Thursday, April 12, 2007

The Harmsworth

Knitting suit from Harmsworth's Household Encyclopedia vol. 6

I recently scored this book for a ridiculously low price; I found it on a sale cart at a used book store, and the first article it fell open to was an article on taxidermy for amateurs. Too wonderful, I thought, and immediate a list of at least half a dozen people came to mind who had to see this (yes, I know people who are almost as, er, unique as I am). $2 and 2 hours later, I discovered what an amazing book this is! If civilisation ever collaspses, this is the book you want to have, absolutely. I found too many articles to mention, tons of recipes, instructions for furniture, fences, and wireless receivers, among other things. It's so wonderful I'm almost afraid to track down the other five volumes - I might never leave home again, my consciousness possessed by such volumes of wisdom from the turn of the 20th cent. I really do love old books.


Anyway, I found these lovely knitting patterns contained within, and thought I'd share them with you. I hope to post other fascinating tidbits from this book from time to time, and if there's anything you'd like me to look up in there, lemme know and I'll see what I can find and send you a scan. You'd be amazed what you find between the letters STR-Z in this book (like knitted suits!). Click to enlarge, folks, click to enlarge!



PS - I haven't knitted these up, but I thought some would find them interesting. Also notice, on the first page, the article on suicide - ha!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

My daughter and I recently acquired Vol 3 G-Med of the Harmsworth's Household Encyclopaedia in much the same way as jane. I was also thrilled by the possibilities of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. As another happy owner I don't need to go into it's many delights. I am about to try and buy a complete set for about £25 (UK). Seeing your wonderful volume 6 confirms my need to persue this. Thanks for sharing.

Jane said...

I'm pleased to have found another Harmsworth convert. Acquiring the entire set is also on my list of Things To Accomplish Before I Die.