Sunday, June 18, 2023

The Inner Sanctum

     A few weeks ago, John, from Seattle asked me to show some photographs of my library, and Marcia in New Hampshire said she'd like to see the artwork on the walls in my office, so this post is an attempt to satisfy two requests, and hopefully it will be of interest to others too.
     Let me start by showing the picture of Charles Darwin, my lifelong hero, who greets me at my desk each day, and continues to fill me with inspiration and wonder for the natural world.



      I prefer this picture, which shows the impressionable young Englishman about to embark on his voyage aboard The Beagle, rather than the more familiar image one sees of the older, bearded Darwin.
I too am old now, but I don't believe I have lost one scintilla of my zeal for nature, and the experience of it thrills me every bit as much today as it did when I was a curious child turning over rocks.
     There is going to be no particular order to this account, and basically it will follow the sequence of pictures I took, with a few words of explanation. 
     One bookcase is devoted to regional bird guides and the like, beginning as you might imagine, with Canada.


     Other regions of the world, particularly those where I have travelled in search of birds, occupy many shelves too.


     Here is a typical section of the crowded shelves, a soothing balm to a bibliophile like me!


     On the shelves the books are organized taxonomically so that all the references for different families of birds are grouped together.



     Various mementos, some I have acquired myself, but mostly gifts, are arranged in front of the families they represent. I can already see one in a picture above that is out of place. All that means is that I have moved the picture to get to a book behind it, and sooner or later it will be returned to its rightful place.




     Feathers verge on totemic for birders and I am pleased to have a wonderful selection of Sulphur-crested Cockatoo feathers to remind me of happy times spent in their company in Australia.


     Here is another picture to show how the books are taxonomically arranged.


     Moving out of the bird families various volumes deal with aspects of the avian life cycle common to all species.
     Migration, for example.....


     Anatomy and physiology.....


     The ancestral origins of birds, the fossil record, the beginnings of flight.....


     And many other topics having relevance to a multitude of species.....


     My primary interest is birds, but there is not a single component of the natural world that fails to fascinate and thrill me and my library reflects this simple truth.
     Mammals.....



     Insects.....





     Reptiles and amphibians.....


     Trees, wildflowers and fungi.....



     General interest, textbooks, biographies, scientific discussions, and so on.



     On and on it goes.....





     Here are a few more pictures to give an overall impression of my cherished space.


     It has been difficult to take photographs of the pictures on the walls, Marcia. The office has fluorescent lighting, and every time I stood in front of a picture the reflection was so visible you could barely make out the detail. So, I offer you a sideways view.


     Here you see the beautiful detail on an art quilt Miriam made for me of Barn Swallows, a species that garnered our attention for several years at SpruceHaven.


     A few more views.....







     At any given time a few books may be out on loan, and there will be others on the bedside table (Miriam claims I am the only person for whom night-time reading means books filled with charts, graphs and statistics!).
     My love affair with books, my passion for learning, are simply part of who I am. I wouldn't change that for anything.
     I hope that you enjoy this post Marcia and John, and I trust I have not wallowed in self indulgence. It has been fun doing it.


David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

73 comments:

  1. ...the office shows who you are well.

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  2. I am impressed, there are many books there i would like to own. Having said, that Miriam's swallow quilt is the favourite off all your photos. As Tom says your office certainly shows off who you are. Bisous mon ami Diane

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  3. Oh the wonder of your space, and all that feast of books. I was handed a book by Niece yesterday called "Migration" and I can hardly wait to dip into it.
    Love all the pics as well and the birds. Inspiring indeed.
    XO
    WWW

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  4. Thank you, David. You are so well organized on your shelves and your pictures truly reflect your love of birds. I can see you'll be able to squeeze in those new watercolors that you were sent that prompted my question. What quick work you made of my request - I'm honored.

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  5. Books have always been part of my life, and I love looking in at other people's libraries. I never trust people who don't have books in their homes! Huga, Valerie xxxxxx

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    1. The first time I ever went to Miriam's house after I met her, I noticed there were books everywhere. I was sold!

