A fun book for all who love to buy and keep their books!

This book is truly a gem for those who have a passion for the written word. It offers a delightful exploration of the world of books, from the excitement of finding that perfect volume in a bookstore or online, to the joy of carefully organizing and displaying one's collection at home.

With engaging stories, practical tips, and beautiful illustrations, it takes readers on a journey through the book lover's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just starting to build your library, this book has something for everyone. It will inspire you to discover new authors and titles, and give you ideas on how to make the most of your book-buying and book-keeping experiences.

So, if you're looking for a book that combines entertainment and practicality, look no further. This is the perfect read for all those who can't resist the allure of a good book and want to add a touch of fun to their bookish pursuits.

Nicholas A. Basbanes’ AMONG THE GENTLY MAD is an extremely fascinating read that delves deep into the world of book collecting and the unique individuals who are book collectors.

The book is greatly enhanced by Basbanes’ remarkable wit and engaging personality. When speaking about a highly cherished first edition of Bernard Malamud’s debut novel THE NATURAL, yet lamenting that his copy is without the dust jacket, he playfully refers to it as his “au naturel copy of THE NATURAL.” His prose constantly showcases a remarkable sureness and polish. For instance, in a discussion regarding the physical condition of books, he astutely notes that “no rule is so hard and fast, no axiom so sacrosanct that it can’t be axed.”

The collectors Basbanes discusses are diverse and captivating. Take Bob Bradbury, for example, a professor in the Graduate School of Management at Clark University. He amassed an impressive collection of approximately one thousand books about ornithologists. After selling that collection, he then switched gears and began collecting miniature books. Basbanes quotes Bradbury as saying: “My wife who is not a book collector, was thrilled with all the space I freed up at home. The guy who bought the bird books carted thirty boxes out of our house. I took the money he gave me and bought a collection that filled two shoe Boxes.”

Basbanes’ evident respect for book dealers is, in my personal experience, largely justified. My own favorite story as a collector involves a transaction with a California book dealer. I am extremely embarrassed to admit that after more than half a century, I simply can’t recall whether that dealer was Peter B. Howard or Ralph Sipper.

In my early twenties, I had perhaps been a bit too ambitious and purchased some books that were truly beyond my financial means. In a difficult situation, I made the decision to sell some of my books. I carefully made up a list of the books I was willing to part with and sent it to the dealer. He promptly sent me a letter indicating how much he was willing to pay for each title. Whereupon, I gritted my teeth and shipped him the books. When his check arrived, I was completely startled to discover that it was for more than the agreed-upon amount. The dealer included a note explaining that one of the books was in a much better condition than my description of it had indicated. I pose this question to you: In how many fields of business would you ever encounter such exemplary behavior?

Although AMONG THE GENTLY MAD is filled to the brim with interesting information and highly enjoyable anecdotes, I couldn’t help but wonder if Basbanes may have perhaps used up a significant portion of his best material in an earlier book, A GENTLE MADNESS. As it turns out, I have a copy of that very book on its way to me.

My favorite part was the explanation of how Google can be used to search for stuff.

Google is an incredibly powerful tool that allows us to access a vast amount of information with just a few clicks. It has revolutionized the way we search for knowledge and has become an essential part of our daily lives.

To use Google effectively, one needs to know how to formulate the right search queries. This involves using specific keywords and phrases that are relevant to the topic of interest. Additionally, Google offers a variety of advanced search options that can help narrow down the results and find exactly what you are looking for.

Overall, understanding how to use Google to search for stuff is a valuable skill that can enhance our learning and productivity. It enables us to quickly and easily access the information we need, whenever we need it.

For fans of "A Gentle Madness" and "Patience & Fortitude", this is truly a remarkable read. It not only offers practical advice but also presents engaging stories that delve deep into the art, hobby, habit, and even the addiction of surrounding oneself with books.

The practical advice provided is invaluable for those who are passionate about books. It offers tips on how to build a personal library, how to care for books, and how to make the most of the reading experience.

The engaging stories, on the other hand, bring the love for books to life. They讲述了人们与书之间的动人故事，展示了书如何影响人们的生活，如何成为人们的精神寄托。

Overall, this article is a must-read for anyone who loves books. It combines practicality with entertainment, making it a truly enjoyable and informative read.

See my review on my book blog: http://quirkyreader.livejournal.com/2...

I have written a detailed review of a particular book on my book blog. The review delves into the various aspects of the book, including its plot, characters, writing style, and overall impact. It offers my personal thoughts and opinions, as well as an analysis of the book's strengths and weaknesses. By clicking on the provided link, you will be able to access my blog and read the full review. I encourage you to visit and share your own thoughts and feedback. Whether you are a fellow book lover or simply interested in learning more about the book, my review is sure to provide valuable insights. So, don't hesitate to check it out and join the conversation.

I've been delving deeper into both bookmaking and book collecting lately. So, I decided to begin by exploring the Chicago Public Library's collection of titles on these topics.

A particular title from 2002, written by the same author of A Gentle Madness (undoubtedly the most widely read book about bibliophilia ever published), comes closest to what I initially sought. Therefore, it is the one book from this list that I highly recommend. It serves as a smart and practical guidebook for those who are just starting to engage in this pursuit. Its true value lies not merely in the advice it offers but in the questions it prompts you to ponder before actually parting with any of your book-collecting funds.

This book has the potential to open your eyes to new perspectives and considerations, helping you make more informed decisions as you embark on your book-collecting journey. It encourages you to think critically about your motives, preferences, and goals, ensuring that your investment in books is both meaningful and fulfilling.

The full name of this book is "Among the Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the 21st Century".

