The Efficent Life
Maisie Miller
Book Traces Assignment
9/30/15
The Book Traces assignment was intriguing, mysterious, and so interesting! I loved exploring the stacks of the library and even though the class had ended, I was left to explore for the following two hours. My findings were not always conclusive; however, and so I posted a variety of books on Book Traces to demonstrate marginalia.
My favorite find of marginalia for the assignment was inside a book titled “ The Efficient Life” by Luther H. Gulick, M.D., published by Doubleday, Page & Company in 1907. The book itself is health advice from a the director of physical training in the New York City Schools. It features, in its first couple of pages, images of Theodore Roosevelt in different modes of expression; as well as, a dedication to the president. My favorite chapters from this delightful book include: “The Attack on Constipation”; “Stimulants and Other Whips”, and “Pain-The Danger Signal”. Inside most chapters are underlined passages, most the text is already italicized, but further pencil markings assure significance. Whomever was leaving these traces, was in ill health for sure. The traces are throughout the book but, specially the ones shared with Book Traces, are on pages 105, 135, and 93. They are based on idea’s of health that haven’t progressed much by modern standards, which is interesting. (Pics below)
Another book with marginalia I shared with Book Traces was from “Poetical Works” by Alice and Pheobe Cary, published by Houghton, Mifflin and Company in 1882. I went directly to the poetry section of the library in hopes of finding some thoughtful notes inside. What I found in “Poetical Works”, was mostly just check marks, however, on pages 328-329, I encountered a couple favorites. Under the chapter deemed “Poems for Children”, someone has written names, check marks, alternative words and comments on the poems listed. I believe one name on 328 says “Johns” and another on page 329 “Mimi Coy”. Pursuing this lead, I tried to locate a Mimi Coy, and a John Coy, and other combinations of the name until I gave rest. There was no resolution, but the poems they love demonstrate their personalities I like to think. John loves greek heroes, as his favorite is Ajax, and Mimi Coy is perhaps being bullied in school? Without answers, there is only curiosity. (Pics Below)
The final book I shared with Book Traces was “The Best Play’s of the Old Dramatist John Ford” written by John Ford, complied and edited by Havelock Ellis. It was published in London, in 1888. The book is old, and worn. Pages are falling apart, and it is in need of repair. I will note that in the front cover there is a illegible name as well as a address for a book seller in Oxford. I shared page 346, where inside, the word “revenge” is underlined as well as rewritten. The book is heavily marginalized with stage directions, however I found this note to be of particular peculiarity. Was this a central idea to the character? Or a central idea to the reader? It is a play, and thus I expect that this was a theme present to the character, but maybe more imagination suggests the more dramatic idea of a vengeful reader reminded of a task at hand.(Pics below)
Throughout the stacks, I picked up and put back plenty of books that were full of marginalia but fell out of the time period we were allowed to pursue. However, I cant resist sharing my favorite find of the assignment although its publishing date falls a couple year too late. “Elizabethan Verse and Prose” selected and edited by George Reuben Potter was published in 1928 by Henry Holt and Company. On the first page, Ruth Mack Havens writes that she received this book from Raymond, during Christmas of 1928. She also writes that she is from New Paltz. Throughout the 615 page book, Havens writes long notes about each poet and highlights and annotates her favorite excerpts! Fascinating opinions and connections are demonstrated throughout her notes. Its almost like reading another book entirely!(Pics below)
LINKS TO MY BOOK TRACES:
http://www.booktraces.org/book-submission-the-efficient-life/
http://www.booktraces.org/book-submission-poetical-works/
http://www.booktraces.org/book-submission-the-best-plays-of-the-old-dramatist-john-ford/