The Book About Books: The Anatomy of Bibliomania - Hardcover

Holbrook Jackson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0517368358 ISBN 13: 9780517368350

Publisher: Avenel Books, 1988

Synopsis

It has been said that when man needs company, a book is his best friend; when in doubt, a book is his adviser; when in damp spirits, a book is his comforter; and when bored, a book is his best recreation. Books are the lifeblood of humankind. With this in mind some 85 years ago, Holbrook Jackson, a highly respected man of letters, published in a limited edition a book called The Anatomy of Bibliomania. The current edition, now titled The Book About Books, was welcomed by book collectors and book lovers everywhere because the original was long out of print. The Book About Books is written in the style of the seventeenth-century prose master, Robert Burton, whose prototype The Anatomy of Melancholy served as the spark for this project. This monumental work shows an erudition in its field comparable to Burton, as well as the same racy and witty style of the earlier work. However, Jackson, in his love for and knowledge of books, emerges a distinct personality as he writes of every conceivable topic in the world of bibliomania, from the most learned to the most frivolous. This is the most ambitious and important work of Holbrook Jackson's many books - a sterling reference and literature book.

About this title

From Library Journal

A British "bookman," Jackson (1874-1948) here offers historical and cultural paeans to the book and to reading. The love of books is something nearly universal, though books have been reviled by certain cultures. Mostly, Jackson was a book nut who shared his love for the printed word, which, of course, includes libraries. These volumes were originally published in 1950, 1932, and 1947, respectively.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Mr. Jackson's cross-lights and unexpected illuminations are fascinating... among all his good things from other writers, his own good things should not be overlooked." -- Times Literary Supplement

Edition details

• Publisher: Avenel Books
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0517368358
• ISBN 13: 9780517368350
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 668