This piece is filled with a plethora of fun facts and highly amusing anecdotes about those who are "gently mad," otherwise known as bibliophiles. It delves into the world of these passionate book lovers, revealing their idiosyncrasies and the joy they find in the written word.

The stories shared here are not only entertaining but also have the power to ignite a spark within you. They make you yearn to go out and explore the world of books, spending your hard-earned allowance on anything book-related that catches your fancy.

Whether it's a rare first edition, a beautifully illustrated children's book, or a thought-provoking novel, bibliophiles know the value and allure of a good book. And this article serves as a wonderful reminder of that.

"Among the Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the 21st Century" is a book written by Nicholas Basbanes, a renowned author and journalist who has written extensively on books and the culture of book collecting.

The book serves as a guide for book hunters, offering strategies and perspectives on how to find and acquire rare and valuable books in the 21st century.

Basbanes covers a wide range of topics in the book. He delves into the history of book collecting, explores the different types of book collectors and their motivations, examines the role of technology in book collecting, and emphasizes the importance of preserving and taking care of rare books. He also provides practical tips on how to find and buy books, including suggestions on how to search for books online, how to evaluate the condition and value of a book, and how to negotiate with sellers.

Throughout the book, Basbanes stresses the importance of remaining curious and having an open mind when searching for books. He encourages readers to follow their own passions and interests during the process of book collecting. Additionally, he urges book collectors to be aware of the ethical and legal issues that may arise in the world of book collecting and to respect the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers.

Overall, "Among the Gently Mad" is a comprehensive and informative guide for anyone interested in book collecting. It offers valuable insights and advice to those who wish to start or expand their own collections.

As a book collector and book dealer, very little of this was too basic for me.

Especially since he includes stories about books and those who love them.

It contains some (in)famous book dealers that I know from book shows.

This would be an excellent primer for a beginning collector.

Or it could be a fun read for someone who has been collecting for a long time.

The bibliography alone is extremely valuable.

It provides a comprehensive list of resources for further exploration.

Whether you are new to the world of book collecting or a seasoned enthusiast, this book has something to offer.

It not only educates but also entertains with its engaging stories and interesting characters.

Overall, it is a great addition to any book lover's library.

A wonderful book! It presents different strategies for the book-hunter.

Although I don't proclaim myself to be a book-hunter, I have a deep love for reading and collecting books.

This book exceeded my expectations. It contains great small stories that vividly bring the book itself and other books he mentions to life.

These stories add an extra layer of charm and depth to the reading experience.

They make you feel as if you are not just reading about books but actually experiencing them in a unique way.

The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult to put the book down.

Whether you are a passionate book-hunter or simply someone who enjoys a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It offers valuable insights and entertainment, all wrapped up in one wonderful package.

I highly recommend it to anyone who has a love for books and the written word.

A simple, earnest little book.

Basbanes is a generous and unassuming tour guide to this most delightful of passions. He takes us on a journey through the world of book collecting, scattering in selections from his own (gorgeous!) collection without crowing or chiding.

His stories are not only about the books themselves but also about the joy and excitement of the hunt, the thrill of the Big Find.

For new collectors, this book is a wonderful introduction, filled with practical advice and inspiring tales.

For seasoned collectors, it is a reminder of the love and passion that first drew them to this hobby.

Overall, it is a pleasurable read, one that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and value of books.

Whether you are a casual reader or a serious collector, this book is sure to delight.

A really interesting book on how to collect books has been presented.

It places a significant emphasis on collecting modern first editions. However, there is also a great deal of useful information within its pages. This includes details about some notable collectors and their remarkable collections. All of these are discussed in Basbanes's inimitable style, which makes the reading experience truly engaging.

My only caveat is that since this book was published in 2002, a substantial portion of the information regarding book collecting and the Internet has now become obsolete or very dated. In today's rapidly evolving digital age, the landscape of book collecting has changed dramatically. New platforms and technologies have emerged, transforming the way collectors search for, acquire, and manage their collections.

Despite this drawback, the book still offers valuable insights and historical perspectives on the art of book collecting. It serves as a reminder of the rich traditions and passionate enthusiasts who have dedicated their lives to this hobby.

Overall, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the world of book collecting, although it should be read with the understanding that some of the information may need to be updated or supplemented with more current sources.

I continue my Basbanes love affair. This particular work, in contrast to "Patience" or "Gentle Madness", is highly practical. It delves into the details of how to acquire those precious items.

Based on my reading of this book, I can assert with a certain degree of authority that the passion for First Editions has not gripped me. I suspect there are two main reasons for this. Firstly, I am a thrifty individual and simply cannot stomach the exorbitant prices. Secondly, having items that cost so much makes me feel as if I cannot freely read them, which is completely unacceptable to me. Nevertheless, it is still great fun to read about such things.

