn't arrived yet. It will probably be worthy of a post all to itself.
I am delighted with our book haul on this occasion!