Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - November - 2005 Issue
Gardens and Landscapes from Charles Wood
Guidebook to famed Kew Gardens.
For those of you whose collections lack a catalogue on asphalt, there is Seyssel natural asphalte. The only material as yet discovered capable of producing perfect streets and sidewalks. Judging by the condition of most roads and sidewalks today, no other such perfect material has been discovered since. This 1873 catalogue was published by James Callender, described as the "sole agent for the United States" for this French product. Asphalt produced from the mines of Seyssel has been used in European roads for around three centuries, but we are unsure whether Callender was successful in making many sales in America. Item 22. $135.
The Trustees of Reservations of Massachusetts is not very well known, not even in its home state, but they are an outstanding environmental organization that has purchased and set aside tracts of land to be preserved in a natural state. As a onetime member when I lived in Massachusetts, I can personally attest to their good work. Item 147 is only their Second Annual Report of the Trustees of Public Reservations, 1892. The report includes 25 pages of listings of public open spaces in the state, and seven pages of scenic pictures. $150.
Kew Gardens is the common name for the British Royal Botanical Gardens. It is both a beautiful site and home to an extensive collection of plant life. It has been a popular attraction for a long, long time. Item 105 is one of the many guidebooks that have been published for this park. From the 1860s, it is called Kew Gardens; the pleasure grounds and park. A hand-book guide for visitors. It describes many of the structures then in place at the Gardens. At the time, it cost a penny. Today, $175.
The Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland covers 285 acres and is today "home" to over 100,000 residents. It is as much park as burial ground. Among those who reside, but do not live there, are John D. Rockefeller, Eliot Ness, and the subject of this publication, President James A. Garfield. Actually, this is more a description of the huge memorial to President Garfield than the President himself. Published in 1889, eight years after he was assassinated, item 177 describes the structure, its design, and the selection process that chose this massive memorial to the once very popular president. The title is Historic and descriptive sketch of the Garfield Memorial, at Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio. $125.
You may find Charles Wood Antiquarian Booksellers and an online version of this catalogue at www.cbwoodbooks.com. Their phone number is 617-868-1711.
