There's something truly comforting about delving into books that are all about books. And it's even more special when those books prominently feature other passionate book lovers. "Among the Gently Mad" is precisely such a book, filled with numerous stories of individuals who are deeply passionate about books. Of course, they have to be, as most of them belong to a breed of book lover termed here as a book hunter.

This book is about these book hunters, collectors, or bibliophiles. Basbanes takes the reader on a journey to auction houses, libraries, and through the homes of others,展示 us rare books and the extensive collections of various book hunters. We learn about the wide variety of books, ephemera, and collectibles that hunters seek out, and are given advice on how to best choose our own niche of collecting. Basbanes teaches the basics of what it takes to be one of the "gently mad," but refrains from going into too many specifics. I deduced from the book that book collecting is a highly individualized pursuit, and everyone approaches it in their own unique way. Basbanes does offer the reader some advice on budgeting, suggests some books to read for further learning, and provides some starting points, but nothing overly helpful for the truly serious collector.

However, I didn't read this book with the intention of learning how to be a collector. If you are reading it in the hope of getting solid advice on collecting, you'll have to look elsewhere. This, nevertheless, is a great book to read if you have an interest in books and book lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about others who see the beauty in old books and lost things. Still, it might just give you the bug for collecting or selling, so be forewarned.

There were a couple of aspects of this book that you might want to be aware of. Basbanes has a tendency to mention his other books several times in each chapter. Since this is my first book of his, I found the references a bit tiresome after a while. If you're a fan, this probably won't bother you, but if, like me, you've never read another of his books, you might want to start with one of his earlier works first and then come back to "Among the Gently Mad." Also, I found his references to selling books on the internet rather quaint. This book was written in 2002, so you can probably imagine that he was a bit more in awe of selling on the internet than someone would be nowadays. The technology and websites he mentioned weren't completely archaic, but it's still a little funny to read about them all the same.

In conclusion, "Among the Gently Mad" is a pleasant read for book lovers, and I would highly recommend it.

A great inspiration indeed!

Each time the author described the motivations and emotional connections that his collectors had with their books and collecting, I felt a tinge of recognition. It was a realization that he was, in some ways, describing me and how I feel about my books and collection.

At the same time, it illuminated how shallow my efforts at collecting really are. It made me see how much more exciting and rewarding it can be if I only give it a little more effort. I need to stick my neck out and try new things, extend my interests, and thereby increase the number of books and authors available to me.

This is a wonderful volume that I will treasure and reread. Thanks, Nick.

I truly believe that this book has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities in the realm of book collecting. It has inspired me to take my passion to the next level and explore new horizons.

I can't wait to see where this newfound inspiration will lead me and what amazing books and experiences await me in the future.

I have a deep affection for Basbanes' works. I was completely spellbound by A Gentle Madness. However, this particular book is good, yet not outstanding.

In this book, Basbanes places more emphasis on his own collection and his philosophy of collecting. It is interesting, but not truly fascinating.

Surprisingly, those who are new to the world of book collecting might actually gain more from reading this than veteran collectors or those who have been faithful readers of Basbanes' other books.

This could be because the new collectors are more open to learning about the basics and different perspectives on collecting, while the veterans may already be familiar with many of the concepts and ideas presented.

Overall, while this book may not be Basbanes' best, it still has its merits and can offer some valuable insights into the world of book collecting.

Few writers possess the ability to pen about the culture of bibliophiles and bibliomania with the same level of insight, tenderness, and respect as Nicholas Basbanes.

The title might seem a bit off, as there are far more perspectives than just strategies. Moreover, those strategies aren't especially instructive when it comes to book hunting. However, it still makes a nice addition to Basbanes' previous explorations into the history and personalities of those among us who live for our books just as much as for the people around us.

His works offer a unique glimpse into the passionate world of book lovers, delving deep into their obsessions, joys, and the significance that books hold in their lives.

Basbanes' writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing readers in and making them feel a part of this bibliophilic culture.

Whether you're a die-hard bibliophile or simply someone who appreciates the power of books, his works are well worth exploring.

This really could have been so much better.

There were so many missed opportunities. The initial concept was great, but the execution fell short.

The details that could have made it outstanding were overlooked. Maybe more time and effort should have been invested in the planning stage.

The result is a product that is just average when it had the potential to be extraordinary.

It's a shame because with a little more attention to detail and a better strategy, it could have been a real winner.

Hopefully, lessons will be learned from this experience and future endeavors will be more successful.

We can't change the past, but we can strive to do better in the future.

Let's not let this setback hold us back. Instead, let's use it as motivation to achieve greater things.

With determination and the right approach, there's no limit to what we can accomplish.

An Invaluable Resource for Book Enthusiasts

Basbanes has penned two remarkable books, "A Gentle Madness" (1995) and "Patience and Fortitude" (2001), which serve as an invaluable resource for both the amateur or beginning book collector and those contemplating entering the book selling business. In these books, he introduces the reader to various aspects of the book economy, including used and antiquarian bookstores, book sellers, personal collectors and their libraries, book thieves, auction houses, libraries, and museums.