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  6. And the quilt from Miriam is fabulous! Hugs again! xxx

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  7. You have very many books, David. I have many books about plants, but nowhere near what you have of bird books. The art quilt Miriam has made is very beautiful. Great picture of Charles Darwin, and we both admire him!
    Hugs and kisses, Marit

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  8. What a wonderful space. I am certain that I could spend many happy hours delving into that library, and marvelling at the beauty on display.

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  9. Hi David - what a lovely way to satisfy Marcia's and John's request to view your study - yes Miriam's swallow quilt is truly incredible ... it's been great to see ... my books are a right jumble of my quizzy mind ... lovely and definitely inspirational. Thanks - happy summer days to you both - cheers Hilary

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  10. Imponująca biblioteka! Ja zbieram od niedawna książki o ptakach. Mam zaledwie dwie półki. Mam jeszcze jakieś albumy przyrodnicze, które kupiliśmy dawno temu. Zaczęłam ostatnio kupować w antykwariatach książki o ptakach z różnych stron świata i stare książki polskie. Ale nie dogonię Cię, choćbym żyła wiecznie! :-)

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  11. C'est une très grande et belle collection! J'ai beaucoup de livres de jardins mais pas autant. Bonne soirée

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  12. Un placer conocer tu oficina, me encantan los libros y me gustaría tener tantos como tu, yo tengo pocos, casi nada comparado con los tuyos. El tapiz que te hizo Miriam es precioso. Abrazos para los dos.

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  13. I loved this post sooooo much, David. I really enjoyed examining your photos and finding out about book titles unknown for me so far.
    I am a bibliophile too, and I have many books as well, mainly about insects and plants, but I also have a few bird ones as well. I think we'd be good friends!!

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    1. I think we already are good friends, Guillermo.

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  14. I was thrilled to read about your bird sanctuary. It is a beautiful room and reflects your love of both books and birds. I have book cases in almost every room in my house, but mine refer to art and famous artists. In my office I have an entire bookcase associated with statistics, so you are not the only one who studies charts and statistics. Love Miriam's beautiful Swallow quilt. Of course, I loved seeing all those birds, too, even though I have no idea what they all are.

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    1. We have hundreds of other books too, all over the house, novels,
      poetry, biographies, philosophy……and more.

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  15. You have a very well organized library. Wonderful collection of mementos. I like the quilt made by Miriam.

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  16. I knew you would have lots of books on birds, of course. Had a good idea I'd see books on all the rest, too. This was fun to see. All the beautiful art and sculptures, too. Wow! This room definitely looks like an extension of you. :)

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  17. It's great to take a peak into the inner sanction. You have a fantastic library, and very nice collection too. I like the carved Gannett and the loons too. Although they are all quite handsome pieces. I hope you had a great weekend and either red a good book or saw some amazing birds. hugs-Erika

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  18. Sigh. Reminds me of my English language non-fiction addiction. Years ago my daughter needed "Panda's Thumb" for an anthology class but all the copies were checked out of the college's library. She called her mother to moan and groan. You forgot to ask your mother for a copy, I told her.

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  19. You seem to have solved the dilemma faced by the poet Wordsworth:
    “Books! ’tis dull and endless strife:
    Come, hear the woodland linnet,
    How sweet his music! on my life,
    There’s more of wisdom in it.”
    You obviously can have both books and birds.

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  20. What a beautiful photo of Charles Darwin.
    I like this one much better than the picture that is known of him with his long beard.
    What a great workspace you have and so many books, neatly sorted together.
    Greetings Irma

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  21. Looks very impressive and I bet you know where each book is when you want to looks and read it and look out to anyone that moves anything :) Great collection and it's something that you love and what a great hobby to have...well done David.
    I do like the quilt Miriam did for you, it looks stunning.

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    1. Miriam always says that if she gets really angry with me one day she will rearrange them all by size and colour!

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  22. Your own library ! With personal items ! Perfect !
    Have a nice week !
    Anna

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  23. Hello,
    You have a great bird book collection, I like the art and figurines. Take care, have a great new week!

