Whether or not you like spiders…this is rather special.
Thank you, Headless Hearseman for this one:
A first edition of Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal.
What a beautiful process book binding/cover crafting used to be…
Amazing…
One of my all time favorites:
Simply wonderful.
Sometimes we’re just introverted by choice…
Okay, so this is a book PAGE, but I love it. (Notice I said love it…not agree with it)
Oh, now that’s just mean.
Hm. Decide what?
Bold.
If bananas are not your thing, maybe Annie Ross can help.
Yes, I was.
Brilliant play on words. Love it so much…
I warn you…you can’t unsee this…
You were warned.
Awkward.
But it gets better?
If you need a little help:
This post is actually inspired by this particular book:
I loved that cover…then realized I’m such a collector-nerd that I had a whole bunch on vintage ventriloquism book covers…who knew?
Simple. Complete. Awkwardly titled.
So lifelike!
They got literal with the cover.
Somehow an LP cover got in the mix…”Instant!”
Why do I even have all of these? Ah well, this lovely 1930’s ventriloquist dummy shall bid you goodbye (we don’t want to get into my folder of antique puppets…no, we do not).
Let’s kick off this theme week with some “sinners,” shall we?
Careful, Melvin…
I’m assuming she’s impatient because she hates getting caught in traffic during rush hour.
The worst? Of all? Really?
It happens.
Spell casting was never so sexy…
The greatest thing about this is the repetition of the word.
There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of vintage pulp covers featuring “wicked” woman but those are easy to find with a simple search. It’s gems like THIS that don’t come along every day.
But since I’m a good girl, I’ll end this post on a moral note.
It’s been too long since I’ve had a theme week! I’ve decided to make this coming week all about vintage book covers, pulled from my archives. If you have a bizarre, interesting, creepy or gorgeous vintage book cover suggestion…please send it my way (will credit, of course)!
I want to go here. So badly.
Anyone know the artist for this?
I do not know this woman, but her batty glasses indicate she’s probably pretty great.
This woman, too…
A child destined for greatness.
I really want this game!
Bats and cats…oh my.
Now let’s get serious and talk about death. Great book title:
And another:
I would absolutely read this one.
Another incredible title.
Does anyone have this? I couldn’t find it anywhere, but I’m curious and intrigued.
The first? Great detective work, Dr. Donohue.
I never knew a mortuary could be so exciting.
“Man describes his sensations while slowly roasting to death”
Rather beautiful antique illustration:
Indication of slightly skewed priorities (read the fine print…she’s upset about her hair).
It may feel like slight indigestion at first, but…
Anyone know where this anthropomorphic poison comes from?
Brilliant!
Serenade…
Lovely death and (a) maiden.
Come in, kiddies. A meaty, cheesy death surely does not await you in the hungry jaws of Mayor McCheese.
Heaven?
Hell?
For the ladies…
I don’t think this ended well.
The end.
I have no info on this incredible piece expect for the fact that it seems to have come from a college sculpture class.
Ideas anyone?
GalenaLarkin created this fabulous alien in the style of Lisa Frank (boy, that brings me back!).
How about some valuable instruction from yesteryear?
I have a feeling even if I read this book, it wouldn’t work.
Oh, this is dangerous territory.
And speaking of…
Let’s start with the myriad pathologies of the cover model.
Love this.
…and this.
So THIS is how wives are made!
Speaking of, if I ever get married, forget those cheesy “Bride” T-shirts girls wear at wedding showers (etc.), I want THIS shirt (ironically, this level of geekiness probably diminishes my chances of “pair bonding” in the first place).
And if marriages don’t work, there’s always this guy.
Let’s get our Jesus on, folks! No…I meant literally.
Failed sales pitch for DoubleMint Gum:
All I have to say to this sculpture: get out of my dreams, get into my house!
So let’s look at other lovely home goods (I wish I had more info here). Nice little accent piece:
For the china cabinet:
While an amazing illusion, I suspect this wall decal could be mildly terrifying to some children:
Outdoor trimmings for my fellow introverts:
Why wasn’t this mass produced?
Does anyone have info on this piece? I find it fascinating that conjoined ceramics exist.
More soon…and remember:
I must say thanks to my friend Jim for showing me Paper Passion, a book scented perfume by Karl Lagerfeld.
Of course, since this is high fashion, Paper Passion will probably cost a bloody fortune (and be rather stinky)…but I like the we bookworms are getting some highbrow attention.
Has anyone smelled this or other book scented products? What’s the verdict?
Let’s take a break from the typical spookiness of this blog for something truly beautiful.
Illustrator Ronald Searle (who really deserves another feature post) created a very special project for his wife, now available as a hardcover book.
47 jewel-like drawings by Ronald Searle made for his wife, Monica, each time she underwent chemotherapy. On New Year’s Eve 1969, Monica Searle was diagnosed with a rare and virulent form of breast cancer. Each time she underwent treatment, Ronald produced a Mrs Mole drawing ‘to cheer every dreaded chemotherapy session and evoke the blissful future ahead’. Filled with light and illuminated in glowing colours, the drawings speak of love, optimism and hope.
Like the medieval illuminated manuscripts such as the 15th-century Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, to which the title of this book refers, the 47 drawings are on an intimate scale and were never intended for publication. The story of Monica’s survival against the odds and the part played by the encouragement of her husband will move many people who have either experienced cancer for themselves or been affected through a close family member or friend.
What a profoundly touching gesture. I remember when my mother was battling cancer, I made her a postcard every single week for over a year (complete with quotes or loving statements on the back). I eventually assembled the collection into an album for her. While she did not survive this journey, I believe in the power of art to bring joy and sooth the spirit. It warms my heart to think that the selfless bond between two people (whether lovers, family or friends) can inspire this kind of valiant effort.
“Everything about them had to be romantic and perfect. I drew them originally for no one’s eyes except Mo’s, so she would look at them propped up against her bedside lamp and think: ‘When I’m better, everything will be beautiful.’” ~ Ronald Searle
SheWalksSoftly 