This week I borrowed a library book, Poésies de F. Coppée, less for the poetry than for the detail in the book’s production. It packages poems like treasure. What you can’t tell from the photos below is that this book is just 10 x 16cm, fits nicely in one hand and is surprisingly heavy – 330 grams! If this is how poetry was published in Paris in 1871, I’d like to travel back in time to Alphonse Lemerre, Editeur, if ever I’m wanting a book published. And if this happens, you’ll know my book when you see it on the shelves in your favourite bookshop; it will look just like this:
What a beautiful book
What a beauty of a book. Old doesn’t have to be a bad thing ;-). Hopefully I will age as graciously. 😀
I wish you could feel the weight of it, it’s like a little brick. And on here you can’t smell the old pages. So precious. Thanks for commenting, nuvofelt.
So far so good! And if there’s quality to begin with…
I assume you have translated this lovely piece 😉
No, I’ve been reading the poems but wouldn’t attempt a translation because they’re rhyming poems. However, I read a couple of French translations this week of Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Raven’ and noticed the translators didn’t attempt to rhyme their lines, but the poem is still good in French anyway. I might select a short one and have a go. You’ve encouraged me.
If I can then I say go for it Trish, and look forward to your results.. 😉
Somehow, a Kindle just lacks this sort of charm. Wonderful choice. Love this.
I agree. There’s nothing like the physical and sensual experience of turning an old page. Or a new page.