Shelf Control #6

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out the introductory post, Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday.

Title: The Sweet Life: Reflections on Home and Garden
Author: Laura Stoddart

Published: 2001 in the US, 1999 in Great Britain
Length: 80 pages 

What it’s about (from GoodReads): "Laura Stoddart has a devoted following who love the humor and idiosyncrasy of her exquisite, tiny drawings. Now, in this prettiest and wittiest of anthologies, she puts drudgery in its place and elevates the charms of lolling about to new heights. What could be more pleasurable than puttering into the garden, trowel in hand? Perhaps puttering back out, with a cool drink in place of said trowel. Ms. Stoddart's droll little figures toil and tarry their way across page after page of ironic quotations and elegant verse. From Jane Austen to Benjamin Franklin, from Oscar Wilde to oft-quoted "Anonymous"--everyone has something to say about the pleasures of a well-kept house, the charms of an overgrown garden, and the surprisingly refreshing effect that five minutes spent on a patch of green grass can produce. This delightful primer on all things sweet is the perfect house gift--guaranteed to gain all indulgent souls direct entree to la dolce vita! "

How and when I got it: This was a library book sale find. I'm not sure from how long ago. 

Why I want to read it: It looks charming and might inspire me to do all the yardwork that I ought to be doing on these lovely spring days. Also, I love all the pictures of chairs that are included on the cover.

How it begins: "Go, little book, and wish to all, Flowers in the garden, meat in the hall..."