Bibliophilia: A Heap O' Livin'

This book is a little different for me. I picked it up today, on the strength of the title and the attractive little volumes (I got both in first edition bindings). But even at the bookstore as I flipped through looking at the verses I was charmed with them. 

I'm experimenting - all the photos in this post were shot with my cell phone camera, and a helpful app. Camera+ 2 gives me the ability to control my phone camera like I'm shooting the DSLR on manual, without having to lug and set up the big camera... I'm enjoying the freedom!

I picked up both books at the only remaining used book store in my area - Dollar Book Swap. You guessed it, all their books are a dollar.

For being more than a hundred years old they are in great shape. Sadly, this means they were living on a shelf unread for all these years.

In my first impressions of this hitherto unknown-to-me poet, I'd have said he was definitely an American. Who else would pen verses on hoping to be a man the American flag could be proud of? Imagine my delight and surprise on discovering he was an immigrant! He came to the US, per his biography, at the impressionable age of 10 from Great Britain. Looking at his work I can say he certainly threw himself into the feeling of his new home heart and soul. It reminds me of Sarah Hoyt and her USAian story, and of Kate Paulk and her citizenship - which I was proud to be in the audience for. These little books endeared themselves to me in a matter of moments. 

Also, this dedication! My heart...

A patriotic verse, which seem to be frequent themes in Edgar Guest's work. Also, keep in mind when this was written - as we trembled on the brink of the Great War.

As both a mother and an author this resonated with me.

I know that conventions in my mind are not what he means here, but conventions are where I get to see my stick-together family! Bonded by love more than blood.

There are a few of his poems available online, like this ode of 'Only a Dad.'

It's not the great poetry, but it has heart. If some of it is doggerel, well, there's nothing wrong with that from time to time. Most of his work seems to be short, but poignant. I prefer shorter poems with more punch than the neverending lays of some poets I could name. 

And I am very happy with my whim of buying these little books. I'll come back to Just Folks another time, all the photos above are from Heap O' Livin.'