• May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. The cover features a central oval portrait of a person with a bow tie, surrounded by embossed floral vine details.
  • May include: An open book with two pages. The left page features a light pink floral border surrounding the text: When all the air, to toss and quaff, made life a jubilee And changed the children's song and laugh to shrieks of ecstasy. The right page shows a grey ink illustration of a tree.
  • May include: A page featuring light pink line art illustrations of rose vines framing the text: When we should live together in a cozy little cot, Hid in a nest of roses, with a fairy garden-spot. The text is printed in a dark serif font.
  • May include: A page featuring a light pink illustration of a vine growing in a circular frame around the text: With the written declaration that, As surely as the vine Grew 'round the stump, she loved me—that old sweetheart of mine.
  • Vintage Poetry Book Romantic Gift Early 1900s Love Poems Cottagecore Romance Antique Decor Green Gold Wedding Gift An Old Sweetheart of Mine image 5
  • Vintage Poetry Book Romantic Gift Early 1900s Love Poems Cottagecore Romance Antique Decor Green Gold Wedding Gift An Old Sweetheart of Mine image 6
  • May include: A black and white ink illustration with subtle pink accents depicting two children embracing. One child wears a collared shirt and shorts, the other a dress and bonnet. A small basket, a hat, and a book lie nearby. Signed Howard Chandler Christy.
  • May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley. The spine and cover feature gold embossed lettering and decorative red and green floral illustrations, with an oval portrait of a person on the front.
  • May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. The cover features a central oval portrait of a person with a bow tie, surrounded by a decorative floral vine design.
  • May include: A vintage hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, featuring a sage green cloth cover with gold lettering, decorative green leaf motifs, and a central oval portrait of a person on the front cover.
  • May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. The cover features a central oval portrait of a person, gold embossed lettering, and decorative floral vine details.
  • Vintage Poetry Book Romantic Gift Early 1900s Love Poems Cottagecore Romance Antique Decor Green Gold Wedding Gift An Old Sweetheart of Mine image 12
  • May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. The cover features a central oval portrait of a person with a bow tie, surrounded by embossed floral vine details.
  • May include: An open book with two pages. The left page features a light pink floral border surrounding the text: When all the air, to toss and quaff, made life a jubilee And changed the children's song and laugh to shrieks of ecstasy. The right page shows a grey ink illustration of a tree.
  • May include: A page featuring light pink line art illustrations of rose vines framing the text: When we should live together in a cozy little cot, Hid in a nest of roses, with a fairy garden-spot. The text is printed in a dark serif font.
  • May include: A page featuring a light pink illustration of a vine growing in a circular frame around the text: With the written declaration that, As surely as the vine Grew 'round the stump, she loved me—that old sweetheart of mine.
  • Vintage Poetry Book Romantic Gift Early 1900s Love Poems Cottagecore Romance Antique Decor Green Gold Wedding Gift An Old Sweetheart of Mine image 5
  • Vintage Poetry Book Romantic Gift Early 1900s Love Poems Cottagecore Romance Antique Decor Green Gold Wedding Gift An Old Sweetheart of Mine image 6
  • May include: A black and white ink illustration with subtle pink accents depicting two children embracing. One child wears a collared shirt and shorts, the other a dress and bonnet. A small basket, a hat, and a book lie nearby. Signed Howard Chandler Christy.
  • May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley. The spine and cover feature gold embossed lettering and decorative red and green floral illustrations, with an oval portrait of a person on the front.
  • May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. The cover features a central oval portrait of a person with a bow tie, surrounded by a decorative floral vine design.
  • May include: A vintage hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, featuring a sage green cloth cover with gold lettering, decorative green leaf motifs, and a central oval portrait of a person on the front cover.
  • May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. The cover features a central oval portrait of a person, gold embossed lettering, and decorative floral vine details.
  • Vintage Poetry Book Romantic Gift Early 1900s Love Poems Cottagecore Romance Antique Decor Green Gold Wedding Gift An Old Sweetheart of Mine image 12
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Vintage Poetry Book Romantic Gift Early 1900s Love Poems Cottagecore Romance Antique Decor Green Gold Wedding Gift An Old Sweetheart of Mine

VintageLove579  
5 out of 5 stars

Item highlights

  • Vintage: From the 1900s
  • Gift wrapping: Gift wrapping by VintageLove579

    Gifts will be wrapped in appropriate holiday themed paper. If gift is for a birthday, just include note in comments and we will wrap accordingly.

Seller's description

Step into the gentle romance and nostalgia of the early 20th century with this beautiful antique edition of An Old Sweetheart of Mine by beloved American poet James Whitcomb Riley, published by The Bobbs-Merrill Company in 1902. This charming volume pairs Riley’s sentimental poetry with elegant illustrations by famed artist Howard Chandler Christy and delicate decorative borders by Virginia Keep, making it as much a work of art as it is a book.

