In Conclusion

[Anne Marie]

I finished this book today! I know, a bit later than a few of you, but I wanted to know your final thoughts. You "review" as it were.

There were a few things that really jumped out at me towards the end as interesting, that I thought I would throw out there(Not as a review, but just a couple things I found interesting). I LOVED hearing all the stories Bartlett told about book collectors over the years, little pieces of history that involve books (Two of my favorite subjects put together, history and books!), like the story of Thomas Jefferson's private collection and what happened to it. There were several others about crazy collectors, murder, stolen books from monasteries. Crazy.

Second, I had never heard of "Fore-edge paintings", where they actually paint a picture just inside the gilt edge of a book so when you bend the pages a picture forms. How fascinating!! Now I want to find one! Bartlett said a few even have two pictures, one when you bend the pages one way and another the opposite way.

I would say this book was definitely well worth reading. It was unlike anything I've ever picked up before. I have to say I found it to drag a little at times and often the Gilkey stories or information seemed repetitive, but other than that I found it an easy and interesting read.

How about you all?

[Charmaine]

I'd never heard of fore-edge paintings either. If you google it you can see pictures of it. Very cool!

One of the things I loved about this book was when the author mentioned books and authors that I know or have read - and then talked about the value of their first editions etc.

Also, I was inspired by the whole idea of going into Goodwill (or other 2nd hand stores or garage sales) with an eye out for first editions or older copies. I will never forget the day that I found my copy of A Child's History of the World at a garage sale. I was ecstatic! - and it was only 1.00. I felt like I had won the lottery. Do you remember that day, Anne Marie? You were with me. It was a garage sale in Shell Lake.

[Anne Marie]

I remember it perfectly as a matter of fact! :-)

[Annie]

The one thing I read at the the end that made the book completely worth reading (even if I hadn't liked the entire thing!) was the story about the man who died on a cot in his living room because the entirety of his house was consumed in books. He died surrounded by 90 tons of books or something she said :) Is that the man in the story you referred to, Anne??? It was so sad and completely awesome!

Something that I wasn't aware of, but enjoyed learning, was that I am my own kind of book collector. A lot of books that are worth a lot, monetarily, to others - I had never heard of! All the books I have, I have them for a reason and they are probably not on anyone's "list" of books to get for their fancy collections. I have a new-found pride in what my collection says about me, and it also inspired me to gather a few more titles that mean something to me, but I don't have copies yet :)

It was good - worth the read.

[Kristi]

I remember when you brought home your copy of A Child's History of the World, Charmaine! I felt like you had won the lottery!
Fore-edge painting was new to me, too. And the pictures are amazing.
I really liked the book. It always impresses me when an author takes a subject that has the potential to be boring and makes it come to life. The way she kept the different story lines moving forward was
impressive.
I wonder what book she is researching now? :)