Wednesday, September 18, 2013

My First Interlibrary Loan

I picked up my first interlibrary loan yesterday. It's a translation of THE ORACLES OF LEO & THE TALE OF THE TRUE EMPEROR, including illustrated poetry from the original, which was written over a thousand years ago. I am totally geeking out.

This is a photo of the cover. (I can't believe my library district put that big sticker on the cover, and I hope it comes off.)



This is a photo of Gratitude (a poem written in Leo's hand and illustrated with a fox). If I were to take a stab at interpretation, I'd say the fox is Basil the Macedonian. Both are characters in the story I'm writing. :o)


This poem is more obscure, almost an assigned role play, but hey, it's a unicorn. Right?



Whether I pull anything from this book or not, I'm enjoying it. I wish I could read the original Greek, though.

Are you reading anything interesting right now?

18 comments:

  1. I love Interlibrary loans. I'm reading These Broken Stars by Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufman. It's awesome!

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    1. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  2. Wow, that is pretty cool. Do you know anyone who can read Greek?

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    1. I did in college, but he's one of the friends I haven't kept track of.

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  3. Wow, this is such a great way to assist with research. I am going to remember that we can do this the next time I'm treading into unfamiliar territory with a story!

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    1. If you're looking up anything old, it's essential.

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  4. I love interlibrary loans--particularly because my library is so small. I can get basically any book in northern Nevada for free and it is pretty awesome.

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  5. I got into the whole interlibrary loan thing after a tip from a friend. What a great help that has been, especially when searching for something super popular or rather obscure.

    =)

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    1. I bet! I have a historical that I've wanted to write for over a decade but never knew how I'd research it properly. Bam! I could write it now. (Well, I could write it once I've wrapped up some of the other projects I have going ;)

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  6. Illustrated poetry! The teacher in me LOVES the idea. Sounds like a super assignment for students. :-) I'm reading COUNTING BY 7s. It's sad but so good.

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    1. It does sounds like a great assignment. My son doesn't think so, but I totally agree with you. :o)

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  7. I'm so glad you shared this! You are an inspiration! I, also, have enjoyed interlibrary loans. How wonderful that in this world where just about everything is based on MONEY, one of the best things is still free: LEARNING! Myrna: I know people who can read Greek; well, at least Biblical Greek if the language didn't change much. I'm sure they'd have fun translating a poem or two for you. Let me know.

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    1. Thank you! The poetry is translated on other pages. I haven't finished reading it, but I think that everything but the footnotes has been translated for me.

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  8. Oh man, I love books like this. So beautiful and super cool! It makes you feel a little like a real writer. LOL Love book research!

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  9. I wish I read more classics. I did that mainly in my college days. I would love to read this.

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    1. I have more of a tendency to go back and read favorites than to read classics I haven't read. This book is too obscure to be a classic, but it's still great.

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