Whether displayed on a vintage bookshelf, gifted to a poetry lover, or tucked beside a favorite reading chair, this book captures the warmth and wistful beauty of a bygone era.

Condition

* Very good antique condition.
* Personal inscription on the inside page, adding to its history and one-of-a-kind character. To Ida with love, from Eddie in 1905. How lovely!
* Clean, attractive vintage copy with expected gentle edge wear consistent with age.
* Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.

A fascinating piece of literary history

One of the most delightful aspects of this edition is its illustrator. Howard Chandler Christy was one of America’s most celebrated artists during the Golden Age of Illustration, famous for creating the iconic “Christy Girl” that became a symbol of elegance and beauty in the early 1900s. His illustrations transformed many classic books into collectible works of art, and this edition remains especially sought after for its graceful artwork.

James Whitcomb Riley, affectionately known as the “Hoosier Poet,” was one of America’s bestselling poets of his time. His nostalgic, heartfelt writing made him a household name, and his works sold millions of copies during his lifetime. Today, his books continue to be treasured by collectors of antique literature and lovers of classic American poetry.

This is a wonderful gift for:

* Antique book collectors
* Romantic souls
* Cottagecore and vintage décor enthusiasts
* Poetry lovers
* Fans of Howard Chandler Christy’s artwork
* Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts
* Lovers of timeless literary keepsakes

Bring home a piece of American literary history—a book whose poetry, artwork, and original inscription together tell a story that has been cherished for well over a century.

Thank you 🙏 so much for looking

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“I love this book, very happy with purchase! So many cool finds, great shop! My book was shipped with care and fast.”

Melissa

1 day ago

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Rare find

Price:$69.00

You can only make an offer when buying a single item

Shipping & return policies
  • Get it by
    Oct 21-28
  • Cost to ship
    FREE to United States, 43215.

Seller's description

Specifications

May include: A green hardcover book titled An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley, illustrated by Howard Chandler Christy. The cover features a central oval portrait of a person with a bow tie, surrounded by embossed floral vine details.

Step into the gentle romance and nostalgia of the early 20th century with this beautiful antique edition of An Old Sweetheart of Mine by beloved American poet James Whitcomb Riley, published by The Bobbs-Merrill Company in 1902. This charming volume pairs Riley’s sentimental poetry with elegant illustrations by famed artist Howard Chandler Christy and delicate decorative borders by Virginia Keep, making it as much a work of art as it is a book.

Whether displayed on a vintage bookshelf, gifted to a poetry lover, or tucked beside a favorite reading chair, this book captures the warmth and wistful beauty of a bygone era.

Condition

* Very good antique condition.
* Personal inscription on the inside page, adding to its history and one-of-a-kind character. To Ida with love, from Eddie in 1905. How lovely!
* Clean, attractive vintage copy with expected gentle edge wear consistent with age.
* Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.

A fascinating piece of literary history

One of the most delightful aspects of this edition is its illustrator. Howard Chandler Christy was one of America’s most celebrated artists during the Golden Age of Illustration, famous for creating the iconic “Christy Girl” that became a symbol of elegance and beauty in the early 1900s. His illustrations transformed many classic books into collectible works of art, and this edition remains especially sought after for its graceful artwork.

James Whitcomb Riley, affectionately known as the “Hoosier Poet,” was one of America’s bestselling poets of his time. His nostalgic, heartfelt writing made him a household name, and his works sold millions of copies during his lifetime. Today, his books continue to be treasured by collectors of antique literature and lovers of classic American poetry.

This is a wonderful gift for:

* Antique book collectors
* Romantic souls
* Cottagecore and vintage décor enthusiasts
* Poetry lovers
* Fans of Howard Chandler Christy’s artwork
* Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts
* Lovers of timeless literary keepsakes

Bring home a piece of American literary history—a book whose poetry, artwork, and original inscription together tell a story that has been cherished for well over a century.

Thank you 🙏 so much for looking

  • Handpicked by
    VintageLove579
  • Era
    Vintage from the 1900s
  • Gift wrapping

    Available

    View details

    Gift wrapping by VintageLove579

    Gifts will be wrapped in appropriate holiday themed paper. If gift is for a birthday, just include note in comments and we will wrap accordingly.

Delivery details and policies

  • Get it by
    Oct 21-28
  • Returns and exchanges
    Not accepted.
  • Ships from
    Batesville, AR
  • Cost to ship
    FREE to United States, 43215

    There was a problem calculating your shipping. Please try again.

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Meet your seller

VintageLove579
Jane
VintageLove579 ·

United States

We calculate this number using a recency-weighted average of all ratings, with a rating's value decreasing by half each year to best reflect the current experience. 5.0
·
1.5k sales
·
10 years on Etsy
Jane
1 shop member

Usually responds in a few hours

Smooth shipping Has a history of shipping on time with tracking.

Speedy replies Has a history of replying to messages quickly.

Rave reviews Average review rating is 4.8 or higher.

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