Magnificent Books

AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis

Sotheby's of London is holding an auction of the Magnificent Books, Manuscripts and Drawings from the Collection of Frederick, 2nd Lord Hesketh on Dec. 7, 2010. Included in that collection is this extraordinary book of illustrations  Birds of America by John James Audubon. This rare book includes 435 hand-colored prints, made from engravings of Audubon's illustrations. It measures more than 3 feet by 2 feet (90 centimeters by 60 centimeters) because Audubon wanted to paint the birds life size. The book of four volumes is estimated to sell for 6 million pounds ($9.25 million) at auction.

Wouldn't you love to get a closer look?

The Reader

The Reader by Fragonard

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.

                                                          Chinese Proverb

I love books almost as much as I love art. These two passions consume my time and my money. I am never without a book on my bedside table; in fact, there is a stack of books several feet high on the floor, all waiting to be read. There is bad weather in the forecast for this weekend and you can be sure that I'll have my nose in a book, and it won't be an e-book. I love the feel and smell of books. They have been my constant friend and companion. I have many favourites but some that have left a lingering essence in my psyche include: The Bell Jar, Anna Karenina, Little Women, Charlotte's Web, Heidi, The Fountainhead, Mrs. Dalloway, Emma, Tess of the Duberville....

What are you reading? Do you have any favourites to share with me?