The Bodleian Library Bücher

This charming and quirky children's grammar book first appeared in 1824 as one of several beautifully hand-coloured instructional texts published by John Harris in his "Cabinet of Amusement and Instruction." There are a series of larger-than-life characters in the book, including Mr. Stops, Counsellor Comma, and the hero, Young Robert, humorously bring its lessons to life with witty and amusing verse such as: 'See, how Semicolon is strutting with pride; Into two or more parts he'll a sentence divide." There are lively and colourful engravings that infuse the book with an entertaining spirit, while also reinforcing the lessons laid out in its cheerful rhymes.It is evident to see how a child would have enjoyed learning about grammar through 'Punctuation Personified', as its simple but instructive verse and vibrant illustrations skilfully open up a fresh world of knowledge. This new edition, featuring a modern introduction, will delight and amuse readers of all ages.

In June 1940, Hitler ordered his generals to organize the invasion of Britain under a plan codenamed Operation Sealion, drawing up a complex set of documents, consisting of maps, aerial photographs, a physical description of the British Isles. This book reproduces a selection of these documents in a handy-sized format.

Jones’ Icones is a stunning six-volume manuscript containing paintings of some of the most notable butterfly and moth collections at the end of the eighteenth century. It is the work of William Jones (1745–1818), a wealthy wine merchant from Chelsea who, on retirement, devoted the rest of his life to studying and painting butterflies and moths. Held in the archives of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the volumes contain over 1,500 ink and gouache paintings representing 760 species from around the world. This set of three soft cover notebooks draws from this beautiful collection of images. Nature lovers and writers will rejoice at the high-quality lined paper and saddle stitching, which makes these notebooks perfect tools for on-the-go observation of the natural world.

'Bilbo comes to the Huts of the Raft-elves' is an illustration made for The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1937. In it you can see Bilbo sitting on top of a barrel as it floats down the forest river. He and the Dwarves (who are hidden inside the barrels) have just escaped from the Elvenking. This was Tolkien's favourite watercolour for the book and he was disappointed to find that it had been omitted from the first American edition.Designed to be easily portable or to fit in a small bag, with ruled pages and handy ribbon marker, this stunning journal uniquely features Tolkien's exquisite illustration on both front and back covers. A must for all Tolkien enthusiasts.

As World War II ended, British servicemen were dispatched to France to aid in the liberation and recovery of the war-torn nation, accompanied by a crucial guidebook. This pamphlet, a sequel to the successful Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942, provides a unique perspective on soldiers' experiences during the war. It emphasizes the shared culture and history between Britain and France, highlighting their common goal of defeating Hitler. The guide instructs British soldiers on navigating French customs and cautions against misconceptions, such as assuming that a friendly French woman has romantic intentions, which could jeopardize relations. It includes a pronunciation guide, useful phrases, and a stark depiction of the diseases and poverty afflicting the French populace. This pamphlet captures the nuanced dynamics of Anglo-French relations during the conflict with both intimacy and humor, revealing intriguing aspects of life beyond the battlefield. Essential for historians and enthusiasts alike, this small document offers profound insights into its time.