Drawing on the superb insight he has gathered from some of the world's most notable collectors, dealers, and librarians, Nicholas Basbanes offers a penetrating consideration of the pastime as it enters an era in which everything, it seems, has become collectible, an era in which the computer has become an indispensable tool.In 1750, when the fourth Earl of Chesterfield warned his son against the dangers of bibliomania, few would have guessed that a passion for book collecting could lead to the surprising obsessions described in this book. More inspiring, especially to today's fledgling collector, are the book collectors with the ability to place their well-trained fingers on forgotten volumes that have in them "the latent capacity to become valuable and curious." After all, what could be more fun than finding value where there seems to be none?For newcomers, this book presents the rare opportunity to look over the shoulders of accomplished book hunters, all with their own successful strategies, as they pursue their prey, to glean some invaluable tips from the pros. Along with conveying the thrill of the chase, their stories remind readers that good books bought shrewdly are always wise investments.Traditionalists who believe that preparation and knowledge remain the soundest foundation for success will not be disappointed by Basbanes's contention that for all the wonders of the Internet, there is still no substitute for going out into the field, meeting up with kindred spirits at book fairs, open shops, auctions, and flea markets, and learning how to "handle the goods" from people who have been there. At the same time, he questions the relevance of a few axioms that have been accepted as gospel, while explaining the timeless wisdom of others. This is a book for our time - a book that no bibliophile will want to be without. Read Less