I picked up a lovely little treasure today. A leather bound first edition of Renascence and Other Poems, 1917, by Edna St. Vincent Millay,
in one of the secondhand bookstores I frequently visit. It is extra
special because it is charmingly signed with the above romantic
inscription by "Ray", which I think is so beautiful. It brings to mind
Almasy's copy of Herodotus's The Histories in The English Patient.
Have a great week Willow. Nice photo's btw.
ReplyDeleteBe still my beating heart! What an inscription!
ReplyDeleteNice "little treasure" indeed. Enjoy.
And no idea who Ray is?? I'm glad the book, which was an obvious treasure to it's recipient, has found a safe home with you!
ReplyDeleteThat is a neat find! I think that inscription is just lovely!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea who this Ray is, but his inscription is just too, too beautiful. What a writer he was. And so romantic. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteWow, how wonderfully romantic. So glad it's found you after all this time bobbing around bookstores. I wish someone would write those words to me. Sigh....
ReplyDeleteAh Willow....I love this post...you do have an eye for lovely treasures. A romantic fellow, this Ray...
ReplyDeleteMy heart is a-flutter after reading that inscription. I'll be on the fainting couch if anyone needs me. Lovely post Willow!
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Ah, you needs must delve further into the mysterious "Ray". What a find!
ReplyDeleteDon't you love that book that Almasy carries? Upon watching the film, I located a literature anthology and started cramming it with various mementoes. Such a romantic!
P.S. Willow, I'm so glad you enjoyed The Gathering Storm. I only wish there were a sequel.
Kat
Willow,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find and with such a romantic personal touch. Good for you!!
The Bach
Why would anyone let go of such a book? What a neat find.
ReplyDeleteCes, when I come across such a personal item like this at a flea market or wherever, I always wonder why it's not a treasured item of a son, daughter or grandchild.
ReplyDeleteWow--what a beautiful book, and sort of sad that someone no longer has this treasure, but if you're like me, you'll find great pleasure knowing you rescued it and I am content knowing it's in good hands now! Great accompanying photo of R.F.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful inscription .. great find .. and I believe I am the only living person who admits they LOVED The English Patient!
ReplyDelete:-Daryl
I've swooned out of my chair!
ReplyDeleteHello, Willow, back from my camping to gorgeous Dorset and what do I find? 'The English Patient'. One of my favourite books from the last fifteen years.
ReplyDeleteExcellent dedication. I sometimes think that when the last e-mail has been sent and the last blackberry has been switched off we will realise that we have left nothing for the next generation except electronic debris.
Greetings from London.
Cuban, welcome back the the bloggyhood and hope you are refreshed from your lovely trip.
ReplyDeleteAlas, I'm afraid you might be right. I still try to send loved ones hand written note and cards, just for that very reason.
I loved The English Patient! What a lovely inscription...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing - makes me realize there's more to life than words...
Madison
What a treasure in that inscription from "Ray" and seeing this image from The English Patient is just perfect for this post...Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love poetry...what a beautiful find!
ReplyDeletePS I forgot to tell you that when I took that trip to Starved Rock, there is a little cottage there called "The Willows". :)
Willow, this is just beautiful. I love hunting for little treasures like this. What a find! Don't you feel like you have discovered a piece of romantic history? Oh, to be written to in this fashion... And Ralph Fiennes? Be still my beating heart...
ReplyDeleteSuza, yes! A piece of romantic history! I collect old volumes of Millay, anyway, but when I pulled this one from the shelf and saw the inscription, I had to have it.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad a book with this achingly beautiful inscription found a home with you!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading "The English Patient", my favorite part is when the hereo reads to his lover aloud from Horace. I have read the book more than once. I enjoyed the movie for the great cinematography, and Ralph Fiennes, of course. ;-)
These were the things that bounded me;
ReplyDeleteAnd I could touch them with my hand,
Almost, I thought, from where I stand.
And all at once things seemed so small
My breath came short, and scarce at all.
that's the way i would have felt had i found this book
Willow,
ReplyDeleteTHis is an old one I know, but I was surfing the net trying to find a nice picture of Ralph Fiennes in the English Patient and ended up here. Anyway, onward.