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  24. What an incredible wildlife sanctuary you have at your disposal David but I have a question that I would like to put to you as I am sure that you will either know the answer or have it on your shelves. We have a little bird in our garden that resembles a Great Tit - Parus major, but its markings are wrong. It has too much white on its tail and wings, however, it is a delight to watch flitting around the garden. Do you think that it could be a genetic variation?

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    1. Hello, Rosemary: I have a great monograph on Great Tit, in the Hamlyn Species Guide series, where it clearly states that individuals within a population may differ markedly. Genetic origin and diet both influence plumage as does the age of the bird. We should always remember that just as there are individual differences in humans, there may be similar anomalies in birds. Excessive tracts of white may indicate a condition called leucism, which reflects the inability of the bird to deposit melanin. I cannot be sure, but I would suspect that your bird is "normal" with enhanced white on the tail and wings. It would be interesting to be able to colour mark the bird and see whether these conditions persist following the next moult.

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    2. Thanks David that is great information which I appreciate.

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  25. Your personal library rivals the volume of our small local library. Amazing.
    The barn swallows quilt is a lovely piece.

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  26. your office/library is a paradise for you and a snapshot of who you are. make that several snapshots. You will never have a moment of boredom with all you have there. thanks for sharing these with us, we know you much better now. the quilt on the wall is amazing to me and perfect for you

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  27. What an amazing collection! It reminds me of my heyday of storytelling when my housevwas stuffed with books of tales, folklore, mythology, etc. Since retiring from that profession, I have downsized considerably, not without some pain. Your knowledge of birds is surely formidable.

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  28. A very nice big library and a beautiful collection of birds and art David. Very beautiful. I have a little collection books. Have a nice week.

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  29. Your library actually looks a lot like my library except bigger and more books! Oh, and I do love that Darwin picture. Wonderful stuff!

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  30. Having 'known' you for several years, David, I am delighted to see, at last, your library-cum-study. I am impressed (but not surprised) by the extent of your library, and even more impressed by the tidiness of the place! My den is a tip!

    Sorry for the late visit - I managed to escape to Norfolk (UK, not USA!) for four days. I was mainly seeking insects but saw some great birds too..

    My very best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard

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    1. Four days in Norfolk seems very good to me. I'll look forward to your blog posts.

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  31. What an impressive library and personal space. Very nice, David.

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  32. Wow..I hope you never move..That's quite an impressive library..I can't imagine that there is anything known about birds is not included in it's books...You put me to shame as I almost never read..Love the picture of Darwin and Miriams barn swallow quilt is amazing..Love the colors..Enjoy your week..

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  33. Mis libros mayormente, son de obras de literatura reconocida, que compré un día para leerla, tranquilamente en mi casa.

    Un abrazo

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  34. My goodness! You have an impressive library.

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  35. Your library reflects your passions, David. Birds, insects, psychology, so many interesting things! Excellent library.

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  36. So many books on birds! And you do have a fabulous library. By the way, that young Darwin looks quite charming.

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  37. Hello David,
    Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely love this post. In all my years of blogging … going back to 2011 … this is the first time a fellow blogger has published a post especially in response to a request from me. As I expected, I am totally amazed. As I sit here thinking about a response, it occurs to me that I have been lucky to have found your blog because you are unique in yet another way … Well, there are a multitude of blogs published by people who consider themselves nature lovers, and especially birders, and yet they don’t really have an exceptionally high level of knowledge about the subjects. Not only do you have that knowledge, but also, you are so open to comments and ready to answer questions, not only on Travels With Birds, but also on fellow bloggers' posts.

    I admire your organization! I smiled when you referred to your library/study as a “cherished space.” To me, that is a perfect way to think of the space.

    Looking through the post, it occurs to me that I need to bookmark the post, and save a link to it for future reference. For example, something might pique my curiosity about butterflies and I could do a Google search for books about butterflies. But, with your knowledge of nature, you’ve already done that and, if you found them worth purchase, that is a good enough recommendation for me. So, I’m depending on “the cloud” to keep this post available for future reference! 😊

    Your art is wonderful and the Barn Swallows blanket is a treasure. Love the way you have the various mementos on the shelves. What a delight to see the framed photo with quote by Chief Seattle 😊 “ … If the beasts were gone, we would die from a great loneliness of spirit.”

