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...

herhimnbryn said...

Sigh, what a beautiful book. A book with such a history. Now sit ye down with a jug of wine and read...

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.

:)

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.

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.

herhimnbryn said...

E. BB has replied to you in the comment box of my latest post!

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!

Anonymous said...

That is one fine book!
Hello to new commenters!
Paola