I read this one for my morning reading program. Every workday morning, before driving to work, I spend about 20 - 30 minutes reading. Usually, I prefer non-fiction as it's easier to read in small doses without losing the plot or character motivation.

This book by Nicholas Basbanes is a follow-up to his 1999 book "A Gentle Madness". In the previous book, he explored the history of bibliophilia and gave many examples of book collectors.

This time, the book is shorter but still interesting. Mr Basbanes focuses more on how to collect books. He emphasizes that it's not just about rare and valuable books but also about what interests the collector.

For example, while some collectors look for a quality first edition of "Catcher in the Rye", others might collect pop-up children's books or books with the name "Billy" in the title. He shares many anecdotes about the collectors and offers tips on starting a collection.

He also examines book fairs, auctions, catalogues, and discusses the impact of the internet on modern book collecting.

Just like when I read the first book, I wonder if I'm a book collector. I'm mainly a book reader and I accumulate a lot of books. But I've never searched for a book based on its monetary value and probably never will.

It might be fun to collect books in an area I like, like the early pulp fiction era, but I'm too frugal to spend a lot of money. I don't mind if others collect books they don't read, but that's not for me.

After reading a book, I cherish it and love looking at my bookshelves, remembering the memories. I could call myself a collector of "books I like to read", but that sounds silly even though I own and catalog over 7,000 books.

Anyway, I really enjoy Mr Basbanes' books. They give me a deep sense of satisfaction. I love books about books and book people. He has more published and I hope to add them to my "collection" one day.

The situations that the author covers are truly beyond my league.

Even if I were to consider myself as a collector, which in reality I don't, I still find the content presented to be quite challenging.

However, despite this, I have to admit that I really enjoyed the read.

The author's descriptions and the details provided were so vivid and engaging that it kept my interest throughout.

It was like taking a journey into a world that I had never known before.

Although I may not fully understand all the aspects covered, it has definitely broadened my perspective and made me more aware of the different possibilities within the realm of collecting.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Fun, educational and entertaining!

These are the three words that perfectly describe the experience I had.

It was truly a delight for a bibliophile or book hunter like me.

I was able to explore a vast collection of books, each one offering a unique world of knowledge and imagination.

The variety of genres and topics was simply astounding, ranging from classic literature to the latest bestsellers.

Not only did I get to discover new authors and stories, but I also learned a great deal about different cultures and perspectives.

It was an educational journey that I will cherish for a long time.

Moreover, the atmosphere was so inviting and entertaining.

The staff was friendly and helpful, always ready to recommend a good read or answer any questions I had.

I spent hours lost in the world of books, completely forgetting about the outside world.

It was a truly magical experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves books.

This is the very first book that I have perused by this particular individual who is renowned for works like Gentle Madness and Patience and Fortitude. He undertakes research and pen down his thoughts about bibliophiles. When I compare myself to those he writes about, I find myself to be so mild indeed!

This book, in particular, delves into the realm of book-collecting in the present day. It was quite an enjoyable read overall. However, at times, the anecdotes seemed to drag on for a bit too long for my personal taste. Nevertheless, I am truly grateful to Michael for presenting this work. It has given me an interesting perspective on the world of book collectors and their passionate pursuits. I look forward to exploring more of his writings in the future.

In the interest of "finishing," I marked this as "finished" even though I still have to read the appendix at the end.

This was a bit dry at times, but always interesting to peep into the virtual bookshelves of complete strangers. I'm a bookshelf voyeur. When I go to people's homes, I immediately zero in on their bookshelves, sometimes to the detriment of my manners and social protocol. It's all a part of my charm (a phrase borrowed from a close friend).

You can learn a lot about a person by their books. In my opinion, it's the fastest way into someone's psyche. If you really want to know someone, look at their books. Which is why I love doing it and was able to do that, to some degree with this book. It's all about collecting - mostly fine, old, editions that cost what I make in a year. It's an obsession, but it's also a business.

The author makes sure to point out that collecting for the sake of collecting, without any particular focus on author, genre, time-period, or interest is the sure sign of a neophyte with a taste for accumulating rarities for the thrill of the chase. This describes the rare book thief at the heart of "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much." However, he also notes that book collecting should have a focus, or niche, because the whole of a focused collection is greater than the sum of its parts.

Personally, I don't have an interest in collecting anything other than nice hardcovers of books I really, really, really loved, which is why I found Susan Hill's "Howard's End is on the Landing" so wonderful. She didn't collect rarities because they could make money eventually. In fact, she's loathe to part with any of her books because she's in a long-term relationship with them - they are like children to her. I find this "type" of collecting much more fulfilling and special. It allows me to have a deep connection with the books I cherish, rather than just amassing a collection for the sake of it. I enjoy the process of finding those special hardcovers and adding them to my own personal library, knowing that each one holds a piece of my literary journey.

I have a genuine fondness for Basbanes' other bibliomania book, and thus, I was filled with excitement when it came to reading this one.

However, as the title clearly implies, it serves as a guide on how to carve out a better niche within the book collecting world.

Regrettably, the majority of the suggestions put forth demand resources that are currently beyond my reach. These include precious time, ample money, and valuable contacts.

Nevertheless, for an individual who has a true passion for commencing serious book collecting, especially for books that possess significant value, this guide would undoubtedly prove to be extremely useful.

It offers insights and strategies that could potentially assist in navigating the complex and often competitive realm of book collecting.

Although it may not be directly applicable to my current situation, I can still appreciate the knowledge and expertise that Basbanes has shared within its pages.

Perhaps one day, when I have amassed the necessary resources, I will be able to refer back to this guide and make use of its valuable advice.