On the second day of spring I thought this an appropriate tome for the new season. Almost 40 years old now from it's publication and 108 years since its original creation, Edith Holden's book is as fresh and beautiful as ever. Wonderful illustrations of the flora and fauna surrounding her English countryside home. Detailed notes on the first blooms, the nesting habits, the emerging fruit, the turning of the leaves and falling of the first snow.
I was blessed several years ago to spend a week in a little Cotswold cottage in the country and got to see so many of the birds, flowers and small animals that I had first met in the pages of this delightful book. If you've never read it, you're in for a treat and if it's an old friend - pull it out and revisit. Either way - what bliss!
I just read this for the first time last week! Her attention to detail is amazing! I also just read the book about her life ~ "The Edwardian Lady: The Story of Edith Holden" by Ina Taylor. Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteHappy reading!
One of the long list of "how have I missed this?' books on my list. I have always been enchanted by the cover. Watercoloring is such an enviable skill. xo
ReplyDeleteIt's an old friend :-) I'm going to read it again this weekend, thank you for reminding me!!!
ReplyDeletebobbie - There is also a DVD about her life. I saw it a few years ago - try NetFlix.
ReplyDeleteErin
Marylinn - I have taken several watercolour classes, but never developed as much skill as I would have liked to.
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Margriet - It does seem like the perfect way to welcome spring!
ReplyDeleteErin