The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
sleightoffeet's review against another edition
3.0
Really an interesting book!
I feel I learned a bit about the rare book trade, and the mind set of collectors. The thief, unlike the majority of thieves, did it for love of books and not for money, which, in a fictional story, might make him like-able, in actuality, his lack of morality, still made me unable to see it from his side of things.
I do like the fact that you are on a journey with the author, and learn with her about rare books and the fraud perpetrated to get them.
I feel I learned a bit about the rare book trade, and the mind set of collectors. The thief, unlike the majority of thieves, did it for love of books and not for money, which, in a fictional story, might make him like-able, in actuality, his lack of morality, still made me unable to see it from his side of things.
I do like the fact that you are on a journey with the author, and learn with her about rare books and the fraud perpetrated to get them.
kojali's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
4.25
AMAZING! What an incredible feat of journalism, I adored this more than any words can describe. Anxiously awaiting another monograph by the author.
deanbookshelf's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
As I progressed from one chapter to another, I was completely engrossed in the captivating tale. The book had a lot to offer, and I gained valuable insights from it, particularly regarding the peculiar relationship that someone shared with their treasured books. I was surprised to discover that a person could be so passionate about their books that they would go to any lengths to obtain them, even if it meant resorting to theft.
In general, people collect books for two primary reasonsâ either to showcase their social standing and wealth or to satiate their thirst for knowledge. However, the main subject of this story, Gilkey, had a different perspective. He had a profound understanding of the books that he wished to acquireâ he was familiar with the authors, the material of the book cover, and its market value. He was an expert in classic literature, and his passion for books was multifaceted.
In my opinion, simply owning books as a means of identification can significantly alter how others perceive us. Gilkey's goal was to be viewed as a respectable person based on the books he possessed, particularly rare ones.
In general, people collect books for two primary reasonsâ either to showcase their social standing and wealth or to satiate their thirst for knowledge. However, the main subject of this story, Gilkey, had a different perspective. He had a profound understanding of the books that he wished to acquireâ he was familiar with the authors, the material of the book cover, and its market value. He was an expert in classic literature, and his passion for books was multifaceted.
In my opinion, simply owning books as a means of identification can significantly alter how others perceive us. Gilkey's goal was to be viewed as a respectable person based on the books he possessed, particularly rare ones.
blackorwa's review against another edition
3.0
A glimpse at the rare book world. The book lacks depth but makes it up on ease of reading - with no proper ending, the books bounces through the various aspects of what make people become rare book collectors and what motivate others to steal from the collectors.
jennifermreads's review against another edition
3.0
Journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett peels back the covers of the world of rare books, collecting, and the thievery that plagues the field.
A book about books? A book about RARE books? A book about a guy who steals rare books? And so many Bay Area locations I felt like I was wandering local neighborhoods as I read? It sounds perfect â but didnât quite reach perfection. I really felt like everything scratched the surface and that the author was trying to do too much. I think focus was called for: tell John Gilkeyâs sorry tale of book thievery, or focus on Ken Sandersâ detective nose, or immerse readers in the world of rare books, do not try to do all three and then limit yourself to six hours (audio) or 258 pages (print).
Admittedly, John Gilkey just annoyed the hell out of me. He stole because he felt he had a right to the books? That he was priced out of the market for items he longed to own? Oh, cry me a river. I would keel over and die if I could get my hands on a first edition Harry Potter and the Philosopherâs Stone. But, if I saw one, by Gilkeyâs reasoning, I should steal it because I want it so bad?? Never mind that, by stealing, I would be hurting whatever seller is hoping to share the treasure and gain a few bucks to pay the rent (or buy their next treasure). Dude, get yourself to a therapist. Seriously, Gilkey, you are owed nothing. Work for your money and then buy your treasures ⌠you know, the LEGAL WAY!
But, as annoying as Gilkey was, I could have read the entire book focused on him and his neuroses. Unfortunately, his tale became weighed down by the addition of Ken Sanders (whose story did not receive even a tiny bit of justice within these pages) and the attempt at portraying the rare book world. Yup ⌠either devote an entire book to each or at least write a page count giving each their due.
