Thursday’s Theme – {Tattered Antique Book Stacks}

Last week, I brought home the most beautiful box full of extremely old German books.  They didn’t look all that beautiful as I found them, because they had extremely dirty, torn up covers, but take off those old covers and brace yourself for a real vision of beauty.

I get a little giddy when I discover the binding of the books covered with book pages.  I’m not sure why some books have this, but I’m so glad they do.

I’m so glad I ordered a huge bolt of natural twill tape last month.  It’s been waiting patiently for some beautiful old books it could wrap itself around.  Aren’t the multiple tones of white gorgeous against the brighter white twill tape?

I love getting whole boxes of similar antique books and spreading them all out on my table to decide which ones to group together for a book stack.

The book on top of this stack looks like a song or hymn book, but based on the illustrations inside it, I believe it is actually a history book, and I think that page is the only page in the book with music on it.

Once these sets sell, I may need to print these photos so I can still enjoy seeing these book stacks.   You know you can’t keep everything you love, but instead of getting excited when you sell something, sometimes you actually feel saddened.

Last week, I had one of those days.  I showed you this chalkboard in December, that I created from the door off an antique secretary.  I dearly love it, and it sold.  As soon as I saw it was sold, my response was, “Oh no!”  Love ’em and leave ’em…the painful business of selling antiques and things you love.
Reclaimed Wooden Chalkboard created from Antique Secretary Desk Salvage

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Comments

  1. I had no idea some books had pages on their binding! I am too much of a book lover to tear off a cover but I’m glad you can. Gorgeous!

  2. Love the old books Angie … thanks for sharing. Yes, it is hard to leg go of things you love.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z @ Timeless Treasures

  3. When you find the spines covered with old pages, it sometimes means those books had been rebound at some time in their life. Love the bundles. Did you check to see if the song was one of the German national anthems?

  4. You have put together a lovely selection of book stacks Angie. Very interesting, the spones covered with old pages.

    Have a lovely day!:)

    Hugs
    Sumaya

  5. They look stunning with the covers off and wrapped in your twine! I would never have thought of removing the covers, but what a statement…gorgeous! I love them.
    Debbie 🙂

  6. I love this idea! I have a fantastic antique German bible or two…I’ll have to pull it out and make a stack! Thanks!

  7. These books are fantastic, especially the binding ~ Love the twill tape around them and the little glasses. Love this look ~

  8. I know exactly what you mean. I get excited when something sells, but sometimes end up with seller’s remorse. The books are gorgeous and I don’t think I’ve ever seen bindings like that. I love that chalkboard!

  9. Hi Angie,
    I love visiting your blog. You always have so many thoughtful and creative things to share. Your time tattered books are so lovely…and timeless. The sweet hymns are eternal with such precious lyrics.
    I hope you are having wonderful day, my sweet friend.
    Blessings,
    Carolynn xo

  10. I love old books with the cover off! I started taking covers off book 10 years ago when I seen some cream colored French books that were tattered. I wanted books that looked like that so I just took the covers off! I especially love the embossed ones! Yours looks awesome!
    tot

  11. I too love old books and how gorgeous they look when they are distressed even more! Beautiful pictures! Marcia

  12. That is a beautiful stack of books!
    And, I know how you feel, I have quite a few sales I regret!

  13. I have never seen writing on the binding. That is beautiful and I will have my eyes open for that in the future.

    Your stacks of books are gorgeous. Funny how something like that can cause your heart to skip a little beat.

  14. ciao, vengo da Blissful Whites Wednesday, bellissime le tue foto ed il tuo blog!

  15. I love to collect antiquarian books. You have such a nice collection of rare books. I would love to add some of your books into my antique book store.

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