Excerpt from The Book Collector
Should like to warn you, from the outset, that this I essay will be as lively as a speech by Mathurin Cordier1 or a chapter of Despautere!2 God, Nature, and the Academy have enclosed my imagination within these narrow bound aries, which it is no longer able to overstep. At least you can always refrain from reading me, and in that are more fortunate than I who, following the dictates of a too exigent publisher, have no choice but to write. The draw ings were made, the plates were ready; and the only thing needed to complete the issue was a long and unprofitable text. Well, then here 1t is! But you will be disappointed if you expect to find in it one of those clever portraits to which your favorite authors have accustomed you. If what you are seeking is an original and telling sketch of the bouquz'm'ste, the second-hand-book addict, then you need go no further. Pause here, and, following the modest advice of certain almanacs: See illustration on opposite page. The collector of books is a type which we would do well to define, since everything points to his disappearance in the very near future. The printed book has existed at the most for some four hundred years, yet books are already accumulating in some countries in a manner that threatens the very equilibrium of the globe. Civilization has reached the most unexpected of its ages, the age of paper. Now that everyone writes books, no one Shows any particular eager ness to buy them. Besides, our young authors are well onthe way to building up whole libraries for themselves out of their own works. They need only be left to their own devices.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
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Anbieter: Forgotten Books, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Paperback. Zustand: New. Print on Demand. Step into a captivating exploration of the world of book collecting and its passionate devotees. This book delves into the distinct personalities of bibliophiles and bibliomaniacs, contrasting their motivations, methods, and relationships with books. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the author paints a vivid picture of a bygone era when the printed word held immense value and the pursuit of rare volumes was a noble and respected endeavor. The author's insightful observations extend beyond mere categorization, delving into the philosophical and cultural implications of book collecting. He examines the changing landscape of the literary world, lamenting the decline of craftsmanship in book production and the rise of a more commercialized approach. The book explores the delicate balance between appreciation and obsession, highlighting the joy of discovering hidden treasures and the pitfalls of unchecked acquisitiveness. Through witty anecdotes and historical references, the author invites readers to contemplate the enduring allure of books and the unique bond between collectors and their prized possessions. This book offers a timeless reflection on the value of books, the art of collecting, and the profound impact of the written word on human civilization. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 9780243439768_0
Anzahl: Mehr als 20 verfügbar
Anbieter: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, USA
PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9780243439768
Anbieter: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, Vereinigtes Königreich
PAP. Zustand: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers LW-9780243439768
Anzahl: 15 verfügbar
Anbieter: Buchpark, Trebbin, Deutschland
Zustand: Hervorragend. Zustand: Hervorragend | Sprache: Englisch | Produktart: Bücher | Keine Beschreibung verfügbar. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 28498330/1
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