In "Among the Gently Mad," Basbanes begins with his own story of transitioning from having a working library to becoming a collector. His common sense and good advice stem from both his personal experience and the numerous stories he has heard from the book sellers and collectors he has met and interviewed.

Basbanes asserts that collecting is not exclusive to the wealthy. Anyone can collect, even those on a modest budget. The key is to have a focus or a plan and to know something about the subject. Be willing to build around your subject and be open to collecting ephemera such as letters, paintings, and post cards. He also includes a useful and practical discussion of book values and where to find accurate information.

I found the entire book engaging and instructive. However, my favorite parts were the stories he relays about his encounters with personal collectors and dealers in chapters 8 "Booking the World" and 9 "Strutting your Stuff," as well as the annotated selective bibliography.

Overall, Basbanes' books offer a wealth of knowledge and insights into the fascinating world of book collecting and the book economy. They are a must-read for anyone with an interest in books.

A rambling, who-cares memoir.

Despite being a book collector myself -- one who knows some of the dealers he mentions -- I couldn't even get halfway through.

It seems that the author's writing lacks a clear focus and direction.

The random thoughts and tangents make it difficult for the reader to follow and engage with the story.

Moreover, the mention of the software he uses, such as FileMaker Pro 3.3 series and WordPerfect 5.1, feels out of place and doesn't add much value to the overall narrative.

Perhaps the author should have spent more time organizing his thoughts and structuring the memoir in a more coherent manner.

As it stands, it's a disjointed and uninteresting read that fails to capture the reader's attention.

Overall, this memoir is a disappointment and not worth the time and effort to finish.

Not quite what I was aiming for,

and that's precisely the reason it took me so long to read.

When I realized it was about highbrow book collecting,

in which I could never envision myself participating,

I simply lost interest.

I much prefer Ann Fadiman's words that aptly describe my connection with books.

"If you truly love a book,

you should sleep with it,

write in it,

read aloud from it,

and fill its pages with muffin crumbs."

I simply don't have the time or inclination for thousand-dollar (or even more expensive!) books

that I would be too afraid to crack open the spine.

For me, books are meant to be loved and lived with,

not just admired from a distance as precious and untouchable objects.

I want to engage with them on a personal level,

and that means treating them with a certain degree of familiarity and even messiness.

After all, it's the stories and ideas within the books that matter most to me,

not their monetary value or pristine condition.

This is an outstanding book for those who are just commencing their book collection.

It is filled with a plethora of useful hints that can guide you on your journey. There are also various places to check for interesting books, both in person and online.

Moreover, it provides information about different websites that can be valuable resources for finding rare and unique books.

In addition to the practical tips and resources, the author has included great stories that add an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

Whether you are a novice collector or someone looking to expand their existing collection, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment that will surely enhance your love for books.

Nicholas Basbane's book 'A Gentle Madness' is, without a doubt, one of the finest works on book collecting in the modern age. It offers a comprehensive and engaging look into the world of book collectors and their passion for rare and valuable books.

However, his later book, 'Among the Gently Mad', presents a different picture. It is a meandering collection of anecdotes that lacks a clear focus. The stories seem to jump from one topic to another, making it difficult for the reader to follow a coherent narrative.

In addition, the references to internet resources that were included in the book now feel outdated, especially considering that 10 years have passed since its publication. The internet has evolved significantly during this time, and many of the resources mentioned may no longer be relevant or available.

Another aspect that sets this book apart from its predecessor is the absence of photos. Basbane's earlier work included captivating images of great books, impressive collections, and notable collectors. These visual elements added depth and interest to the text, but they are conspicuously absent in 'Among the Gently Mad'.

Overall, 'Among the Gently Mad' is a quick read, but it ultimately feels insubstantial. It fails to live up to the high standards set by 'A Gentle Madness' and may leave readers disappointed.

The article delves into the madness of book collecting in general. It not only explores the various aspects of this狂热 behavior but also shines a spotlight on and conducts interviews with some dedicated 'collectors'. One particularly wealthy individual in Missouri has taken this passion to an extreme. He has constructed a huge, magnificent library solely for himself. This collector has a penchant for purchasing around 10 copies each of popular authors such as Grafton and Evanovich. If possible, he even gets these authors to sign the books. After that, he simply places them on the shelves. There is no denying that this dude is a bit crazy when it comes to his book collection. His actions seem rather excessive and perhaps a bit irrational to some. However, in the world of book collecting, there are all kinds of enthusiasts with their own unique ways of indulging in their passion.

This is not my favorite Basbanes book, but it is not particularly bad either.

Definitely, it serves as an artifact of the era. The book starts by focusing on traditional methods and then moves towards online sources, finally ending with an in-person book fair.

Apart from known-item searches, Basbanes seems rather bearish on the internet. However, fortunately, the internet has become more transparent and secure over time.

It is quite strange that AbeBooks is not mentioned until the very end, especially after the critiques of eBay. This omission makes one wonder if there is some particular reason or oversight.

Overall, while the book has its flaws, it still provides an interesting look at the evolution of book research and the role of the internet in that process.