Among the Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the 21st Century

by Nicholas A. Basbanes

A field guide for the modern book collector
From the author of "A Gentle Madness"-a book with more than seventy thousand copies in print that delighted bibliophiles everywhere-comes a twenty-first-century guide to book collecting that deals with both the traditional methods of acquisition and the electronic tools now available on the Internet.
Sharing the superb insight he has gathered from booksellers over the years, Nicholas Basbanes offers a refresher course on the fundamentals that endure, while questioning certain practices of doubtful validity. Topics include how to determine if a book is a first edition, how to spot book club editions, the importance of dust jackets, scouting the flea markets, how to work the book fairs, and the importance of handling the goods, as well as discussing less tangible issues like spotting trends and having a focus. Then he takes a long look at the pros and cons of Internet buying, illuminating how you can use these electronic tools to your advantage and making this the book no modern collector will want to be without.

Genres: Books About Books, Nonfiction, History, Reference, Literature, Art, 21st Century

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2002

About the author

Nicholas A. Basbanes is an award-winning investigative journalist and was literary editor of the Worcester Sunday Telegram. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and Smithsonian, and he is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship. Basbanes lives in North Grafton, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 amazing 1999 book, "A Gentle Madness," where he goes through the history of bibliofilia and provides numerous examples of book collectors throughout history.

This time, the book is much shorter but no less interesting as Mr Basbanes focuses a bit more on how to collect books, emphasizing that book collecting is not just about finding and collecting rare and valuable books but also about accumulating that which interests any particular collector. In other words, for every book afficianado out there that is looking for a quality first edition of "Catcher in the Rye" there is also a collector of pop-up children's books through history or a collector of all books with the name "Billy" in the title. He sprinkles numerous anecdotes about the collectors themselves, many of whom he had interviewed for the first book and also offers lots of tips for how to go about starting a collection of your own. He examines book fairs, auctions, catalogues, etc. and also provides a thorough discussion on the pros and cons of the impact of the internet on modern book collecting.

Just as when I read the first book, I found myself wondering if I am a book collector at all. I am first and foremost a book reader and consequently I tend to accumulate lots of books but I can't say I've ever searched for a book based on its monetary value and I probably never will. It would be fun to do so, especially for some area I really like, perhaps the early pulp fiction era, but I suspect I'm too frugal to spend the kind of money I would need to do so. I certainly don't mind if others choose to collect books that they have no intention of reading but that's just not me. After I read a particular book, I do tend to cherish it and I love looking at my book shelves, reminiscing about the memories. I suppose I could categorize myself as a collector of "books I like to read" but that seems rather silly, even though I own and catalog over 7,000 books in my house. (Yes, I fit the description of a "gently mad" person). I think it's pretty good that I only have ~300 still unread although I can't seem to get that number much lower.

Anyway, I very much enjoy Mr Basbanes' books; they leave me with a deep sense of satisfaction and I always love books about books or book people. He has more published so I hope to add them to my "collection" one day.

[Jason Pettus · Rating 5 out of 5]

(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 with the pursuit, its true worth lying not in the advice it gives but the questions it inspires you to contemplate before actually spending any of your book-collecting money.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Nick Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 the cost, even if the text itself refers overmuch to Basbanes's (exquisite) A Gentle Madness (1995).

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

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-book bias. He also does a nice job of explaining to people (particularly neophyte or potential collectors) how they might go about cultivating the hobby. I'm always impressed by Basbanes' embrace of all types of collectors and collections. His interest in the book world is vast, and not confined to a single sort of book or a single type of collector. This has benefited all of his books greatly, and this one no exception. As I mentioned, I would rate it higher if it were more original/detailed. As it stands, I'd recommend his earlier books before this one.

[Chad in the ATL · Rating 3 out of 5]

A much quicker read than his seminal work, A Gentile Madness, Nicholas Basbanes creates a book that is both an enjoyable read and a handy reference on the does and don'ts of book collecting in the age of the internet. Even though it was published in 2002, it has held up remarkably well. In fact, most of the websites that he references are still going strong 13 years later. Among the Gently Mad is certainly not a comprehensive reference work. It is light on information and Basbanes loves to name-drop all the collectors he rubs elbows with. But this is part of what makes it an enjoyable read rather than a trudge. If Among the Gently Mad does nothing else, it will inspire you to add some better choices to your own collection.

[Dan Yingst · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting, which is my own fault. With that said, I also found the style not to my liking. It did help me realize that I have no real interest in collecting books (or at least collecting rare books) though.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I love books. I love the look of books on a shelf or table, and the feel of a book in my hand. Most of all though, I love what is between the two covers. For this reason, I would not make a good book collector; I love to read then share what I read. So, while I would love to have a library with thousands of books, I often find myself donating those I have read so other people might also enjoy the words on the pages.

Among the Gently Mad, by Basbanes, is a book about collecting books. Basbanes makes a point of stating he is not a bookseller, librarian, or professional bibliographer; he is a journalist and former literary editor who loves books.

