About this title: Richly anecdotal and fully documented, this history of book-collecting is a celebration of books and the people who have revered, gathered and preserved them over the centuries.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Owl/Henry Holt, New York
Date Published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780805061765ISBN:0805061762
Description: Very Good/Wraps. Trade paperback, very good condition, w. ltly rubbed wraps, a few lt marks. Ltly bumped corners, some v. lt edgwr. V. ltly tanned p. edges. Sig on first page, the odd ul. O/w clean, tight, unmarked. read more
Description: Good. A Good copy with a Remainder Mark and wear to the covers and the extremities. Buy with confidence from an Independent Bookstore where the owners, a husband and wife team, have over 30 years of combined bookselling experience. read more
Edition: Reprint
Binding: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Owl Books, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Date Published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780805061765ISBN:0805061762
Description: Very Good. 8vo-8"-9" Tall. Reprint edition trade paperback in VERY GOOD, unmarked condition. Corners very slightly shelf-rubbed, dampstain to rear board. 638pp., index, notes, extensive bibliography. read more
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Holt McDougal
Date Published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780805061765ISBN:0805061762
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 668 p. Contains: Illustrations. Audience: General/trade. paperback (First Paperback Edition, with new preface by author) with new covers, clean pages, binding tight as new and unread (clean page edge, uncreased spine). Note: Post Office Delivery Confirmation provided by e-mail to enable you to track your package. Book is shipped in a padded envelope and packaged in bubble wrap for added protection. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Henry Holt, New York:
Date Published: (1995).
Description: First edition. SIGNED by author. One of the best books on book collectors ever written, certainly the best for this generation of collectors. The first printing of 7, 000 copies sold out rapidly, and it went on to sell over 50, 000 copies in hardback in later printings--which may be a record for a book about books. Fine in dustwrapper. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Holt Paperbacks
Date Published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780805061765ISBN:0805061762
Description: Good. Good: A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact (including dust cover, if applicable). The spine may show signs of wear. Pages can include limited notes and highlighting, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels. About Austin eBooks Austin eBooks is committed to providing each customer with the highest standard of customer service! We add inventory to our store daily, and guarantee order processing and shipment ... read more
"i just found out that this book is out of print. what gives? if you are reading this review, you probably like books. so do yourself a favor and go to abe or bookfinder and get a copy. now. this is the most loving books about book lovers i have ever read. collectors, sellers, hunters, owners, thieves, protectors, the obsessed and the absolutely insane. its a nice fat book, but if you really are interested in books then it will be way too short for you. he is a great writer, and its a shame it is out of print. but maybe you can get it on kindle. sigh.
on a personal note (for once) right now my house looks like a crazy-house. the night before i left for rhode island there were 4 separate book avalanches because i think i have officially reached the supersaturation point of books-to-space.then last night when i returned, there were a couple more. which means the next step is... storage. and i have put it off as long as i can, but i think it is time.it is heartbreaking to me - who will tuck them in at night? who will touch them and love them and tell them they are special? why dont i have a separate structure to house all my books, like one of the men in this book who converted houses and barns to accommodate his collection? (even though his was entirely stolen from libraries across the world) where are these wealthy book lovers who are bidding in auctions on tamerlane - why wont they send a fraction of the cost to make me a little reading hut? (it can be in the space where the diner closed down - im not picky)why are there so many books i feel i need? after reading this book, i felt less alone in my sickness, but being aware of a sickness is not enough to cure it. i will never stop the ruthless wanting and needing and collecting - even if my collection is for reading and not for fancy displaying. i may have to split my time between here and the storage facility, like my books are victims of a messy divorce and i will be a weekend mommy to the storage books. they will never understand..."
"Has some very interesting recollections of famous book-lovers and collectors, as well as famous book thieves and other unique book-related incidents. Especially enjoyed the sections about Xavier Marmier (1809-1892)."
"This is the story of collectors of books beginning 2200 years ago up to the present. Mr. Basbanes explores the many reasons people collect. It is truly a celebration of people who have revered, gathered and preserved books over the centuries. Filled with information and told in an engaging and enjoyable manner. If you are crazy about books you will enjoy A Gentle Madness."
"I started reading this for research and kept reading because the interviews and characters were so vivid. A flood of fascinating information that self references often to teach you the key historical figures and texts."
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