The Bible of Book-Madness

[Jackson, Holbrook] (1874–1948) ; [Bibliophile & Critic]

The Anatomy of Bibliomania [Complete One-Volume Edition] [1932]

New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1932.
The definitive modern exhaustive study of the book-collecting passion, modeled after Robert Burton’s 'Anatomy of Melancholy.' 

Holbrook Jackson’s monumental work is a sprawling, erudite, and deeply entertaining examination of the bibliophile’s psyche, covering every facet of book madness from the joy of discovery to the tragedies of library destruction. This 1932 Scribner’s edition brings the vast scholarship of the original two-volume set into a single, comprehensive reference, serving as an essential 'bible' for those who live for—and among—books.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Typographic design consistent with the high-end scholarly productions of the early 1930s.
+++ Binding: Original maroon textured cloth; spine features bright gilt-stamped titles. 
+++ Content: A massive compendium of book lore, including sections on the qualities of books, the care of libraries, the habits of famous collectors, and a comprehensive index. 
+++ Imprint: Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York. 1932. 
+++ Specs: 9 inches tall; xv, 854 pp.

CONDITION — Good+. The bindings are tight and square, though the front hinge is open (inner webbing visible but structural integrity largely maintained). The maroon cloth shows moderate shelf handling wear and light rubbing to the extremities. Internally, the text is clean and bright with light, even age-toning throughout. A solid, presentable copy of a heavy volume that is often found in much poorer condition due to its sheer mass.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Bibliophilic Prose: Jackson’s style intentionally mirrors the 'Cento' method of the 17th century, weaving thousands of quotes from other authors into a seamless narrative about the love of reading.
+++ Reference Utility: Includes an exhaustive index that functions as a roadmap to the most significant anecdotes and facts in the history of book collecting.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE — 
Holbrook Jackson was one of the most influential figures in the mid-century 'Bookman' culture. 'The Anatomy of Bibliomania' remains his masterpiece, representing the last great era of the 'Gentleman Scholar' before bibliographical studies became strictly academic. It is both a primary document of 1930s bibliophilia and a timeless defense of the physical book as an object of desire.
CLASSIFICATION & REFERENCES

SUBJECTS: Bibliomania, Book Collecting History, Holbrook Jackson, Library Science, Literary Anecdotes, Books About Books, Reference, Bibliography.

Item #21731

Price: $45.00