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| A Chaucer Woodcut Title Page |
Recently, I slipped off to a museum to walk through a small exhibit of ILLUSTRATED TITLE PAGES. I know, don't say it. My friends and family say enough about my passion for all things Book. I thought I'd share some of what I saw there with those of you who might find the beauty of another time worth a quick view.
This exhibit opened with books from the 16th century--a little before my time and by authors I didn't have the privilege of meeting. As I walked around the small room I traveled through four centuries, snapping photos with my iPhone. Now, if that doesn't make you think about your place in time, nothing will.
The title page had the job of enticing the reading into the work while acknowledging the author, artist, patron and publisher. Wow! I wish I had all that color on my title pages. Maybe no nudes. I write YA.
And then came Alice. I loved this beautiful illustration of the dreaming girl.
Happy Monday, everyone and especially to the
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Wow! Such a cool and interesting exhibit!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! That first page of Chaucer's work is stunning.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see illustrations like these I wonder about the time that went into making them. Such amazing detail! Thanks for sharing your photos.
ReplyDeletecool pics - especially the first one.
ReplyDeleteWow! Those title pages are exquisite! Sounds like a fascinating exhibit.
ReplyDeleteI love art and book art especially. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovely art - and I'm always amazed at how well the iPhone takes pictures!
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful. Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous post!! I'm a huge fan of old books and one of the reasons is because of the title page art. Lovely pictures!
ReplyDeleteI would love that exhibit! Lucky you and lucky all of us that these creations exist in our world.
ReplyDeleteI figured each of these would cost more than house. Imagine having to earn out that amount!
ReplyDeleteOh, I wish I could have seen this! I would've loved to be that close to those books.
ReplyDeleteThey just don't make title pages like they used to do they.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
A library in Chicago (the Newberry) had a similar exhibition a few years ago! I wonder if it was the same one! Anyways, incredible! I love Alice, too!
ReplyDeleteI Love these things! I am at present, doing illustrations for my YA, now that illustrations seem to be popping up in all kinds of odd places.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing your finds -- so beautiful! I guess the cover has officially replaced the title page as the thing that entices readers...
ReplyDeleteLove these title pages!
ReplyDeleteLove old books like this. I would die for a copy of the Gutenberg Bible. It's kind of sad that this style of artwork is almost non-existent, especially those woodcuts!
ReplyDeleteThat is an exhibit I could sink my teeth into. I adore illustrated title pages and am saddened they have gone the way of the Dodo, or the Jabberwocky in Alice's case.
ReplyDelete