Thoughts by the Wayside, and Fancies by the Fireside

Thoughts by the Wayside, and Fancies by the Fireside [Fruit of the Hours of Idlesse during a Decade of Years, Act 15 to 25] [Ref: L.822]

This book is a prime example of “Unlocking a Treasure” - everything about the book is a feast for the eyes – from the embossed gold-leafed pages, to the amazing hand written pages [about 170 in total] and the incredible hand coloured illustrations.

Unfortunately, we don’t know the author’s name since the volume is not signed. The book includes original material by the author as well as pieces from other sources.

For instance, the section entitled “Gems Gathered from Classic Shores” [see photo] contains the works of Ovid, Horace, Cicero, Plato, Tibullus and others. Although the writer is not known to us, you can gain an insight into their life by reading through the poems, essays and musings. Given the nature of the book, it has a very intimate feel - there is a page entitled “In Memoriam – Topsoe – Obitt Nov X 1855” where the Author has a written a three page poem on the loss of the family cat. The illustrations are all works of art in themselves and some of the pages still have the original tissue paper over them to protect them. My favourites are “Mohammed”[see photo], “A Valentine” and “A Winter Walk”.

This volume acts as a time capsule into Victorian England. It is hard to imagine many people, myself included, having the time, the inclination, and in my case, the ability to devote to such a work of art.

Caoimhe West, Reader Assistant, Unlocking the Treasures Project