Monday 23 January 2012

A beautiful book, a bavarian cowboy, and a saucy serving wench.

Last week, I decided to walk into town.
I had errands to run.
And I had perfect weather.
Couldn't resist.

I also couldn't resist going by the only - as far as I know - English language bookstore selling new books in Munich.  I went just to browse.  To ogle.  To drool.  To dream.  (Ok, I didn't drool.  You can get tossed out of a bookstore for that.)

I found a book on one of the display tables which has been on my wish list since I first heard about it: Theodora Goss' "The Thorn and the Blossom."  Though I wasn't going to spend any money, I caved: bought the book, brought it home, read it.

The bookbinder in me, was taken by the book itself.  It's constructed in accordion style with a slipcase and gorgeous illustrations.

The reader in me, was taken by the story.  Two stories, actually.  It's a love story which weaves the lives of Evelyn and Brendan, their past and their present; with a tale of wonder and enchantment.  

It's a quietly beautiful story that, with its clarity and charm, stayed with me in the days after I'd read it.  One to read again.  


The slipcase illustration



The cover of Evelyn's Story


And now, from the sublime to the downright silly, I also picked up - as is a habit of mine - a couple of postcards.

Here's the Bavarian Cowboy.  No date unfortunately.



And the serving wench.  The picture is dated ca. 1910 and it's of a legendary Munich beer hall server Anni Popp (whom, I'm afraid, I'd not heard of.  I'm so going to flunk my integration exam.)  That's the HofbrÀuhaus emblem on the Steins: a legendary beer hall still attracting visitors from all over Germany as well as all over the world.

It's Bedlam, with beer.




Oh, and I drew a feather.
I'm coming to love drawing feathers.

Be warned.  

9 comments:

  1. Beautiful book cover and beautiful drawing of a feather, I cannot walk passed a feather in the woods, especially if I can see the bird has been killed by a fox, I think I can appreciate your feathers even though you are not here, I have them all over the place, including using them as book marks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. There is something magical about feathers. I like your idea of using them as book marks, Cranky Crone.

    Steve! I've been trying to send you a message via Google friends thingie, but it won't let me. If you read this, please either leave a message here, or you can find my e-mail on "my complete profile" above. Hope to talk soon!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just took a peek at the book that you mention in this post Lynn. Lovely etchings indeed. Haven't had a chance to read it 'cuz I am at work now.

    Keep drawing ... if it's feathers, then so be it ... keep sharing. I always seem to have a number of feathers collected between the pages of books or in glassware.

    I tried to ink up a feather the other day and that proved to be a colossal mess. lol.

    ReplyDelete
  4. the book(s) looks great. and the feather...i remember drawing feathers in object drawing ages ago with a crow quill. i had to really look--you did, too!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do take a read when you get the chance, Jan, it's a lovely book. Too bad about the feather-mess! They can behave in an unruly way when they want.

    Love the idea of drawing feathers with a feather, Velma. I'll have to try that.

    ReplyDelete
  6. beautiful feather drawing.
    Keep drawing- it is so under-rated. Have a look at Tina Mammoser, a painter of light, but her working drawings are something else...http://tina-m.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-jersey-post-10-progression-of-waves.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for the link, gz. Her work is stunning. Huge inspiration on this rather dull, January morning.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The book with my initial E would have probably come home with me too. I really like your feather drawing. I always love drawing them and finding them, they do have a fascination no matter how many I already have I always like to find a new one. I liked your collage because of the black feather. Have a good weekend.x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks, Milly.
    I must say, the feather was a challenge to fix to the collage - it kept splaying in odd and unsightly ways when I'd put the acrylic medium on it. Took a while to get it looking 'natural' again.

    ReplyDelete