Book Accessory & Reading Accessory Ideas for Home Library etc.

Thinker bookends

admin — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 13:44:28 +0000

This iconic thinker is a solid choice for a true “thinker”‘s home library, and would perhaps look ironic in the home of someone who is intellectually inclined. Also, remember that this is actual art, a replica of Rodin’s famous sculpture. The image is somewhat overused, of course. Also, keep in mind that this particular thinker is not very heavy. It may work best as decoration.

The Library: An Illustrated History

admin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:18:30 +0000

Just discovered this book on Amazon: The Library: An Illustrated History.

“The Library tells the story of libraries and of the changing form and function of the book from era to era, whether clay tablets, parchment sheets, papyrus scrolls, glossy paper, recording tape or silicone chips. At the heart of the story of libraries and books is the story of the reader, who also has changed from era to era. Profusely illustrated, with fascinating is a comprehensive look at libraries that will interest book lovers and librarians.”

The book is indeed very richly illustrated. The sections on ancient libraries is especially interesting. There is not a lot written on the subject, as far as I know.

Home library – a prose description

admin — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:36:00 +0000

I have posted many images of various home libraries and their furnishings. It gives me special pleasure, however, to reproduce this piece of prose that speaks to the heart of a true book lover using a more familiar medium — the written word. This fragment is from Uncle Hiram’s Library by ‘Cousin Hannah’. It appeared in Merry’s museum and Parley’s magazine in 1857. The description is both idyllic and romantic, with everything that makes a great home library briefly mentioned…

A bright fire is burning in the library fireplace, and oh, how pleasant the blazing logs look, what a bright cheerful light they make when twilight comes on! On every side of the room are well-filled book-cases, reaching almost up to the ceiling. A large study table is in the middle of the room, covered with Uncle’s books and papers, and close by is his arm-chair, ready for him whenever he wants to write or read. His favorite place, however, is that lazy-looking seat, half sofa, half arm-chair, by the fire. Here he rests at twilight, and tells his children all sorts of stories about days gone by. Over the fireplace hangs a picture of an old monastery, which, perched upon an overhanging cliff, overlooks a smiling valley; in the tower is a tiny bell, which strikes the hour with a clear, sweet tone, while the hands of the clock, small as they are, keep perfect time in their journey round the clock face. The clear ringing of Uncle Hiram’s clock is heard all over the house, and we call it “the Convent Bell.” Now, I have told you all the wonders of Uncle’s library, except some little curious things which are scattered about on the table and shelves, or in the drawers; many of them are presents from far-off friends. One is an inkstand, which always stands on his study-table; ’tis made of the claw of an eagle—the three toes, tipped with silver, form the stand, and a little socket is made in the leg, to hold an inkstand.

Automaton clocks and rotating clocks

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:46:11 +0000

While the curiosity factor in an Atmos clock is purely cerebral (you may or may not be aware that there is something quite unusual and ingenious about the clock itself), Automaton clocks are visually very striking its mechanically driven figurines that dance or simply appear in windows: humans, animals, angels, mythical creatures, ships etc. These clocks are very expensive and no longer mass-produced, I believe. There are, however, some variations of the theme that you can still find, equally brilliantly performed. For example, the rotating clock shown here is a high quality mechanism that will make an excellent centerpiece in any modern home library.

Atmos clock – a curiosity for your home library

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:22:11 +0000

It is debatable whether a clock is a desirable item at a home library. After all, library is a space where you may want to be free from the constraints of time. Things are a bit different if the clock you put on the shelf or on the desk is actually a curiosity of note. Being able to tell time would be an added feature, nothing more. Atmos clock is just such a curiosity. These clocks never have to be wound up. They simply use slight variations in atmospheric pressure, while actually keeping time in a very reliable way. Atmos clocks are Swiss-made! They can still be found at antique stores or you may be able to locate a clock by a different manufacturer.

Collectible pens

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:21:54 +0000

Library ownership has been always inseparable from writing, whether this activity was limited to personal notes and correspondences or rose to the heights of literary accomplishments that were destined to outlive their authors. Pens and quills always went alongside with books. In our digital age, unfortunately, superb writing instruments became almost obsolete. They can, however, be successfully used as decorative accessories in a personal library or study. These slick metal objects look great on any desk, especially in a pen holder or a special pen display box. Vintage pens can be rather expensive, but they can be seen as great collector items. Many modern manufacturers of quality pens continue the tradition of excellency: Cross, Parker, Cartier. In view of the eventual demise of handwriting (sorry to break the news!) you will soon be able to buy the very last of mass produced pens — historic artifacts that will be treasured for generations to come.

Bonheur du jour desk

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:27:21 +0000

Bonheur du jour (“daytime delight”) is a very specific term for a kind of lady’s desk that became popular in the late 18th century. These exquisite furniture pieces are not as heavy as traditional desks. They are designed to be moved around the room and, as a result, their backs are often decorated. Much attention is paid to detailed ornamentation of the drawers.

Phrenology heads in home library decor

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:54:00 +0000

Phrenology is a foreign subject to our modern medical practices but in the Victorian era it was common science. Each of the 48 faculties of the brain served as a sort of map to a person’s innate nature and personality. Specific areas were identified as being responsible for love, intellectuality, energy levels, and morals; doctors believed they could tell everything about a person from mapping out the bumps and oddities of the human skull. A phrenology head is a teaching tool that could help you easily learn the location of all these crucial areas. Fortunately, you don’t need to learn anything if you are simply getting a phrenology head as decoration for your home library. These objects are a curious extension of the more traditional busts and sculptures, but they have a distinct Victorian flavor. Great for a steampunk home library!

Home library, Regency style

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:27:34 +0000

This 1816 etching by John Britton represents a typical home library during Regency. The library is located at Cassiobury Park and it was used similarly to many other home libraries of the time — it was essentially the most important room of the house and could be easily referred to as a family sitting room. A group of small dogs in the front sufficiently demonstrates the openness of this library to anyone and anything. At the same time, all traditional library features are present and their style is unmistakable. We see built-in bookcases that are architectural in nature. In other such libraries you would often see (apart from the books, obviously) various antiquities and curiosities. Small private museums of this sort had a long history, but in Georgian times and in the early 19th century the trend became very popular. As far as architectural styles, Regency designers preferred neoclassical decor, howver Gothic influences were also quite common at the discretion of individual owners who were inspired by the love of all things Medieval (as interpreted by novelists and poets). The furniture of this particular home library is typical Regency style (note the Grecian chairs), but the general tone has a certain Gothic air.

I am including some additional samples of Regency library furniture. I especially like the library steps

Waterford Bookends

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:39:37 +0000

Initially I was hoping to find a set of Wedgwood bookends. So far, the best I could do is two excellent sets of Waterford bookmarks – Waterford, of course, is the parent company of Wedgwood, if you did not know. Both sets are subject to very limited availability, so I cannot immediately tell you where to purchase them. I would like to note that these bookends can also serve as excellent paperweights, do to their book-like shapes.