Othello (Signet Classics) Book

PREFACE THERE is a peculiar charm about the relics found in an old home-a home from which many generations of fledglings have flown. As each milestone in family history is passed some once common object of use or ornament is dropped by the way. Such interesting mementoes of past generations accumulate, and in course of time the older ones become curios. I t is to create greater interest in these old-world odds and ends-some of trifling value to an outsider, others pf great intrinsic worth-that this book has been written. The love of possession is to some possessors the chief delight; to others knowledge of the original purposes and uses of the objects acquired affords still greater pleasure. My intention has been rather to assist the latter class of collectors than to facilitate the mere assemblage of additional stores of curiosities. It is truly astonishing how rapidly the common uses of even household furnishings and culinary utensils are forgotten '1 when they