Things that look like books

The bookcase shows a diversity of faux books
 in my collection.

This is a blog about the book as object. (See an introduction on the Overview page.) After researching book objects for over 20 years I feel that I can now introduce the scope of this broad and timely subject. But where to start? Please feel free to let me know if you are interested in any particular genre of book objects and I will respond with a post.

When one mentions book-objects to people they usually are reminded of the ubiquitous book safes and coin banks and are completely unaware of the myriad of historic and contemporary objects made in book form. The  bookcase in this photograph contains 19th and 20th century jewelry boxes, card games, office supply sets, sewing kits, book flasks, coal and stone books, book safes, and gags. Let me show you some of them...

This is a small snake book that fits in the palm of your hand. It's a gag.

Snake books and boxes have been popular in many countries since at least the mid 19th century.

When the unsuspecting victim opens the book, they are much surprised

by the scary snake. 19th century versions were made in a slightly different

format. They often had sharp metal tongues which bit the victim when they

opened the book.

 

This is a slate memorial book, front cover with an image of hands reaching

out to each other between heaven and earth and the caption "In God We Trust".

The back cover of the slate book is carved with

symbols of faith, hope and love.



This blook of Milton's Poems contains a book-shaped surprise... to be continued!