While I understand that the author’s popular, National Book Award finalist, earlier book, A Gentle Madness, is more complete and detailed (I have not read it), this one still offers strategies and principles for putting together a book collection. Some of the topics include how to determine a first edition, the importance of dust jackets, searching with the Internet, what makes a book collectible, and more.

While this was interesting information, I more enjoyed his anecdotes about book collectors he knows. I also appreciated 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 made, but may also be lost. Instead, the real value may be in the joy the activity brings to the collector, especially when approached sensibly and personally.

For those of us who enjoy reading and have an interest in the topic of books, Among the Gently Mad is an enjoyable introduction to book collecting.

[Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Brent Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, Among The Gently Mad, Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the Twenty-First Century follows the authors previous books, "A Gently Madness and Patience & Fortitude".
The book is ahow-to guide for the aspiring bibliophile. It explores all sides of this hobby and obsession. Some of the authors own history comes through especially as he comments on places visited around the county.

"Every book collection is a form of narrative. It follows a plot line that emerges as much as a reflection of personality as purpose". Basbanes adds that;
"A shelf of books bespeaks the soul whose hands have put it there."
The insight into why this is the case is very interesting. These thoughts are why the book was so appealing to me.

A short trip to my own library confirms the truths spoken here. You might find yourself rearranging your own library shelves in order to put the best story together, because it is indeed there on the shelf. It tells who you are.

In Chapter 4 an approach to book collecting is distilled into three words. Rarity, scarcity, and value. Each of these are discussed at length.

Basbanes says that, in his opinion, you shouldn’t seek books just because they are old or expensive. Instead he present insight into many possible reasons including focusing on authors, subject, and time periods. He discusses the internet and offers some great suggestions but he points out that for all its help there is still no substitute for going out into the marketplace and meeting people at the book fairs, open shops, auctions, flea markets and knowing what to look for.

[David Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicholas A. Basbanes’ AMONG THE GENTLY MAD is a fascinating read about book collecting and book collectors.

The book benefits greatly from Basbanes’ wit and personality. Speaking of a cherished first edition of Bernard Malamud’s debut novel THE NATURAL, but noting that his copy lacks the dust jacket, Basbanes refers to it as his “au naturel copy of THE NATURAL.” His prose consistently shows the sureness and polish, as when in a discussion about the physical condition of books he notes that “no rule is so hard and fast, no axiom so sacrosanct that it can’t be axed.”

Collectors Basbanes discusses include Bob Bradbury, a professor in the Graduate School of Management at Clark University, who amassed a collection of some one thousand books about ornithologists. He sold that collection and then switched to collecting miniature books. Basbanes quotes Bradbury: “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 experience, for the most part justified. My own favorite story as a collector involves a transaction with a California book dealer. I am abjectly embarrassed that after more than half a century I can’t recall whether that dealer was Peter B. Howard or Ralph Sipper.

In my early twenties, I I had gotten ahead of myself and purchased some books that were frankly beyond my means. In a bind, I decided to sell some books. I made up a list of books with which I was willing to part and sent it to the dealer. He sent me a letter indicating how much he was willing to pay for each title., whereupon I bit the bullet and shipped him the books . When his check arrived, I was 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 better condition than my description of it had indicated. I ask you: In how many fields of business would you encounter such behavior?

Although AMONG THE GENTLY MAD is packed with interesting information and enjoyable anecdotes, i couldn’t help wondering if Basbanes may have used up much of his best material in an earlier book, A GENTLE MADNESS. I have a copy on its way to me.

[Jeff Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable resource for the amateur or beginning book collector as well as one contemplating entering into the book selling business. Basbanes published two remarkable books about the book world in A Gentle Madness (1995) and Patience and Fortitude (2001). In those books, Basbanes introduces the reader to most aspects of the book economy: used and antiquarian bookstores, book sellers, personal collectors and their libraries, book thieves, auction houses, libraries, and museums. In Among the Gently Mad, begins with his own story of how he crossed the line between having a working library to becoming a collector. Basbanes’ common sense and good advice here comes from both his personal experience as well as all the stories he has heard from the book sellers and book collectors he has met and interviewed.

Basbanes asserts that collecting is not limited to the wealthy. Anyone may collect, even those working with a modest budget. The most important part of collecting is having a focus or a plan. The second is to know something about your subject. Be willing to build around your subject. Be open to collecting what is called ephemera, i.e. letters, paintings, post cards, etc. Basbanes includes a useful no-nonsense discussion of book values and where to find accurate information.

I found the whole book engaging and instructive. But, I think 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;” and the annotated selective bibliography.

[ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful read on the gentle-mad passion of book-collecting. I call it an “enabler” book due to the beginning chapter where the author quotes John Hill Burton who says that book-collecting as hubris “remains the one above all others ‘that leans to virtue’s side’”. It did fuel my dedication to collecting books but not in Basbanes’ terms. I don’t want first editions. I want to collect books on my own terms. That said, my New Year’s Resolution being that I disallow myself to purchase books unrelated to school puts a damper in this bibliophilic spirit of mine.

