Obsessing over my obsession

If you are not the least bit enamored with books, nor are you anywhere near the edge of literary obsession, you may as well stop reading now, because not only will this review not interest you in the slightest, you won’t even be able to relate.

Regrettably, I have finished ‘The Man who Loved Books too Much.’ This is a book about a rather disturbed antiquarian book thief, who, like other disturbed individuals, doesn’t see himself as disturbed.

This is a true story. And, as such teases us with historical literary nuggets throughout. It is enthralling and educational, and if you think you know something about the book world, you will soon realize that you know nothing of it at all.

John Charles Gilkey is fixated on rare books, not for profit, mind you, but for possessing. His obsession in obtaining them through fraud and thievery is a journey into the world of Antiquarian Book sellers, buyers and collectors.

John Charles Gilkey’s nemesis is Ken Sanders. An Antiquarian Book dealer and security chair of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) who was relentless in exposing Gilkey. Gilkey, by the way, did spend time behind bars for his ‘book’ crimes, however, at the time of this writing, John Gilkey is a free man.

I thought I was a passionate collector, as anyone who knows me will tell you. I thought I knew a lot about books and about the world they live in. I must now rethink the muse of my intent with regard to my book collection.

I fell slowly, albeit deliberate, into every word, and when I was done I began perusing my own collection. Much to my surprise, I discovered that I own three Modern Library titles, published by Random House. The Modern Library collection (additional information can be gathered here) was, and remains, John Gilkey’s Achilles’ heel. I must search further to see if I have more. Rather exciting.

Allison Hoover Bartlett takes us into the world of bibliophiles, and introduces us to outlandish and unforgettable characters. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a true story and not a fiction telling. An enjoyable fantastic read that extends far beyond the last word.

four stars
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