The Book-Hunter / A New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22136

Title

The Book-Hunter / A New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

John Hill Burton's *The Book-Hunter* offers a witty, learned, and affectionate exploration of bibliomania. Blending memoir, history, and satire, it chronicles the lives of collectors, the preservation of literature, and the unique culture of book clubs, appealing to lovers of rare volumes and literary history.

Summary up to 500 words

In this comprehensive study, John Hill Burton presents a detailed examination of the book-hunter, a figure defined by an enduring passion for literature. The work is structured into four distinct parts, exploring the collector's nature, functions, club life, and associated literature. Burton opens with a poignant memoir detailing his own upbringing in Aberdeen, his family's turbulent history involving a devoted but mentally unstable grandfather, and his rigorous education under strict masters who employed harsh disciplinary methods. He then proceeds to classify book-hunters, distinguishing between the 'prowler,' who seeks out rare items independently, and the 'auction-haunter,' who navigates the competitive world of sales. The text delves deeply into the history of libraries, tracing their evolution from ancient Irish oratories and humble stone domes to grand modern institutions like the British Museum. Burton examines the roles of librarians and scholars, discussing the preservation of literature amidst wars and revolutions, the dangers of forgeries, and the specific interests of various collectors known as 'Grangerites.' Rich in anecdotes about famous bibliophiles such as the Duke of Roxburghe and Sir Walter Scott, the book also features detailed discussions on early Northern saints, church architecture, and the history of the Scottish Church. Burton explores the psychological aspects of collecting, the structure of book clubs like the Roxburghe Club, and the preservation of manuscripts. With its copious index and illustrations, the work serves as both a practical guide to bibliographical pursuits and a tribute to the enduring human love for books, celebrating the collector's achievements in creating libraries and safeguarding cultural heritage.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22136.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22136.epub

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Categories

• Book collecting
• Bibliomania