This is one of my favourite finds in quite a long time...a 3 volume leather bound set, first edition 1803
These books were an amazing chance find. About a week ago we travelled to the Barossa Valley outside of historic town of Kapunda to a fabulous and enormous( the driveway was at least a mile) merino stud station called "Anlaby" built in 1839, which I am quite besotted with. It was owned by one of the richest families in South Australia and all it's personal possessions were sold off and now it is being restored by the new owners. We bought a signed copy written by the new owner. We couldn't go inside as it was an open garden day but we pressed our noses on the leadlight glass and could see the beautiful panelled library....sighhhh......
Jump forward to this Sunday and to the Adelaide Hills and driving randomly around and we saw a collectables shop...couldn't find anything...walked out turned my head to the front window and spied some old books. If you have been following me for a while you know I love antique books. I purchased them and as the guy was wrapping them , he took off the tag to throw it away and I just caught the words....".from the original Anlaby Library"
I can't believe it...what were the chances!!!
gorgeous page edges
pull out illustrations
It has a plate in the front E. Powell
I read the first few pages of Volume 1 and the books to be published needed donations from wealthy people in 1799 e.g The Duchess of Devonshire and they are listed in the front and I found E. Powell listed
And published in 1803....to Australia.....a South Australian sheep station and now on my shelf!
In the garden this week
It is so hot the Spring roses are almost finished
ripening nectarines,pears,apples,plums
I read the first few pages of Volume 1 and the books to be published needed donations from wealthy people in 1799 e.g The Duchess of Devonshire and they are listed in the front and I found E. Powell listed
And published in 1803....to Australia.....a South Australian sheep station and now on my shelf!
In the garden this week
It is so hot the Spring roses are almost finished
Linking up with
The Dedicated House
Knick of Time
French Country Cottage
Ivy and Elephants
Shabby Art Boutique
Chic on a Shoestring
My Romantic Home
Sir thrift-a-lot
Rose Vignettes
French Country Cottage
Ivy and Elephants
Shabby Art Boutique
Chic on a Shoestring
My Romantic Home
Sir thrift-a-lot
Rose Vignettes
Rooted in Thyme
The Charmed Home
Elizabeth & Co
Finding Fabulous
Thoughts from Alice
Woman in Real Life
Woman in Real Life
Denise inVA
The books and your roses.....sublime....xxx
ReplyDeleteHow lucky to find the books, they were meant to be yours.
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Such a great find, they obviously had your name on them. The roses are looking a real delight.
ReplyDeleteOh, that cottage is just darling! My husband made a shed out of old tin and I love it :)
ReplyDeleteAnd those books are gorgeous!! How blessed you are.
Happy weekend to you. Hugs!
Your new books are lovely. You always find the most interesting things in your travels. sb
ReplyDeleteThose books are exquisite Meg!! What a find!! You must be over the moon to have found those! And you had me again at the gardeners cottage....my mouth was left on the ground as that cottage is just fantastic! I swear...every time I come to your blog I am left feeling like we need more land to grow....your gardens are always a feast for the eyes! And all of the food you have growing! Such a dream! A wonderful weekend to you friend! Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteYou were meant to find the treasure books - someone who would truly love them. The roses are lovely. Glad Sasha and the girls got in the post.
ReplyDeleteI love those books! They are so beautiful, and when I zoomed in on the binding, they almost look engraved with runes!
ReplyDeleteI also have a gray cat, and yours is gorgeous.
xoxo, Sara
Those books are a wonderful find and I love the connections. How lovely to be picking some produce from your garden too.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
Your books are just wonderful and so amazing that they once belonged to the historical home you visited. Your gardens are so beautiful - lovely scenes - I enjoyed myself. xo Karen
ReplyDeleteGreat find on the books, and your roses are fabulous. You take incredible photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing property! And how lovely that you found books from their library. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a coincidence...it was meant to be! You were meant to have them. And they are altogether fabulous! WOW! I know you will treasure them! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful heart!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing find, you definitely were in the right place at the right time. Love ALL of your beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing at VIP!
ReplyDeleteI should be over the moon when I should find such a wonderful old books. And your roses, they all look gorgeous, such a difference with our country we are in autumn now and all the roses have gone to sleep until next March/April.
ReplyDeleteI am on your blog for the first time and will be your new follower.
Regards, Janneke
WOW! that is an exciting find! I love the property you got to visit,,,so much history and beautiful countryside! Stopping in from the Sweet n Simple blog hop.
ReplyDeleteWow Meg those books are just divine! Fabulous photos. Karen.x
ReplyDeleteMeg, those books are gorgeous as is your garden! So dreamy! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the fan favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to the showcase. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/11/the-sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty.html Hope to see you again tomorrow at the party! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteI love love love old books and their engravings. Cherish yours! Here is a link to one of my old book posts.
ReplyDeletehttp://jeanneselep.blogspot.com/2010/05/picturesque-world.html
Just found your lovely blog via Mamas Mercantile and wanted to say hi! Lucky find on those books x
ReplyDeleteI am trying to find anything related to the Kapunda High School building and it's former owner, Mr. A.H. Greenshields, my great-great- grandfather and his family. He knew Mr. Dutton of Anlaby and also had a conservatory and a great interest in plants. I live in the Adelaide hills, too, and I'm glad you have found some wonderful books.
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