“Ex libris” is a Latin term that translates to “from the library of.” It refers to the practice of adorning one’s books with a symbol of personal connection or belonging.
Amazing stuff! I bet I would have staggered out with a big haul of books. It looks like she had great taste. There's nothing like a person's bookshelves to tell you what kind of person they are. And P.S. I envy you these estate sales on your doorstep.
Great article! I've always had a soft spot for the quieter actresses who didn't get to be idolised as movie queens yet still had all the love and respect from the audience they deserved so seeing this insight into her private life was truly fascinating and brought home to me what an interesting person she was to know as well as appreciate on screen. The Collector has always been one of my favourite films too, both for the story and the fact she was in it. I also think that intriguing book signing you shared is by two people as the Y especially in 'you' is much softer below than the top usage.
Thanks, Skyangel! The difference in 'Y's is really noticeable, but the other letters and the ink all seem to match. It’s all a bit of a mystery, but at least it keeps us guessing.
What an impressive haul. I remember The Collector (the movie) well; although I've only seen it once it's a story that stays with you, and inspired me to read the John Fowles novel. I also remember Samantha Eggar who was also in a rather less highbrow (but favourite) movie, Demon Seed (1977). Watch it again now and see how eerily it predicts the rise of AI. In a sense SF has failed, since we're all stumbling headlong toward the coming dystopia with open arms and goofy, witless Eloi grins!
(I saw that book title as ALIEN Jones at first. Now that's one I'd read)...
Aagh, you're right! Of all the parallel realities in all the Multiverse, she walks into mine... That'll teach me to surf continuums without remembering where I parked. Ironically, in this one I'm some kind of detective! Definitely time to watch that movie again.
Another fascinating glimpse down one of pop culture's many intersecting byways, Steve. Eggar always had a unique screen presence. I remember her as much from The Collector and The Brood, as from her umpteen appearances on classic 70s TV like Columbo, Starsky & Hatch and Hawaii Five-O. A terrific haul, but I'm eagerly waiting for the official Steve Cook Archive Tour (SCAT), where we can view your own collection up close and personal!
Ooh, what a wonderful thing to be able to do. For better or for worse, it's The Brood that stuck in my mind from her eclectic career. Thanks for the odd shaped window into a fascinating life.
I was about to write that her Ex Libris design immediately put me in mind of… Robert Eggers, the filmmaker, and his The Lighthouse in particular. And then of course the confluence in their names leaps out at me! How curious!!
What a beautiful thing - to be allowed into somebody’s inner world of books and thinking. I feel less guilty about my own book addiction, Steve; and now understand the original purpose of a book plate. And her book plate: wow… my next ambition, to have my own book plate; something as gorgeous as the one shown. We sail such wondrous, if sometimes dark and threatening seas, Steve. Need to remember it’s all part of the one big journey. Thank you…
Amazing stuff! I bet I would have staggered out with a big haul of books. It looks like she had great taste. There's nothing like a person's bookshelves to tell you what kind of person they are. And P.S. I envy you these estate sales on your doorstep.
Dave - you wouldn't have been able to resist, she had some amazing books. We resisted quite well, amazingly!
Great article! I've always had a soft spot for the quieter actresses who didn't get to be idolised as movie queens yet still had all the love and respect from the audience they deserved so seeing this insight into her private life was truly fascinating and brought home to me what an interesting person she was to know as well as appreciate on screen. The Collector has always been one of my favourite films too, both for the story and the fact she was in it. I also think that intriguing book signing you shared is by two people as the Y especially in 'you' is much softer below than the top usage.
Thanks, Skyangel! The difference in 'Y's is really noticeable, but the other letters and the ink all seem to match. It’s all a bit of a mystery, but at least it keeps us guessing.
What an impressive haul. I remember The Collector (the movie) well; although I've only seen it once it's a story that stays with you, and inspired me to read the John Fowles novel. I also remember Samantha Eggar who was also in a rather less highbrow (but favourite) movie, Demon Seed (1977). Watch it again now and see how eerily it predicts the rise of AI. In a sense SF has failed, since we're all stumbling headlong toward the coming dystopia with open arms and goofy, witless Eloi grins!
(I saw that book title as ALIEN Jones at first. Now that's one I'd read)...
Thanks, Marlowe! One thing I should mention though, Demon Seed was Julie Christie, unless Samantha Eggar was also in the film.
Aagh, you're right! Of all the parallel realities in all the Multiverse, she walks into mine... That'll teach me to surf continuums without remembering where I parked. Ironically, in this one I'm some kind of detective! Definitely time to watch that movie again.
Another fascinating glimpse down one of pop culture's many intersecting byways, Steve. Eggar always had a unique screen presence. I remember her as much from The Collector and The Brood, as from her umpteen appearances on classic 70s TV like Columbo, Starsky & Hatch and Hawaii Five-O. A terrific haul, but I'm eagerly waiting for the official Steve Cook Archive Tour (SCAT), where we can view your own collection up close and personal!
I’ll invite you to be the SCAT curator, Cefn! You’re right about the tv shows, she did a fair few of those, including Star Trek NG by all accounts.
Ooh, what a wonderful thing to be able to do. For better or for worse, it's The Brood that stuck in my mind from her eclectic career. Thanks for the odd shaped window into a fascinating life.
Glad you enjoyed the view, Simon!
I was about to write that her Ex Libris design immediately put me in mind of… Robert Eggers, the filmmaker, and his The Lighthouse in particular. And then of course the confluence in their names leaps out at me! How curious!!
Curiouser and curiouser! Very.
What a beautiful thing - to be allowed into somebody’s inner world of books and thinking. I feel less guilty about my own book addiction, Steve; and now understand the original purpose of a book plate. And her book plate: wow… my next ambition, to have my own book plate; something as gorgeous as the one shown. We sail such wondrous, if sometimes dark and threatening seas, Steve. Need to remember it’s all part of the one big journey. Thank you…
I totally agree, thanks, Steve!
Nice read Steve, looks like you bagged yourself a few gems there. Pics were a great find. Once again, great article on a great actress.
Thanks, Kevin!