eleanorfromthecommentbox: The door to Grandpa's library

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The door to Grandpa's library

I recently received a comment from a new reader who has a beautiful dog not unlike my Blue. She is an extraordinary artist and a fascinating and refreshing blogger. I visited her earlier this evening and found this post which reminded me of my grandfather.

You may remember that my grandfather shipped me his entire library a while ago, and I dedicated several posts to the beautiful books I received. Since Grandpa's death it has been hard to look at the books, and what should be a comfort is still a reminder of the loss. However, herhimnbryn reminded me with her short quote from the Rubaiyat of the joy my grandfather spread with his love of poetry and books. So, without further ado, I bring you Grandpa's (and my) "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam", Heritage Press, 1946, illustrations by Arthur Szyk:

P.S. Only one more sleep until Eurolush's birthday.......................................

8 comments:

eurolush said...: I love your grandfather's library. Each book is a small masterpiece. An amazing gift from an amazing guy. I still think of the stories you've told about him, and they make me smile.

Looking forward to meeting your new reader.

Tomorrow I will be one year older...; November 18, 2009 at 12:13 AM
herhimnbryn said...: Sigh, what a beautiful book. A book with such a history. Now sit ye down with a jug of wine and read...; November 18, 2009 at 12:13 AM
The Crow said...: I followed your comment left at herhimnbryn's blog back here and am so glad I did.

What an extraordinary gift your grandfather gave you - two, really: the books, and your loving memories of your time with him. Great gifts.

:); November 18, 2009 at 1:16 AM
Avus said...: I, too, arrived here via herhimnbryn.
That is an exquisite copy of the Rubaiyat you have from your Grandfather. What a wonderful gift - to have his library. HHnB has already laid claim to her father's poetry shelves - but it will be down to her to get them from here in UK to Oz when the time comes!
I am an "Omar" fan, too, but enjoy better the Richard LeGallienne translation (as my blog heading will bear witness)than the more well-known Fitzgerald.
I shall come again.; November 18, 2009 at 1:59 AM
RW said...: I too, fondly remember your stories of your grandfather.

What a treasure you have - a very tangible reminder of him with every touch of a book.

Thanks for the link to the new blog.; November 18, 2009 at 2:43 AM
herhimnbryn said...: E. BB has replied to you in the comment box of my latest post!; November 18, 2009 at 7:33 AM
Duyvken said...: What a beautiful book! One day I will come back without my assistants and spend more time looking at the library. It was so delightful to be in there, even if it was brief!; November 18, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Anonymous said...: That is one fine book!
Hello to new commenters!
Paola; November 19, 2009 at 3:24 AM

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It all started when I read a newspaper article about blogging which mentioned Catherine Newman, who mentioned Journeymama. Journeymama had a link to Blackbird. Blackbird basically linked to every single blogger in the entire blogosphere. I hung out in lots and lots of comment boxes as an “Anonymous”, but I had more and more to say every day and the comment boxes were soon far too small for me. I was toying with the idea of starting my own blog when I met Kim at the Growers’ Market; I introduced myself to her and she said “Oh, you’re Eleanor from my comment box?! You should start a blog.” So I did. After a few weeks, Blackbird mentioned me and Eurolush (2 new bloggers) in one of her posts. From that day onwards I met some of the most fabulous bloggers a gal could wish for, plus...Eurolush and I became blog-blood sisters. I got to know Mary, Suse, Badger, BabelBabe, Alice C, Tuli, Kmkat, RW, Jen, Trashalou and many many others. Mary introduced me to two extraordinary gardens, and it was via her comment box that I met dear Anna from Sweden (the very morning after I had watched a Swedish film and said to my husband “Wouldn’t it be great to find a Swedish blogger?”). Anna introduced me to Maria, and both now blog regularly in English, which is amazing. Anna also introduced me to Esti in Spain, whose art brings me so much happiness on a daily basis. Duyvken first showed up in my life when I read a comment she left in Kim’s box a mere 24 hours after giving birth to JW. Coffeelady showed up in Eurolush’s commentbox recently, making a very rude remark about my running ability, and therefore immediately winning a place in my heart. Julia visited my library all the way from Prague recently. So...I’ve been having a great deal of fun with my blog. But, remember, dear dear reader, it all started with me being an “Anonymous”, and therefore I must also mention (last but certainly not least) my favourite Anonymous, the one, the only...... LAURA. So...go on...what are you waiting for? Pick a blogger, click in a box and comment.