This is such a happy time of year when in spite of cold winds and hailshowers, you know that spring is coming, and nothing can hold her back. I'm reminded of that triumphant Botticelli painting 'Primavera', and every joyful medieval lyric welcoming the spring - 'Lenten is come with love to town', and 'April with her showers sweet'. It seems to be a time for poetry, and I thought I'd show you one of my favourite books ever - handed to me over the garden fence by Mrs Cook our next-door neighbour, when I was probably about seven. I wonder if anyone else has a copy? It's called 'Stars and Primroses' and every page is illuminated. It taught me to love poetry (which previously I always skipped). I loved it to bits (almost literally) and the copy is still precious to me.
And perhaps my favourite, the deceptively simple
'Four Ducks on a Pond' by William Allingham.
Next week, I'm excited to be reviewing Celia Rees's new novel 'The Fool's Girl', set in the 1600's: a dark take on Shakepeare's 'Twelfth Night'. Celia has agreed to be interviewed, and I think her answers to my questions are going to be very interesting. That's for next Tuesday.
In the meantime, happy weekend, everyone! Happy Easter! Happy spring.
I'm not a poetry fan, but I think the artwork in this book is stunning.
ReplyDeleteAnd that was what attracted me, so young, to read the poems. So glad you like it! The date of publication is 1945!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely looking book! My first poetre book was Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses, but I have to admit I was more interested in the preface, about his life, than in the poems.
ReplyDeleteI love this book, it made me want to learn calligraphy! I am trying to get a copy as my mothers is falling apart
ReplyDeleteI bought this book yesterday at a carboot sale for 50p. I'm thrilled with it. I have a 7 month old baby girl and I'm looking forward to the day when we sit and read it together.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! It's a really lovely collection, and the artwork is wonderful. how lovely to know that some of you have found it (or inherited it!)
ReplyDeleteJust came back from my mums this afternoon and I promised to look up Stars and Primroses when home. It was her first book of poems and I also have fond memories of it too. She recited Four ducks on a pond just as I was leaving - her first poem. Going to get a copy for my five year old daughter asap !!
ReplyDeleteGoodness! I hope you find it!
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