A GENTLE MADNESS Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books

Henry Holt and Company/Owl Editions, 1996. 1st Paperback Ed. 1st Printing. Soft cover. As New. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Type: Book 654 pp., superb heavy back-laminated cover decorated with gilt-stamped decorated boards and spine with titling both in cream and gilt. "A Gentle Madness" is an adventure among the afflicted. Richly anecdotal & fully documented, it combines the perspective of historical research w/ the immediacy of investigative journalism. Above all, it is a celebration of books & the people who have revered, gathered & preserved them over the centuries. Author Nicholas Basbanes, a dedicated bibliophile himself, begins his book 2,200 years ago in Alexandria, when a commitment was made to gather all the world's knowledge beneath one roof. In a series of lively chapters the continuum then passes through the Middle Ages & the Renaissance to the 20th century with a special emphasis on book lore and book culture in Great Britain & North America. AS NEWPlease contact us directly for a full description. Photo scan available upon request.Photo scan available upon request. Books sold to the USA are shipped USPS out of Champlain NY.