A field guide for the modern book collector
From the author of A Gentle Madness-a book with more than seventy thousand copies... read full description
From the author of A Gentle Madness-a book with more than seventy thousand copies... read full description
reviews
Jun 03, 2011
Benjamin
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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, where I read a book every workday morning for about 20-30 minutes before I drive to work. These usually tend to be non-fiction as it's easier to read those in little doses without losing the thread of a plot line or character motivation, etc. This book, by Nicholas Basbanes is a sort of follow-up to his lengthy but
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Apr 07, 2010
Elizabeth
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There's never anything to dislike about Basbanes' books, but I've found the more recent ones to be highly repetitive and not as well researched as his to first/main volumes (A Gentle Madness and Patience & Fortitude). This is no exception. He tells some new stories, and talks a bit more explicitly about the rise of the Internet and its impact on the rare book world. His account is measured, and he does a nice job of reporting other peoples' thoughts rather than merely sticking with his own pro-b
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May 23, 2011
Irene
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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).
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May 03, 2011
Jason
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(I'm teaching myself more these days about both bookmaking and book collecting, so I thought I'd start by reading the Chicago Public Library's collection of titles on these subjects.) A 2002 title from the same author of A Gentle Madness (easily the most popular book about bibliophilia ever published), this comes closest to what I was looking for in the first place, and thus is the one book from this list I most recommend, a smart and common-sense guidebook to those just starting to get involved
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Dec 25, 2010
Nick
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hah, both of my two idle, inchoate collecting ideas -- the history of computer sceince, and William S. Burroughs -- are both already well-mined, as discussed in this slim volume. suffice 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
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Nov 23, 2011
Tuck
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goes over the madness in general and also highlights and interviews some 'collectors'. this one rich dude in missouri built a big giant library just for himself and buys 10 copies or so of pop authors like grafton and evanovich, then has them sign them if pos, then just shelves them. he's a bit mad that dude.
May 18, 2009
Nathan
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A simple, earnest little book. Basbanes is a generous and unassuming tour guide to this most delightful of passions, scattering in selections from his own (gorgeous!) collection without crowing or chiding, as well as reverential tales of the Big Find. A pleasurable read, for both new and seasoned book collectors.
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Apr 01, 2010
Dave
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I heard Nick speak - he speaks just like he writes. His mind is an encyclopedia of book and publishing lore.
May 17, 2011
Quirkyreader
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See my review on my book blog: http://quirkyreader.livejournal.com/2011...
Apr 14, 2009
Sheldon
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A wonderful read about book collectors. Even if you don't catch the bug, you'll probably be entices into collecting at least a few books. A short book, a fast read. If you collect books, or just visit used bookstores, you will LOVE this book!
1 - I couldn't finish it
2 - Got through it, but not sure it was worth my time
3 - A reasonably good read
4 - Well worth reading
5 - Excellent, and if the topic of the book interests you, then consider it highly recommended!
1 - I couldn't finish it
2 - Got through it, but not sure it was worth my time
3 - A reasonably good read
4 - Well worth reading
5 - Excellent, and if the topic of the book interests you, then consider it highly recommended!
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Apr 17, 2008
Mary
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I really like Basbanes' other bibliomania book, so I was excited to read it. However, just as the title indicates, it is a guide to how to get a better niche in the book collecting world. However, most of the suggestions required resources that I don't have, such as time, money, and contacts. But it would be really useful for someone who really wants to start serious book collecting for books that hold value.
Dec 27, 2011
Libby
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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, including some (in)famous book dealers I know from book shows. This would be a good primer for a beginning collector, or a fun read for someone who has been collecting for a long time. The bibliography alone is valuable.
Jul 11, 2008
Jeff
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I love Basbanes' books - was spellbound by A Gentle Madness, and this one is good but not great. Here Basbanes focuses more on his own collection and philosophy of collecting. Interesting, but not fascinating. Those who are new to book collecting might actually get more out this than veteran collectors, or those who have faithfully read the other Basbanes books.
Feb 12, 2008
Heather
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This is the first book I've read by this guy (famous for Gentle Madness and Patience and Fortitude); he researches and writes about bibliophiles and I am so mild by comparison! This book in particular is about book-collecting today, and was pretty enjoyable, although the anecdotes went on too long for me sometimes. Thanks Michael!
Nov 29, 2007
Jess
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Filled with fun facts and amusing anecdotes about the "gently mad" (otherwise known as bibliophiles). Makes you want to go out and spend your allowance on anything book-related that catches your fancy.
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