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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Vintage Thingie Thursday: My "Special" Books











Today I'm featuring two of my special treasures: my Louisa May Alcott books that my husband bought for me a few Christmas's ago!

My mother first introduced me to Alcott's Little Women when I was a little girl and she's been a favorite author since. Imagine my surprise and complete delight when my husband surprised me with these two antique editions of Under the Lilacs and Jo's Boys.

This version of Under the Lilacs was published in 1898 and the edition of Jo's Boys was put out a year later in 1899. I love the pretty flowery designs along the cover and spine. Inside each book, opposite the title page, is an illustration.











Jo's Boys
features a sculpted profile of Alcott with her signature and Under the Lilacs has a picture of characters Ben and Sancho from the story.

One of the reasons why I love to collect old books is that I like to imagine where they may have come from. Inside the cover of Under the Lilacs is a stamp which reads: "Chester Thorn, Agt., The Saturday Evening Post, 24 East Taylor Street, Kokomo Ind." Inside Jo's Boys the following is written in beautiful calligraphic handwriting: "Thula May Faulkners Book, 1901".










As I'm sure you can imagine, I'd love to complete this collection! I'll be keeping my eyes open for more in this beautiful set!

To see more Vintage Thingie Thursday posts, click here.

30 comments:

  1. This particular set of LMA books is one of my favorites. I love the look and the feel of them, and they look so pretty in my bookshelf, even if some of them are worn. There are a few more I need to complete my collection. If I find them at good prices I will keep you in mind.

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  2. Thank you!! I'm pretty sure Jamie actually got these from you, didn't he? Do you already have these two? Which ones do you need?

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  3. These are great, and your books look like they are in wonderful condition...lucky you! I love the inscription inside the cover. I love it when I find books like that. Have a great VTT!

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  4. These are terrific! Love the old books with the inscriptions--it gives it such a personal touch. Just saw a PBS doc on LMA this past winter. Very interesting!

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  5. What beautiful books- they don't make them like this anyore!
    My 19 yo daughter would LOVE to have these!
    She is not only a Loiusa fan, but an old book fan!
    We also homeschool- have been happily (usually) doing so for 11 years :)
    Nice to meet you from Vintage Thingy Thursday!
    May you be blessed as you make your home today!!

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  6. Old books are beautiful. They were made to be kept and treasured.

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  7. What a great and thoughtful gift for a man to give. They are wonderful books and I love the story of "Little Women".

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  8. What a thoughtful husband to actually get you something you enjoy.

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  9. I love the look of the old book bindings.

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  10. I have loved and read LMA since I was a young girl, however I do not remember "Among the Lilacs." Thanks so much for stopping by my post. Nice visit here. blessings
    QMM

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  11. What treasures!! I loved Little Women :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  12. Beautiful books! One of the things I love about old books is that they are beautiful outside as in!

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  13. Such a sweet and wonderful gift and I know you treasure them. Happy VTT..

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  14. Your husband does a great job at Christmas shopping!!!! I love holding old books and wondering who had turned the pages before me.... :)

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  15. I too love old books, and looking at who the previous authors were. What a great present from your husband. Thank you for visiting my blog! Margaret

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  16. What treasures you have with those books. I am a book freak as well-old or new. I enjoyed visiting your blog and appreciate your stopping by my place.

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  17. How sweet of your husband to give you these books. What a special treasure!
    Happy Mothers Day to you.

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  18. Little Women has always been one of my favorites, and now I want to read both of these books too! I especially love the name of the previous owner of the one book: Thula May. Is that a great name or what?!
    Happy VTT!
    Carol

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  19. Gorgeous books!!!
    *hugs*deb

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  20. What beautiful books you have. I love the way a book feels-it's really a special thing. I don't think I would ever enjoy having an electronic book reader-wouldn't be the same. The bindings are beautiful too. Happy VTT

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  21. I love books, too! Reading....it will take you places you've never been! With a book, you can travel all over the world and never leave home! You are a very lucky lady to have acquired these. Thanks, too, for visiting my blog! I haven't posted much, still learning, but it's exciting to think I have connections with such nice people I've never even met! Have a great weekend!

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  22. WOW! What a fabulous gift! So few people know Under the Lilacs, but I read it several times.

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  23. A real treasure. These look familiar - I think I had "little Women" in this series.

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  24. Hello Sarah, What beautiful treasures! It is so nice to see someone who really appreciates books. In this day and age I'm worried they will be long forgotten. I would much rather read a book than have a nook or kindle for reading!
    Thank you for your visiting and for leaving your sweet comment on my Vintage Thingies Thursday, Photo Collage....
    Hugz,
    Kim

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  25. I just love old books and yours are especially nice. I own a little shop and I always try to mix in antique books with other objects - They just make things seem more "homey".

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  26. What great books! I have a collection of old books, and my favorites are always the ones with the original owner's name and date in them!

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I am always thrilled to "meet" fellow homeschoolers!

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  27. What sweet gifts! Those are beautiful. I love old books! :)

    Luci (from the S&S boards)
    atranquilheart.blogspot.com

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  28. I have a fondness for old books as well so thanks for sharing these. Like you I love to see the old inscriptions and this author is one of my favorites.

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  29. My daughter who is studying to be a teacher of literature would LOVE these books! What a great hubby you have buying you such wonderful treasures!

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  30. Sarah,
    Love your old books!
    I'm forever on the lookout too.

    Just got one for a couple of dollars, and found out it is selling for $25!
    Extra fun to have now. =)

    blessings

    barbara jean

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I read each one of them and love to respond back to those who visit! Please consider signing up for EMAIL NOTICES so you'll have a reminder of our weekly HOMEMAKING PARTY---and more! Have a wonderful day!

Mrs. Sarah Coller

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