Finished 8-11-11, rating 5/5 , Quotations, 82 pages, pub. 2007

As I was walking around our Border’s I saw this little gem on the Bargain shelves for $3.99 but with an additional 25% off, I could not pass it up and you shouldn’t either.  I love books of quotes.  I have quite a few but this one is different.  This one has the most charming illustrations.  Stoddart has done several of these keepsake books, but this is the first I’ve seen.  Visit her website and click on Portfolio, then you can click on each book to scroll through some of the illustrations.  They are gorgeous.

The quotes are some of your favorites and some that I’m sure will be new to you. She also includes snippets from books like Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Little Women and others.  Even authors like Agatha Christie and PG Wodehouse make appearances.  These are older and more British than some other books of this type.    There are 5 sections and I’ll include a favorite from each one.

Part I The Nature of Love

The absolute yearning of one human body for another particular one and its indifference to substitutes is one of life’s major mysteries.

Iris Murdoch (1918-1999) The Black Prince 

Part II The Pursuit of Love

I am in love and I want to grow pale; I am in love and I want to suffer; I am in love, and I give away my genius in exchange for a kiss.

Alfred de Musset (1810-1857) La Nuit d’Aout 

Courtship to marriage, as a very witty prologue to a very dull play.

William Congreve (1670-1729) The Old Bachelor

Part III  Love & Marriage

When you’re away, I’m restless, lonely,

Wretched, bored, dejected; only

Here’s the rub, my darling dear,

I feel the same when you are near.

Samuel Hoffenstein (1890-1947)

Part IV  The Love Affair

 Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.

Rose Franken (1896-1988) Another Claudia

Love is like linen, often changed, the sweeter

Phineas Fletcher (1580-1650) Sicelides

Part V Last Words on Love

And what do all the great words come to in the end, but that?-

I love you – I am at rest with you – I have come home.

Dorothy l Sayers (1893-1957) Busman’s Honeymoon 

 I highly recommend this book and think it would make a great gift.  I look forward to tracking down the other two anthologies by Stoddart.

There’s still a few days to participate in this week’s quiz.  There a special prize for one lucky participant.