The MFLIBRA Antique Books Blog

When we consider the literary oeuvre of the illustrious French author, Victor Hugo, it's impossible to overlook classics such as "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame." Yet, a select few scholars and antique book enthusiasts might turn their gaze toward a lesser-known title, "Hans of Iceland," which carries its own rich tapestry of history and intrigue. Today, we delve into this captivating relic of literary heritage, first published in English in 1825. The Genesis of a Masterpiece "Hans of Iceland" was Victor Hugo's debut novel, originally published in French under the title "Han d'Islande" in 1823 when Hugo was...

Beatrix Potter is well known as the beloved author of children's books such as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," but her contributions to the world of illustration should not be overlooked. Potter was not only a gifted writer, but also a talented artist, and her illustrations are an integral part of her legacy. Potter's artistic talent was evident from a young age. She spent many hours sketching and painting the natural world around her, and her early works are filled with detailed and accurate depictions of plants and animals. As she grew older, Potter began to focus more on illustrating...

  Introduction: Hello fellow bibliophiles and welcome back to our literary journey. Today, we will be diving into a classic tale of supernatural intrigue and horror by British author Clemence Housman - The Were-Wolf. This timeless work, published in 1896 by John Lane at the Bodley Head, is accompanied by evocative illustrations by the author's brother, Laurence Housman. In this blog, we will explore the context of The Were-Wolf, its historical significance, and the brilliance of its illustrations. The Were-Wolf: An Overview At its core, The Were-Wolf is a Gothic horror novella, blending elements of folklore and supernatural suspense. The...

The History of Gnomes in Children and Fairy Tales Literature Gnomes have long been a staple in children's and fairy tales literature. These mythical creatures are often depicted as small, bearded men who live in gardens and forests, and are known for their mischievous behavior. But where did gnomes come from, and why have they become such a beloved character in literature? The history of gnomes in literature dates back to the 16th century, when Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist, first wrote about "earth elementals" in his work "Liber de Nymphis, sylphis, pygmæis et salamandris et de caeteris spiritibus."...

In a world that's bent on digitizing everything, we antique book enthusiasts stubbornly cling to the tactile allure of paper. Ah, paper – a bibliophile's first love. Ever paused to ponder how these pages of yore evolved? Let us take a cheeky jaunt through the annals of paper history. From ancient Egyptians writing on papyrus (no relation to the nefarious Comic Sans sibling) to Chinese artisans perfecting the art on mulberry bark, paper's origins were as diverse as our beloved first editions. Enter the Middle Ages, where animal-based parchment and vellum reigned supreme. Oh, how Gutenberg must have agonized over...