27-04-2016, 06:28 PM
12
Re: Books.
My late & much loved Uncle Vivian was an avid collector of books. He was also an utter snob in all things literary. HE referred often to books he was currently “working upon or researching”.To my almost certain knowledge his actual output was zero. He wrote off all the books considered to be “classics” with the desultory snipe."People want to have read classics, but no one wants to actually read them.” Why he collected books was a mystery until I was a teenager. He was a dealer, of course and could obtain just about any book however rare or sought after. He had a horrific near death experience when an overloaded battery of shelves suddenly gave way & huge piles of short story collections buried him. He was saved by a gap in the volumes of HG Wells & Saki, providing a life saving corridor of air.. In later years he boasted how being immersed in books nearly killed him. Shortly after this event he gave all his precious books away and avoided books ever after.
27-04-2016, 07:09 PM
13
Re: Books.
I love my books!! When we moved here 5 years ago we gave loads to the charity shops and boxed a lot more up and put them in the garage - where they still sit.Still collecting more and won't have a bookcase because I know it would overflow into other rooms. I do have a bulging hall cupboard, though.
I feel your pain, Hanfonius.
27-04-2016, 07:27 PM
14
Re: Books.
Originally Posted by Robert Junior
->
My late & much loved Uncle Vivian was an avid collector of books. He was also an utter snob in all things literary. HE referred often to books he was currently “working upon or researching”.To my almost certain knowledge his actual output was zero. He wrote off all the books considered to be “classics” with the desultory snipe."People want to have read classics, but no one wants to actually read them.” Why he collected books was a mystery until I was a teenager. He was a dealer, of course and could obtain just about any book however rare or sought after. He had a horrific near death experience when an overloaded battery of shelves suddenly gave way & huge piles of short story collections buried him. He was saved by a gap in the volumes of HG Wells & Saki, providing a life saving corridor of air.. In later years he boasted how being immersed in books nearly killed him. Shortly after this event he gave all his precious books away and avoided books ever after.
Good story RJ, it speaks volumes.
| Thread Tools | |
|
|
