Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book
by Terry Jones
Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book isn't for everyone, however if you've been contemplating what gift to get for a young fairy enthusiast this Christmas and you think it is time to broaden their perspective on fairy's, Angelica Cottington's book may be just what you were looking for.
For those with concerns that the fairy's are hurt during the pressing process the RSPCF (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Fairies) encouraged the publisher to make it very clear to Lady Cottington's readers that this was not the case.
Your young book recipient may need a little help understanding how the fairy's get pressed without getting hurt and just what a psychic impression is, as well as why fairy's leave
visible psychic impressions. The important part is that the fairy's don't get hurt when they're squished.
The preface covers Lady Cottington's pressing process and a bit about Angelica Cottington's life and how her pressed fairy book came to be published.
When Angelica wrote the first entry in her book she is rather young, as you can tell from her hand writing and spelling errors.
As she gets older her handwriting and spelling improve. Can you imagine having to learn to write using a nib or fountain pen?
The artwork is truly stunning throughout the pages. It makes me want to try my hand at watercolours.
Near the end of her book Lady Cottington captured some fairy's in a more natural state of dress and she has very politely sealed this section.
This section may be what decides you on the suitability - or not - of this fascinating diary as a gift. If you are not the parent of the intended recipient it is probably best to check with them first.
{Sealed by Lady Cottington for the protection of the innocent.}
My edition came with it's own squished fairy bookmark. Although her name is not given she can be identified from within the pages of the book.
An enchanting story set at the turn of the 20th Century, Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book will challenge all your idea's about sweet little ladies and innocent fairy's. It strays from the traditional view of fairy lore while giving a very traditional ambiance.
Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book is a visual feast full of cheeky comments and imagery that turned this publication into a classic almost overnight.
A book is always a great gift but this one will have the imagination working overtime and would be even better paired with a blank notebook, calligraphy pen and some watercolours.
Angelica display's many lady like abilities garnered from her fairy squishing adventures, patience, perseverance, a refined ability in the art of handwriting, discretion, an uncommon intelligence and more besides.
The debate as to whether fairy squishing is a lady like or not is still fiercely argued both for and against. What is your stance on the matter? Is fairy squishing a suitable past time for a young lady?
If you're new to Fairy Merry Christmas be sure to check out yesterday's fairy creative
wine bottle gifting idea over at
Sarah Celebrates.
Fairy Merry Christmas is having a break for Thanksgiving day and the next fairy stop is with Beverly at
Across the Blvd.
Where ever did you find this book?! It looks amazing and would be a wonderful gift. Maybe I'll get my watercolors out again . . . Thank you so much for sharing this us!
ReplyDeleteI think I may have picked mine up at a charity shop, but they are available online. I believe it was re-released with some additional content of Lady Cottington in retirement, mine is the earlier edition though so I didn't like to comment on the newer version.
DeleteThat book is amazing, Stella! I love the worn leather of the cover, and the watercolors adorable. Thanks for sharing it
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful. It's not real leather of course, just a great picture, but I love the look nonetheless.
Deletewow how awesome is this! I had no idea what this book was about and I love it! the artwork you show is so beautiful and quirkily fun :) (new word there). Thanks for sharing and I see this is a book I need for the granddaughter - she will LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteI'm up with 'quirkily fun'! But be prepared. This book is much more awesome then I've shown here.
DeleteOh wow what a fabulous book. I love that no fairies were hurt when pressed in the book. The illustrations look beautiful and very contemporary given how old they are. It would make a lovely present xx
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of grown up 'youngsters' who would be happy to get this as a present too.
DeleteSo, I know we talked about your fairy squishing book a few times... Until I just read your post I never realized what it was about! Flower pressing, fairy pressing.. Hilarious! I'm intrigued and may have to pick this up.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good read as well as being full of pretty fairy's. It's not an easy book to explain in just words.
DeleteWhat a delightful book and I enjoyed reading your post about it. I learned a few things about fairy pressing!
ReplyDeleteI think the hardest part is finding where the fairies hang out.
DeleteThis is was an awesome post :) Thank you so much for sharing! I love books and this is one I would love to add to my collection.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great addition to any bookshelf, and it's worth reading more then once.
DeleteWhat a clever book. Love the "psychic impressions"--beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCool fairy book!
ReplyDeleteI have had this book for a long time! Thanks for posting. Hello from Treasure Box Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI wish someone had given me a book like this when I was young.
ReplyDeleteMe too, but I don't think it had been written yet.
Delete