VINTAGE GERMAN BOOKS
For some time, I have been looking for old German books with their classic Gothic typeface which is highly decorative. I love using old book pages in my art and wanted to include this, to go with a stamp and stencil in my possession which feature it.
Book of Hours
A book of hours is a Christian devotional book which contains Scripture verses and other inspirational texts for each day. I spotted this one on Ebay and went for it, thinking it would be an ideal choice for using book pages in my art.
When it arrived, however, I realised that what I had was a little treasure, and there was no way I was going to cut this up! It dates back to 1922 and it is tiny, and utterly exquisite. It came complete with a plain dust cover and slip cover and it is in perfect condition inside these somewhat worn outer garments. It is clearly designed to slip into a pocket.
The title page gives an indication of what is to follow. I have photographed the book with a ruler to show how small it is.
Most of the pages have text on one side, and a blank space on the opposite page for one’s own notes.
Every now and then is a charming floral illustration, illuminated with gold. Here are a couple of examples.
This reminds me a little of “A Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady” by Edith Holden.
Isn’t it a little gem?
Der Fremdegarten – The Foreign Garden
Because I couldn’t bear to cut it up, I was back to square one in my search. I went back on Ebay and found this book “Der Fremdegarten,” “The Foreign Garden,” which is a German novel dating from 1939.
I had some problems with the purchase because the seller couldn’t print the postage label – some stupid computer glitch. He cancelled the sale and gave me a refund. I immediately contacted him and said I really did want this book, and he re-listed it and I was able to try purchasing it again, and this time it went through. He was very helpful.
This book is text only, and just what I wanted for a source of book pages. This is the inside of the cover.
A typical page spread.
A closer view of the gorgeous Gothic script.
Perfect!
Because I’d shown interest in these old German books, more of them started showing up in my feed, including this one.
Fruhlingsblumen – Spring Flowers
One glance at the details and I was hooked! This is another complete and utter delight, a first edition dating from 1930. It is actually a cover containing a “text book” which I assume is the details of the rest of the contents, and an accordion-fold folio of illustrations. Again, it is in first-class condition for its age, but with that wonderful authentic vintage appearance.
Removing the dust cover, the book cover is very charming.
Opening the cover, the text book and folio are revealed.
The textbook is in standard text.
This is the front cover of the folio.
The accordion folio, when opened out, it too long to fit in a single photo! The flower illustrations are arranged according to colour, and are exquisitely drawn. The folio is blank on the back.
The final fold-out is attached inside the back cover of the book.
Again, I haven’t the heart to cut up this beautiful little book. Fortunately these vintage books are now out of copyright so I shall be able to scan and digitise the illustrations that I want.
I can so understand people becoming collectors of ancient books. My hubby and I have had some fun trawling Ebay for the real treasures – those ancient precious volumes so beloved by serious collectors who think nothing of spending many thousands of pounds for a single book. The only trouble is, once you’ve looked at one, Ebay keeps offering you more in your feed, and all you can do is drool! Ho hum.
