A Weathered Word Book

I bought this book a few months ago at Artifacts. I thought the worn, bruised cover was lovely and would make a terrific backdrop for photographing jewelry. Today I opened it and saw what it really is. It's a very old school book.  

Heavily used, but highly treasured. I thought of all the little hands that held it as they used it from "The First Year's Work" until "The Second Year's Work". 

This old, battered book taught people to read and write. 

 What a powerful, precious thing!