I was fascinated by the bits I read. I would love to sit with Sanders, over a nice long tea, and listen to tales of his collecting, his finds, the folks who walk into his store, his time as security for the American Booksellers Association, and the book that alludes him in his collecting desires. I was intrigued by the descriptions of first editions and the little details that make it easy to spot a fake or determine a treasure. I had never thought about collecting âfirst editionsâ considering it far out of my reach economically (and, really, would my husband be able to stand even MORE books in our house and these precious babies being snuggly displayed in archival glass? HmmmmmmâŚ). But I do collect books. I have all the titles written by favorite authors and multiple copies of some of those titles. When Fairyloot, LitJoy, or Owl Crate announce a special edition of an author-I-adoreâs new release, I set alarms in order to make sure I get a copy. So, yeah, a book all about collecting and the treasures, expensive and affordable, that could be had? I would eat that up!
So, this was a book to whet the appetite. I long to know more of Gilkey, Sanders, book collecting, and the rare book world. And, arenât all of our TBRâs long enough that a read should satisfy enough that further reading seems a bonus rather than necessary?
A book about books? A book about RARE books? A book about a guy who steals rare books? And so many Bay Area locations I felt like I was wandering local neighborhoods as I read? It sounds perfect â but didnât quite reach perfection. I really felt like everything scratched the surface and that the author was trying to do too much. I think focus was called for: tell John Gilkeyâs sorry tale of book thievery, or focus on Ken Sandersâ detective nose, or immerse readers in the world of rare books, do not try to do all three and then limit yourself to six hours (audio) or 258 pages (print).
Admittedly, John Gilkey just annoyed the hell out of me. He stole because he felt he had a right to the books? That he was priced out of the market for items he longed to own? Oh, cry me a river. I would keel over and die if I could get my hands on a first edition Harry Potter and the Philosopherâs Stone. But, if I saw one, by Gilkeyâs reasoning, I should steal it because I want it so bad?? Never mind that, by stealing, I would be hurting whatever seller is hoping to share the treasure and gain a few bucks to pay the rent (or buy their next treasure). Dude, get yourself to a therapist. Seriously, Gilkey, you are owed nothing. Work for your money and then buy your treasures ⌠you know, the LEGAL WAY!
But, as annoying as Gilkey was, I could have read the entire book focused on him and his neuroses. Unfortunately, his tale became weighed down by the addition of Ken Sanders (whose story did not receive even a tiny bit of justice within these pages) and the attempt at portraying the rare book world. Yup ⌠either devote an entire book to each or at least write a page count giving each their due.
I was fascinated by the bits I read. I would love to sit with Sanders, over a nice long tea, and listen to tales of his collecting, his finds, the folks who walk into his store, his time as security for the American Booksellers Association, and the book that alludes him in his collecting desires. I was intrigued by the descriptions of first editions and the little details that make it easy to spot a fake or determine a treasure. I had never thought about collecting âfirst editionsâ considering it far out of my reach economically (and, really, would my husband be able to stand even MORE books in our house and these precious babies being snuggly displayed in archival glass? HmmmmmmâŚ). But I do collect books. I have all the titles written by favorite authors and multiple copies of some of those titles. When Fairyloot, LitJoy, or Owl Crate announce a special edition of an author-I-adoreâs new release, I set alarms in order to make sure I get a copy. So, yeah, a book all about collecting and the treasures, expensive and affordable, that could be had? I would eat that up!
So, this was a book to whet the appetite. I long to know more of Gilkey, Sanders, book collecting, and the rare book world. And, arenât all of our TBRâs long enough that a read should satisfy enough that further reading seems a bonus rather than necessary?
karieh13's review against another edition
3.0
Throughout âThe Man Who Loved Booksâ, author Allison Hoover Bartlett kept dipping her toe into the word of rare book collecting. Seemingly to try and relate to those whose all consuming passion it is, but in parts, itâs as if she is trying to get addicted herself. A book lover and a reader, she tries on the mania, but it doesnât fit. For that, though, we have the subject of the book, John Charles Gilkey, book thief.
