In the eighteenth century, there was a literary fashion for ‘it’ novels or fiction narrated by speaking objects. Items from articles of clothing to furniture were given a voice to tell the story of the adventures of their life.
Inspired by our Book Conservation Appeal, which aims to restore and protect the rare and treasured volumes on the shelves at Chawton House Library, Dr. Helen Cole has written an ‘it’ article that we would like to share with you today. An independent scholar who has researched the Library collection extensively, here, Dr. Cole becomes one of the rare books in the archives, telling a story that goes far beyond the words printed on its pages.
‘Strength in Weakness’: The Life and Times of a Rare Book at Chawton House Library
We hope that the life and journey of this book will inspire many more donations to our appeal.
This article was featured in the latest edition of Jane Austen’s Regency World