Werner Muensterberger

This was disturbing considering I have far too many books. Muensterberger combines a study of the psychology behind the propensity to collect and the biographies of world class hoarders in history. The common thread is the experience of a severe loss or deprivation in childhood which manifests itself in the need to acquire certain objects. The collector imbues the objects with magical properties that provide a degree of comfort, stability and security. However, it's never enough. More is their motto. Some of the notable individuals profiled have turned to crime and bankrupted themselves and their families to acquire the desired objects. However, they have also preserved and protected their collections and bestowed them on a variety of museums and institutes of higher learning. This work does make one want to curb one's personal mania, lest others think we are disturbed. Perhaps it's already too late.… (mer)