The book offers valuable insights and practical tips for those who are truly passionate about collecting First Editions. It explores different strategies, such as attending auctions, joining collectors' clubs, and networking with other enthusiasts. While I may not be inclined to pursue this particular passion myself, I can still appreciate the knowledge and enthusiasm that Basbanes brings to the subject.

A much quicker read than his seminal work, A Gentile Madness, Nicholas Basbanes has crafted a book that offers both an enjoyable experience and a useful guide on the dos and don'ts of book collecting in the era of the internet.

Published in 2002, it has endured remarkably well. In fact, the majority of the websites he mentions are still thriving 13 years later.

Among the Gently Mad is by no means a comprehensive reference work. It contains limited information, and Basbanes has a penchant for name-dropping all the collectors he associates with. However, this is precisely what makes it an engaging read rather than a tiresome one.

If Among the Gently Mad accomplishes nothing else, it will surely inspire you to enhance your own collection with some better selections.

Overall, it provides a unique perspective on the world of book collecting and serves as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced collectors alike.

First, I have a profound love for books.

I am enamored by the sight of books neatly arranged on a shelf or a table, and the tactile sensation of holding a book in my hand. However, above all else, it is the content within the two covers that truly captivates me.

For this very reason, I would not make a proficient book collector; instead, I have a penchant for reading and then sharing what I have read.

So, although I would relish having a library filled with thousands of books, I often find myself donating those that I have perused, so that others may also delight in the words on the pages.

Among the Gently Mad, written by Basbanes, is a fascinating tome about book collecting.

Basbanes makes a point of clarifying that he is not a bookseller, librarian, or professional bibliographer; rather, he is a journalist and former literary editor with a passion for books.

While I understand that the author's earlier, more popular and National Book Award finalist book, A Gentle Madness, is more comprehensive and detailed (which I have not yet read), this one still presents strategies and principles for assembling a book collection.

Some of the topics covered include how to identify a first edition, the significance of dust jackets, searching via the Internet, what makes a book collectible, and much more.

Although this information was interesting, I derived greater pleasure from his anecdotes about the book collectors he knows.

I also valued his comment that "the collector who is motivated by the prospect of making money is going at it for all the wrong reasons."

Money may be earned, but it can also be lost. Instead, the true value might lie in the joy that the activity brings to the collector, especially when approached sensibly and with a personal touch.

For those of us who have a penchant for reading and an interest in the subject of books, Among the Gently Mad is an enjoyable introduction to the world of book collecting.

This is a very informative and pleasurable reading book.

Although the author is clearly scholarly and well-connected in the field, he is not pedantic or patronizing.

Even though I am neither a collector nor have any aspirations to become one, I still found this book enjoyable.

It has definitely made me add his prior books to my "to read" list.

The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex topics easy to understand.

He presents the information in a clear and organized manner, with interesting anecdotes and examples to illustrate his points.

Overall, this is a great book for anyone interested in the subject matter, regardless of their level of expertise.

I would highly recommend it to others.

A Must Read for Book Lovers and Collectors

For those who have an insatiable passion for books and a penchant for collecting them, this is an absolute must-read. The world of books is a magical one, filled with countless stories, ideas, and emotions waiting to be discovered. Book lovers understand the joy of losing oneself in the pages of a good book, while collectors take pride in building their personal libraries.

This article delves into the fascinating realm of book collecting, exploring the different types of collectors, the value of rare and first edition books, and the art of preserving these precious literary treasures. It also offers tips and advice for those who are just starting out on their book collecting journey.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newbie with a growing love for books, this article has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the wonderful world of book collecting.

Hah, both of my two initial and rather idle collecting ideas - the history of computer science, and William S. Burroughs - are already well-explored, as is discussed in this concise volume. Suffice it to say, your idea is already taken. (I assumed as much for the Burroughs just out of reasonable principle; I determined this regarding the former upon bidding a pristine copy of von Neumann's Theory of Self-reproducing Automata up to $1200 last year on ebay (it eventually sold for $1800.)). The appendix is worth the cost, even if the text itself refers rather too much to Basbanes's (exquisite) A Gentle Madness.

So I've been thinking about it (after several readings of Mssr. Basbanes's A Gentle Madness, which is truly awesome), and there seems to be no reason why I couldn't build up one of the premier private libraries of computer science by the time I pass away. (Donald Knuth has a nice one for sure). It's good to have goals, I suppose.

I envision a library filled with rare and valuable books on computer science, a collection that would be the envy of many. I could start by seeking out first editions, signed copies, and works that are no longer in print. With dedication and a bit of luck, I might just be able to achieve this dream and leave behind a lasting legacy in the world of computer science literature.