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.
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Have a lovely weekend. Zzzzzzzzzz.
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.
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I had difficulty dragging myself away from the scenes of bucolic child-snatching myself, Chris. It can be all-consuming
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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.
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Anything that keeps us out of trouble can’t be bad I suppose. Although…
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Trouble is my middle name! Oh no, wait…
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Yes. We both know it is Ermintrude.
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Erm, here’s a clue it *does* start with a C. Although I do love Ermintrude. Too late to change to Nicholas E. Rossis?
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I thought the C was silent, no?
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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.
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It is that. I just tried it, and my tongue distincted itself into my left ear. Not a sensation I wish to repeat.
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Yes, that happens surprisingly often. Best keep it silent, then.
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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!
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You are entirely welcome! The camel is also grateful 😀
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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.
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Thanks for the tip, Tara! And the laughs! 🙂
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It’s my calling. I think…
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Nice resource. Like what you did with them! The Authoress’ Dilemma was really good.
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I thank you. And Eleanor will be immortalising you as a romantic hero shortly.
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LOL
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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! 😉
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Say it’s not the camel, Jan. Not the camel…
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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!
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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. 🙂
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But I couldn’t possibly risk doing anything with the smallest chance of success, Lorraine. It would ruin my literary legacy, no?
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Yes, I understand. These lower bars keep us humbled and in pain, always good for the literary sensibility.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Not just to ogle. Don’t forget they’re also for interfering with! Thanks for the reblog!
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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?
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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Not!
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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