| Description | Hardbacked book embossed with patterns and the word "Poesie" on the front. On the initial page of the volume the name of Florence Spiegelberg is written, alongside the year 1895. Early entries are in German, and the place name of Bremen is visible, suggesting a visit to the birthplace of her husband Carl. Subsequent pages have very diverse contents in a variety of hands, including excerpts from the work of noted poets, some original humorous verses, watercolour paintings, cartoons in pen and ink, short comments with signatures, and pressed leaves. Many of the entries are signed and/or dated. One of the signatories is Edward Wilkinson, described as "Conductor of the Ashover Choral Society". Another reads "A memory of another very pleasant holiday and the jolly Ashover choir", and there are references to the Ashover Hydro; these entries suggest that at least some of the inscriptions were people Florence Spiegelberg met there on vacation. It seems likely that the only common factor among those who wrote in the book is that of acquaintance with its owner. Individuals who can be identified using other sources include L Gadsby, a teacher at Sea Bank School for Girls on Seabank Road, New Brighton, and Arthur H Gidley and Eva C Gidley, a brother and sister from Grimsby. |