Monday, October 06, 2008

The Tapestry

For years I've appreciated Edith Schaeffer's rich, detailed, and practical books on homemaking (What Is a Family?, The Hidden Art of Homemaking), but it wasn't until a helpful reader commented here that I even realized that she had written a substantial autobiography called The Tapestry.

This spring I got a copy and spent a rainy weekend enjoying it--it's quite substantial. I read and read and read to the end, loving her accounts of her and Fran's childhoods, early years of marriage, family life, and Fran's death. Then I put the book back on the shelf, intending to pull it down and reread it soon.

Today I picked it back up, and when I opened it remembered that my used copy had doodles and writing inside the front cover. I'm lazy about trying to read people's handwriting, so I'd never read the inscription. Or the signature. But look at this:


Much love to you too, Edith.

29 comments:

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

What a delight!

I just recently finished reading L'abri, Edith's book chronicling L'abri's beginning and growth. The book is a testimony to the powerful hand of God -- it particularly challenged me to be bold and specific before the Father with my requests. It was an inspiring, convicting, and delightful read.

Polly said...

What a prize! I have read about L'Abri and love The Hidden Art....and for my recent birthday bought What is a Family? which I cannot wait to devour. I did not realize she had written an autobiography as well. You found a treasure, indeed!

~ Shannon said...

What a marvelous discovery! I have read "The Hidden Art," and found it such a delightful and freeing book. I shall have to try some of her other books, as well!

Yours in Christ,
Shannon

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful treasure! That book is doubly priceless to you now. Such a gift.

Michelle said...

What a gift! I have read all her books and her husband's too! I pray The Tapestry will be a blessing to you.

In the Lamb,
Michelle

Patty said...

Wow! How lucky are you? I would hang on to that one. Or if you do sell it look a Alibris or even ebay. But it seems to me that Alibris seems to know more about rare or signed books. God bless, Patty

Anonymous said...

That makes it even more special.

Serena said...

Oh my goodness! What a find! I love The Hidden Art of Homemaking. I think I'm due for another re-read!

Rebecca said...

Can you make out the inscription? What does Edith say?

Lady Dorothy said...

So cool!! I hadn't heard of her autobiography, either. I guess that goes on my wish list, too!

Tracy said...

What a rare treasure you have for yourself there! I have managed to collect a few books now that have been signed by the author ~ but they're newly released. I hope someday in the distant future one of my children will realise my collection of books holds the same treat you have found there.

I also wanted to say ... I have spent many many pleasant hours this week reading your archives, right from the start. I have found such inspiration and encouragement in the way you describe simple pleasures and everyday, yet oft overlooked, beauty. Of course, that's why I've read your blog regularly since I came across it about a year ago. But I wanted to thank you for the glimpse into the things your treasure and the way you express it.

I can't help but think that if we lived next door or down the road from one another we would become fast and firm friends.

Anonymous said...

so glad you found it,

deb meyers

Anonymous said...

Edith's hand and heart
inscribed through the ages~
a hidden reminder for those blessed enough to find it.

As if to say...

"walk this way"

Thank you Anna, for sharing your new found treasure.

Suzanne said...

What a treasure. We are fortunate to have a L'Abri near us and have visited. My daughter almost attended but opted for college. Karen Andreola's daughter attended, she wrote A Charlotte Mason Companion.

Anonymous said...

What a treasure. I have a copy of this waiting for me to read but it's not inscribed! I'm reading another book by her which is excellent called Lifelines and another I finished recently called Common Sense Living. I just love her!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

What a treasure you have!

My husband bought me The Tapestry when it first came out as a Christmas present. It is a great book. It opened my eyes to what the Schaeffer's went through in their ministry.

She also has two books of letters that I love. They are from a selected group of the actual letters she first sent her parents back home and later became ministry letters. They read just as good as The Tapestry.

I can't remember their titles right now but they are on my blog on the sidebar because I have them out to re-read again.

Meredith said...

this gives me chills...that is amazing. God is so good!

Linda said...

What a precious treasure. I haven't read it and think I really should.

kelli said...

I have been following your blog for a while and find it so refreshing. You manage to convey such peace and contentment and simple beauty through your words and photos. Thank you!

"A Christian, who realizes he has been made in the image of the Creator and is therefore meant to be creative on a finite level, should certainly have more understanding of his responsibility to treat God's creation with sensitivity, and should develop his talents to do something to beautify his little spot on the world's surface."
-Edith Schaeffer

I too am a fan - what a treasure you have found!

Hopewell said...

I love her books, too! I HAVE TO KNOW--did you get this at the thrift shop? Used book store?

Mrs. U said...

Oh my!! I can only imagine your surprise when you saw the signature of Mrs. Schaeffer in your book!!! What a discovery!!

I haven't heard of The Tapestry, but if Mrs. Schaeffer has anything to do with it, then it is thought-provoking, challenging and inspirational! Thank you for sharing this!

His,
Mrs. U

Amy said...

Wow, isn't that cool!

Anonymous said...

How really cool! I consider Edith to be a huge mentor to me. I have many of her books, but not this one. Along the same lines, I've read L'Abri and Edith's letters. But it's all wonderful and inspiring, and how fun to have a book with an Edith inscribed message of love inside. :-)

Susan

Dawn said...

Love that book, too!

momof3girls said...

I've read the Hidden Art.." and "L'Abri". The later was such an inspiration for me. I bought it for several of my friends. What a prize you have!
Tammy

Angela said...

my husband and i are big fans of The Schaeffers. what a special volume to have!

Anonymous said...

May I recommend "My Life With The Great Pianists", by Franz Mohr, with Edith Schaeffer? A fascinating read, for any Christian who loves fine music.
-Gilda

Stacy said...

Wow!

What a wonderful surprise!

~Stacy

Anonymous said...

A treasure! I'm a big fan of hers, too. This reminds me to pick up my copy of "L'Abri," which I've been meaning to read for quite a while.

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