In the Track of the Bookworm

A lively, almost conversational guide to the age‑old obsession of gathering books, this work opens by cataloguing the astonishing variety of objects humans have hoarded—clocks, shells, even hats—before declaring the printed page the ultimate prize. The author weaves anecdotes of famous collectors, from ancient philosophers to Renaissance princes, showing how the love of books has shaped both personal ambition and cultural heritage.

Beyond history, the book delves into the practical pleasures of the trade: the craft of binding, the art of book‑plates, the quirks of auctioneers, and the quiet companionship a library offers its keeper. Interspersed with witty ballads and reflective verses, the text invites listeners to share the delight of a well‑arranged shelf and to consider why, for many, the pursuit of a perfect volume feels like a modest form of immortality.