Inspired: Street Book

Once in a while, you can find something incredible on the streets of San Francisco. On my walk to work, I spotted a book lying on the sidewalk. After a quick smell check, I picked it up for a closer look. It’s missing the cover, so the inscription page was on display.

The original owner was a Barthol W. Lorigan, who apparently was born on April 19, 1881. His mother wrote “By his dear mamma on his birthday, the sixth” in incredibly perfect handwriting.

Inside, there are 500 pages of poems and literary excerpts designed to improve the minds of turn-of-the-century young men. The best part is that nearly every single page has at least one gorgeous engraved illustration. I can’t wait to scan in some of the better designs!