(206 pages, 162×132mm)

A fascinating collection of poems, prose and illustrations by an array of different, and consistently talented, authors and artists. Compiled in a beautiful leather bound book with gilt edge pages.

The entries begin in 1892, and I think that the last entry is from 1920. I know very little about this book, other than that it must have been somebody’s prize possession. So much care has been taken to curate and compile the thoughts and inspirations from people that obviously meant a lot to the owner of the book.

The name and address of the book’s owner seems to be Anne O’Rorke, of 9 Magdala Road, Nottingham. I’ve tried to do a little research and Anne seems to have owned a hotel with her husband William Joseph. The hotel appears to have been called ‘The Drift’. There are recurring authors of entries, including the Whitakers of Rainworth Lodge in Nottinghamshire. Joseph Whitaker was a well-known naturalist and the local secondary School was named after him.