âIf you have a bookcase,â added Gilkey, âthe more you put on them, the more it builds up, the more itâs worth, the better it looksâŚWith books, it looks beautiful, you can read it if you want, and itâs part of the ambiance of a house, isnât it?â
(Is it a bad sign if I completely agree with the thoughts of a book thief?) But itâs more than the looks of a book collection, Bartlett finds. With Gilkey, itâs a childhood steeped in collecting (and a total lack of morals when it comes to stealing), and a desire to create an image of himself as successful and well-readâŚcreate an image, not actually do the work to get become those things.
âThat people would admire Gilkey because of his book collection seemed to be at the crux of his desire. It wasnât merely a love of books that compelled him, but also what owning them would say about him.â
âGilkey had a wish that he could not afford to grant himself, thus those who kept him from doing so, dealers, were to blame. What must it be like, I wondered, to view the world in such a way, to feel entitled to all one desired and to be able to justify to oneself any means of obtaining it?â
This book was interesting not only because of the insight I gained into the thoughts of a criminal, but because of the look into the legitimate book world that Bartlett gives. There are many who share Gilkeyâs passion, but not his lack of conscience.
âHaving spent a few days among collectors and dealers at the New York Antiquarian Book Fair, I sensed that many of them were also building identities through their collections, acquiring books as talismans of taste, knowledge, and affluence.â
There is humor in this as well. âFor many book collectors, comic books are the gateway drug to the hard stuff. The need to find issue #5 of the Hulk morphs into a lust for hardbound copies of The Call of the Wild.â
One of the best aspects of the book was when Bartlett visits and interviews the small book dealers who, very unfortunately, were victims of Gilkey. Their passion for books and the time, care and hours they put into their businesses comes blazing off the page. These, for me, are the heroes of the book. The author paints such a vivid picture of these people and of their shops that I felt like I could actually hear the bell chiming above the door as I entered.
I love books. The look, the smell, the feel of them. I collect those I read and those that have been part of my life since childhood. But for me, the value of my books is in the words, and in the memories I have of my feelings as I read them. I canât imagine owning a book that I wouldnât dare read for fear of decreasing its value. So itâs fascinating for me to get a chance to learn about those who do just that.
âIf you have a bookcase,â added Gilkey, âthe more you put on them, the more it builds up, the more itâs worth, the better it looksâŚWith books, it looks beautiful, you can read it if you want, and itâs part of the ambiance of a house, isnât it?â
(Is it a bad sign if I completely agree with the thoughts of a book thief?) But itâs more than the looks of a book collection, Bartlett finds. With Gilkey, itâs a childhood steeped in collecting (and a total lack of morals when it comes to stealing), and a desire to create an image of himself as successful and well-readâŚcreate an image, not actually do the work to get become those things.
âThat people would admire Gilkey because of his book collection seemed to be at the crux of his desire. It wasnât merely a love of books that compelled him, but also what owning them would say about him.â
âGilkey had a wish that he could not afford to grant himself, thus those who kept him from doing so, dealers, were to blame. What must it be like, I wondered, to view the world in such a way, to feel entitled to all one desired and to be able to justify to oneself any means of obtaining it?â
This book was interesting not only because of the insight I gained into the thoughts of a criminal, but because of the look into the legitimate book world that Bartlett gives. There are many who share Gilkeyâs passion, but not his lack of conscience.
âHaving spent a few days among collectors and dealers at the New York Antiquarian Book Fair, I sensed that many of them were also building identities through their collections, acquiring books as talismans of taste, knowledge, and affluence.â
There is humor in this as well. âFor many book collectors, comic books are the gateway drug to the hard stuff. The need to find issue #5 of the Hulk morphs into a lust for hardbound copies of The Call of the Wild.â
One of the best aspects of the book was when Bartlett visits and interviews the small book dealers who, very unfortunately, were victims of Gilkey. Their passion for books and the time, care and hours they put into their businesses comes blazing off the page. These, for me, are the heroes of the book. The author paints such a vivid picture of these people and of their shops that I felt like I could actually hear the bell chiming above the door as I entered.
I love books. The look, the smell, the feel of them. I collect those I read and those that have been part of my life since childhood. But for me, the value of my books is in the words, and in the memories I have of my feelings as I read them. I canât imagine owning a book that I wouldnât dare read for fear of decreasing its value. So itâs fascinating for me to get a chance to learn about those who do just that.