A book meme.
Well, I didn't think it would happen to me, but it has, I've been tagged twice, by Cindy at Woodsong, for a book meme, and Pamela at Thomasburg Walks, for the personal meme. I have a shrewd idea that I am quite a bit older than the general run of bloggers, and my memes will reflect that.
I can't remember not being able to read, so that makes it 65 years plus of reading, of course when I was young we didn't have the diversions young people have nowadays, and reading was my preoccupation.
Total number of books I own/owned.
The count stands now at about 700, plus a large number of natural history magazines. A great number are reference books, plus a few favourite novels and biographical works. Some time ago several boxes full of unwanted titles went to the recycling bin, leaving me with the ones I really value.
5 books that have influenced me a lot.
1. The first book I remember reading was The Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann David Wyss, 1812. I read it and re-read it till the covers fell off, very far fetched, but made to order for a small boy born with an interest in nature and a love of the bush.
2. Satchmo, My Life in New Orleans, by Louis Armstrong. An introduction into the world of the early jazz musicians, and the first of many books on my favourite music.
3. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia, by Graham Pizzey, my birding bible.
4. A Key to the Eucalypts, by W F Blakely, first published 1934, updated 1965, an early work on the identification of the members of the genus Eucalyptus, and one that continues to surprise with the accuracy of the author's observations. The book that led me into my first botanical study.
5. A Handbook to Plants in Victoria, Vols. 1 & 2, by James Hamlyn Willis, 1972. The books that took me further into the study of the flora of my home state, now looking "well used"!
The last book I bought.
Eagles Hawks and Falcons of Australia, by Dr. David Hollands. The 2003 updated edition of his wonderful 1984 book on Australia's birds of prey.
The last book I read for the first time.
Meetings with Remarkable Trees, by Thomas Pakenham, a celebration of the UK's ancient trees.
I can't remember not being able to read, so that makes it 65 years plus of reading, of course when I was young we didn't have the diversions young people have nowadays, and reading was my preoccupation.
Total number of books I own/owned.
The count stands now at about 700, plus a large number of natural history magazines. A great number are reference books, plus a few favourite novels and biographical works. Some time ago several boxes full of unwanted titles went to the recycling bin, leaving me with the ones I really value.
5 books that have influenced me a lot.
1. The first book I remember reading was The Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann David Wyss, 1812. I read it and re-read it till the covers fell off, very far fetched, but made to order for a small boy born with an interest in nature and a love of the bush.
2. Satchmo, My Life in New Orleans, by Louis Armstrong. An introduction into the world of the early jazz musicians, and the first of many books on my favourite music.
3. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia, by Graham Pizzey, my birding bible.
4. A Key to the Eucalypts, by W F Blakely, first published 1934, updated 1965, an early work on the identification of the members of the genus Eucalyptus, and one that continues to surprise with the accuracy of the author's observations. The book that led me into my first botanical study.
5. A Handbook to Plants in Victoria, Vols. 1 & 2, by James Hamlyn Willis, 1972. The books that took me further into the study of the flora of my home state, now looking "well used"!
The last book I bought.
Eagles Hawks and Falcons of Australia, by Dr. David Hollands. The 2003 updated edition of his wonderful 1984 book on Australia's birds of prey.
The last book I read for the first time.
Meetings with Remarkable Trees, by Thomas Pakenham, a celebration of the UK's ancient trees.
posted by Duncan at
1:47 PM
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