The Love Affairs of a Bibliomaniac
Eugene Field
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
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Do you love books? No, I mean REALLY love books? These series of sketches on the delights, adventures, and misadventures connected with bibliomania (bibliomania is characterized by the collecting of books which have no use to the collector nor any great intrinsic value to a genuine book collector. The purchase of multiple copies of the same book and edition and the accumulation of books beyond possible capacity of use or enjoyment are frequent symptoms of bibliomania.). The author wholeheartedly enjoyed this pursuit all his life and his descriptions are delightful to read. Anyone who has lovingly held a book, smelled it, and enjoyed it for being just what it is, will understand what the author puts so well. According to the author, collectors may be grouped in three classes: Those who collect from vanity, those who collect for the benefits of learning and those who collect out of veneration and love for books. Mr. Field fell squarely in the latter category.
(Summary from the preface and Phil Chenevert) (4 hr 36 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Disappointing
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Janelle
I love books, but I struggled to enjoy this. The author's fanciful ramblings left me bored and confused at times, although there were moments where I felt inspired by his passion for books. Listeners need to keep in mind that this is a satire. Eugene Field is not writing as himself, although there is overlap between him and the narrator. The book included some odd comments about women, and the penultimate chapter began with a lengthy section on women that I found offensive, despite the satirical form.
Ditto, Janelle!
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Phxjennifer
Yes, this book tries to be funny, but it only succeeds being sour and grouchy.