[Shiloah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I was going for, which is why it took so long to read. I lost interest when I realized it was highbrow book collecting which I cannot ever see myself being a part of. I prefer Ann Fadiman's words that describe my relationship 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 don't have time for thousand dollar (or more!) books which I would be afraid to crack open the spine.

[dejah_thoris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite Basbanes book, but not particularly bad either. Definitely serves as an artifact of the era with its opening focus on traditional methods moving towards online sources then ending with an in-person book fair. Aside from known-item searches, Basbanes seems bearish on the internet, which blessedly becomes more transparent and secure. It is strange though to not encounter AbeBooks until the very end, especially after critiques of eBay.

[Shiela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and pleasurable reading book. Though obviously scholarly and well connected in the field, the author is not pedantic nor patronizing. This book was enjoyable even though I am not a collector nor have any aspirations to become one. Definitely will put his prior books on “to read” list.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book on how to collect books. A lot of emphasis on collecting modern first editions but much useful information here including on some notable collectors and their collections, all discussed in Basbanes's inimitable style. My only caveat is that as this was published in 2002 much of the information regarding book collecting and the Internet is now obsolete or very dated

[Samuel Casey Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a very good read for fans of A Gentle Madness and Patience & Fortitude. Includes both practical advice and engaging stories on the art, hobby, habit, and addiction of surrounding yourself with books.

[Joseph Hageman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, educational and entertaining! Especially for a bibliophile or book hunter like me!

[Jane Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the history of book collecting and those who choose to collect rare and unusual books. Nice steady pacing and interesting anecdotes.

[Terry Geiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The situations that the author covers are way of my league, even if considered myself as a collector, which I don't. I enjoyed the read though.

[Kendra Huddleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Antonio Gallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Among the Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the 21st Century" è un libro scritto da Nicholas Basbanes, un noto autore e giornalista che ha scritto molto sui libri e sulla cultura del collezionismo librario. Il libro è una guida per i cacciatori di libri, che offre strategie e prospettive per trovare e acquisire libri rari e preziosi nel 21° secolo.

Basbanes copre una vasta gamma di argomenti nel libro, tra cui la storia del collezionismo di libri, i diversi tipi di collezionisti di libri e le loro motivazioni, il ruolo della tecnologia nel collezionismo di libri e l'importanza di preservare e prendersi cura dei libri rari. Fornisce anche consigli pratici su come trovare e acquistare libri, inclusi suggerimenti su come cercare libri online, come valutare le condizioni e il valore di un libro e come negoziare con i venditori.

In tutto il libro, Basbanes sottolinea l'importanza di rimanere curiosi e di mentalità aperta nella ricerca dei libri e incoraggia i lettori a seguire le proprie passioni e interessi durante il collezionismo. Incoraggia inoltre i collezionisti di libri a essere consapevoli delle questioni etiche e legali che possono sorgere nel mondo del collezionismo di libri e ad essere rispettosi dei diritti di proprietà intellettuale di autori ed editori.

Nel complesso, "Among the Gently Mad" è una guida completa e istruttiva per chiunque sia interessato al collezionismo di libri e offre preziosi spunti e consigli a chiunque desideri iniziare o espandere la propria collezione.

[Charles Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great inspiration.....each time the author described the motivations, emotional connections that his collectors had with their books and collecting I felt a tinge of recognition, a realization that he was in some ways describing me and how I feel about my books and collection....at the same time illuminating how shallow my efforts at collecting really are and how much more exciting and rewarding it can be if I only give it a little more effort, to stick my neck out and try new things, extend my interests and thereby the number of books and authors available to me....a wonderful volume that I will treasure and reread. Thanks Nick....

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue my Basbanes love affair. This one, much more than "Patience" or "Gentle Madness", is practical: it goes about telling you how to acquire the precioussssss.

Based my reading of this book, I can state with some authority that the passion for First Editions has not touched me. I suspect this is both because I am a thrifty soul and can't stand the prices, and because having things that cost that much makes me feel like I can't read them, which is anathema. Still fun to read about though.

[Jake Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

"For my purposes, a basic FileMaker Pro software package has worked out just fine; mine is the 3.3 series, which is more than adequate to my needs, but I temper that with the declaration that I still do all my writing on WordPerfect 5.1, preferring that discontinued software over everything else that has come down the line in the decade since its introduction, including Microsoft Word in all its various mutations."

[Mishqueen · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While some of the technology mentioned is dated (Google without ads! Wish that were back!), this is still a solid read for its suggestions on book collecting. Basbanes mentions timeless advice, such as collecting for pleasure on topics of interest; how the market is for big name titles; stressing condition; and explaining how rare book fairs work. He also adds interesting side stories in the collecting world to entertain readers. I enjoy this read and plan to hold onto my copy.