    Your library is truly impressive. Thank you, David, for sharing all, and kindest regards from Seattle. Take care, my friend.
    John

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    1. Thanks very much for this detailed comment, John. Glad you enjoyed the post.

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  38. wow You are really a well organized person, David. I love that art quilt.

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  39. I am glad you love so much nature and animals. I see you have books about ants, spiders and wasps: many people hate them. Believe me, I respect them a lot and we I can I feed them. For instance I always put water (low level) for the wasps. Few years ago a spider lived in my bedroom and we became friends; his name was Ugo. After 1 and half year he passed away....

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  40. Very impressive. I love this space too. It feels peaceful.

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  41. Thanks for sharing your collection!

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  42. Interesting library. I like that emerald green carpet.

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  43. Una casa sin libros es como un jardín sin flores. Me gusta vuestra casa y tu biblioteca .Me encanta leer David. Precioso el detalle de la colcha de Miriam hizo con las golondrinas.
    Os deseo buena semana.
    Un abrazo.

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  44. what an amazing library you have. I lost about 75% of my art and design books when the house flooded, fortunately the glass related books were higher up and spared.

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  45. Bonjour David
    What an office David, a real workshop and a great source of information. I recognized a guide that I also own ;-) East Africa!
    I'll say it again, English-language literature is a fountainhead.
    Darwin was a handsome man!!!
    Hugs

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  46. Oh wow! A treasure trove! Love your header.

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  47. Your library clearly shows your passion, David. I am very fascinated by it. As someone who has been a passionate reader since I was able to make out letters and put them into words, I can completely understand that this is your cherished place - how could it not. Beside the books I love all the little items and art that share the space. Miriam's quilt is wonderful - I'm lacking the words to truly express what I mean. This is something very special. What a beautiful place you have created here, David.

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  48. Big investment.
    Valuable library by theme.

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  49. I'm so glad you did this, David. I love stepping into peoples' worlds, their sacred spaces, their libraries. It is the library of a dedicated naturalist. I wish you'd known my friend John Schimmel -- he was the same and you would have been great friends. I love your art too, of course, and seeing your beautifully organized shelves!

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  50. Dear David,
    that was an interesting look into your workroom. I have to admit, the sight doesn't surprise me. If someone had asked me "How do you imagine David's library or office?" the picture I would have drawn of it would have come very close to reality. We too have quite a few books in our house (although we've switched to e-books a few years ago due to space constraints, which is probably sacrilegious for book lovers) - but only a small percentage of these are non-fiction. It seems to me that you don't need novels, because books about birds and other nature are exciting enough for you.
    You wrote me in your last comment "Sorry again for being a poor blogger." You do not have to apologize. If anyone is a poor blogger, it's me. At the moment I can only do a maximum of two posts per month because of some other projects and because of the summer heat etc. and also not much more frequent visits to the blogs of you and other friends. That will probably change again, but I don't want to pressure myself, and I hope you don't feel pressured by blogging either 😊.
    Warm summer greetings 🌸☀️🌸 and all the best, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/06/meine-erlebnisse-und-outfits-im.html

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  51. I enjoyed this post. A lovely look into the inner sanction.

    All the best Jan

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  52. I love seeing your library and imagining spending time there. I love books and my dining room is my library with just a round table and two chairs...and lots of books! Love your birds on top of the bookcases and your art. Everything is perfect!

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  53. This was a lovely visit to your library - thank you.

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  54. Extraordinary collection of books.
    I enjoyed getting to know your office, it shows your great love for nature.

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  55. You have a beautiful library, with a large number of books, some of which I have, since it is not so easy to access books in English, although for obvious reasons they are more comfortable for me in my native language, as well as those of mi país are not usually published in other languages, or at best they are bilingual.
    I also have many books, although not as many as you. Before I had my own place, but a few years ago I moved and I only have my library in a place for multiple uses; You gave me an idea to show my books, although I don't know if anyone would be interested. Kind regards

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