Mary (http://devondesigns-mary.blogspot.com/) had been featuring some pages from her "Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady" lately and I mentioned my video. She asked me more details about it so I thought it would be fun to show her and all of you the collection I have. Everyone is familiar with the original book "Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady" but a second volume was later released. "The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady" is also a very good book but I found it such a shame that they did not use her handwriting for the text as had been done in the previous book. 
Over the years, I found others books on Edith Holden who I find very fascinating. "The Edwardian Lady: The Story of Edith Holden" by Ina Taylor is a biography is a wonderful book containing many actual family photographs and various drawings by Edith. Then I found "The Country Diary Companion" once in a bargain book shop. I had this book for a good number of years and decided when we finally had internet to search for the TV series on video if possible. I did find an online shop in England that sold the condensed version of the series which is also called "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady". It is great to watch over and over with Pippa Guard playing Edith.
Two other books I have that are in the same tradition are "A Victorian Flower Album" by Henry Terry and "The Seasons" by Louis Lawrence which are both shown above.
"A Victorian Flower Album" has beautiful drawings throughout. It was not intended as a diary but more of a botanical record of the English Oxfordshire countryside.
"The Seasons" is a much more austere book altogether. Louis Lawrence illustrated the four seasons by writing out peoms and prose in script to which he then added his beautiful pen drawings and watercolors. These books have their differences to Country Diary but are wonderful books to look through. I use books for decorating. I often set on of them open to a page that goes well with one of my quilts and stitching to create a pretty vignette. Books really do enhance a room and make it home to me!
14 comments:
I have never heard of these books. Is it possible they weren't popular in America? Or more likely, I'm just clueless. Thanks for sharing though. I wouldn't mind reading the first installment. Sounds interesting.
Love,
Julie
How interesting! I am just starting to use books as decoration throughout my home. I love these! They are beautiful!
I've never heard of these either, but my they are so beautiful!
I just scooped up The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady for $5 a couple of weeks ago! I'd given this book to my Mom several years ago and borrowed it from her a few times so now I have my own copy. I've never looked for any other books by her or about her though. Thanks for sharing your collection, Heidi! ~ hugs, Lynda ♥
Hello Heidi
I found your blog through Mary's & it is wonderful! I also have the book "Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady" ~ the writing and pictures are gorgeous. I haven't read the other Edith Holden books you mentioned though - I will look for them in the library.
I have heard of all of those books but haven't read them all. I might have to have a bit of a snoop round next time I go shopping! They look lovely
Kim x
Heidi,
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful books with us. I have several of these too and bought the original book many years ago when it was first published. Like you, I've since collected several others. As I love gardening and watercolours Edith Holden appealed to me immediately. Up until a few years ago there was an annual small handbag diary on sale but I haven't seen one recently. I'll keep a lookout for one for you this year :>)
Hugs, Angela
I have the Country Diary-it's a beautiful book, you have a fab collection!!
Thanks for asking about Spider, he is on the mend now and says hello to your baby Dagi!xx
I certainly remember when you started on the Country Diary collection We were always watching for things.
Angela needs to start a blog, she always has such nice comments and I can only respond to her this way.
Love you, Mom
A lovely collection of books you have, Heidi! I have the 'Country Diary of the Edwardian Lady' and have fallen short with my monthly sharing of it (due to computer crashing). I did not know there was another one that goes with it! I must look for it! I have the 'Seasons' book as well, and love it. Blessings!
Heidi,
I saw your comment on Kim's blog. Go to: www.mylivesignature.com and register. It's free and an easy cake walk through the process. Good Luck!
Love,
Julie
Heidi - just going out the door to South Carolina - was checking weather and see your comment! Thanks so much for all the info - will comment to you when I get back Sunday.
Have a great weekend yourself dear.
Bye for now.
I had heard of The Country Dairy of an Edwardian Lady but those other books look good. I display some of my books too, why not as they enhance the room with their beauty?
Have a lovely weekend Heidi!
I also have never heard of these books and now I'm a bit curious especially the first one you mentioned. I to also use books for decorating. They can be just the thing to finish off a tablescape or grouping. Thanks for sharing your treasures.
Hugs - Karen
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