That sounds awfully highfalutin, doesn’t it? I mean, it’s Saturday morning. Who wants to read about the history of publishing at this hour of a bank holiday weekend?
Don’t worry. I wouldn’t do it to you. I just thought I might share some resource news with you before I go into hibernation, because the clocks are going back on Saturday, all the leaves will be off the trees by Monday, and because, well, Ireland.
I read recently that the British Library made over 1,000,000 images (taken from old books) free to any and all users on the marvellous Interweb. It’s a fantastic resource for bloggers in particular, and I couldn’t resist fiddling around with some of them. So in the interests of passing on this marvellous information, here we go.
**********
**********
*********
Have a lovely weekend. Zzzzzzzzzz.
Tara Sparling writes 
What a fantastic resource. Charles Spencer’s The Modern Bicycle book cover still looks fresh and current even in 2015. Bet there’s images of David Coverdale too.
That’s my weekend used up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had difficulty dragging myself away from the scenes of bucolic child-snatching myself, Chris. It can be all-consuming
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, isn’t that nice? Thanks for that – I think my blog is about to get a face lift…
Now, off to download 1,000,000 illustrations. Won’t take long, I’m sure.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Anything that keeps us out of trouble can’t be bad I suppose. Although…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Trouble is my middle name! Oh no, wait…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes. We both know it is Ermintrude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erm, here’s a clue it *does* start with a C. Although I do love Ermintrude. Too late to change to Nicholas E. Rossis?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought the C was silent, no?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s actually a click, like in some of those African languages. You twist your tongue 56 degrees and smack your lips while slapping the tongue against your tonsils. It’s a very distinctive C.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is that. I just tried it, and my tongue distincted itself into my left ear. Not a sensation I wish to repeat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that happens surprisingly often. Best keep it silent, then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The camel illustration reminded me that I worked with the first woman to become chair(person) of The Reform Club…Geoffrey the Camel looks like he’s headed that way with his very own in-80-days-around-the-world master. What a great resource this is going to be, thanks for alerting us to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are entirely welcome! The camel is also grateful 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Stories from the Hearth and commented:
What an amazing resource WP blogger Tara Sparling has alerted us to here – just had a peek at the children’s book illustrations uploaded by those diligent British Library people. Marvellous stuff! Thank you so much Tara.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the tip, Tara! And the laughs! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my calling. I think…
LikeLike
Nice resource. Like what you did with them! The Authoress’ Dilemma was really good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thank you. And Eleanor will be immortalising you as a romantic hero shortly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
A million thanks for this Tara! 😀 The British Library (& Museum) is one of my favourite things on the planet but I completely missed this :$ Also I now have an image for my mum’s birthday card! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Say it’s not the camel, Jan. Not the camel…
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
She’s done it again – web trend-setter Tara Sparling ( 😛 ) spreads some joy, courtesy of the British Library!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hilarious. I think you could just make a career change with these: give up writing in longform, and go into the Gary Larson type card/calendar/comics biz. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
But I couldn’t possibly risk doing anything with the smallest chance of success, Lorraine. It would ruin my literary legacy, no?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I understand. These lower bars keep us humbled and in pain, always good for the literary sensibility.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are we allowed to sue you for time consumed owing to the information so wantonly disseminated in your post? I like the Improved Stickphast’s Office Paste (double strength). Cheaper, cleaner, & sticks much harder than gum. Warranted not to turn sour. Made of finest wheaten flour. The illustration is rather worrying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are allowed to sue, Hilary. Just as long as you use my lawyer & pay up front. I also use that paste, by the way. I hold the patent. If you mention it online, you have to pay me 70,000 euro.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on bhalsop and commented:
The Irish Wonder wondered again and came up with a wonderful resource and laughter inducer for everyone to ogle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not just to ogle. Don’t forget they’re also for interfering with! Thanks for the reblog!
LikeLike
What’s the meaning of this Sparling? I saw this on FB yesterday and said “Hurrah! I’ll read this witty and lengthy post tomorrow while I try to catch up with the hour. I find that it is brief, informative and useful. Three things you usually forgo in favour of entertainment value. What’s going on?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a hangover, Conor. I can become terribly responsible with one. But don’t worry, I’m not going to make a habit of it. My next post is a 3,000 word diatribe about overuse of the word ‘so’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tara, love your take on responsible blogging with a hangover.
SO, hope you have snuggly hibernation that doesn’t leave us out in the cold for too long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish, Jean! I have to come back out tomorrow to work. Measliest hibernation in history. I might have to console myself with images of women forced to stay at home. Or maybe not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
LikeLiked by 1 person