"Among the Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the 21st Century" è un libro scritto da Nicholas Basbanes, un noto autore e giornalista che ha scritto molto sui libri e sulla cultura del collezionismo librario. Il libro è una guida per i cacciatori di libri, che offre strategie e prospettive per trovare e acquisire libri rari e preziosi nel 21° secolo.

Basbanes copre una vasta gamma di argomenti nel libro, tra cui la storia del collezionismo di libri, i diversi tipi di collezionisti di libri e le loro motivazioni, il ruolo della tecnologia nel collezionismo di libri e l'importanza di preservare e prendersi cura dei libri rari. Fornisce anche consigli pratici su come trovare e acquistare libri, inclusi suggerimenti su come cercare libri online, come valutare le condizioni e il valore di un libro e come negoziare con i venditori.

In tutto il libro, Basbanes sottolinea l'importanza di rimanere curiosi e di mentalità aperta nella ricerca dei libri e incoraggia i lettori a seguire le proprie passioni e interessi durante il collezionismo. Incoraggia inoltre i collezionisti di libri a essere consapevoli delle questioni etiche e legali che possono sorgere nel mondo del collezionismo di libri e ad essere rispettosi dei diritti di proprietà intellettuale di autori ed editori.

Nel complesso, "Among the Gently Mad" è una guida completa e istruttiva per chiunque sia interessato al collezionismo di libri e offre preziosi spunti e consigli a chiunque desideri iniziare o espandere la propria collezione.

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"Among the Gently Mad: Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the 21st Century" is a book written by Nicholas Basbanes, a well-known author and journalist who has written extensively about books and the culture of book collecting. The book is a guide for book hunters, offering strategies and perspectives for finding and acquiring rare and valuable books in the 21st century.

Basbanes covers a wide range of topics in the book, including the history of book collecting, the different types of book collectors and their motivations, the role of technology in book collecting, and the importance of preserving and caring for rare books. He also provides practical advice on how to find and acquire books, including tips on how to search for books online, how to evaluate a book's condition and value, and how to negotiate with sellers.

Throughout the book, Basbanes emphasizes the importance of staying curious and open-minded in the pursuit of books, and encourages readers to follow their passions and interests when collecting. He also encourages book collectors to be mindful of the ethical and legal issues that can arise in the book collecting world, and to be respectful of the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers.

Overall, "Among the Gently Mad" is a comprehensive and informative guide for anyone interested in book collecting, and offers valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to start or expand their collection. ( )

Not as good as Basbanes's A Gentle Madness or Patience and Fortitude, but a bit more of a personal memoir on book collecting with some history thrown in. He does this in ten short chapters and an informative appendix. Published in 2002, there are some spots that are dated. The novelty of the internet and eBay, for instance. How many of the booksellers he speaks to shy away from the internet: they're probably all out of business, dead, or ON the internet now. Book prices on CDrom, putting your books in a searchable file on your PC word processor, etc. And, no images. All of Basbanes's books should be released in lush illustrated editions, like some of Bill Bryson's books. But, no images here and no index either. Still, a fun appetizer of a book, even for those of us lean on funds and whose "collections" tend more toward information, interests, and utility, instead of "rarity," expense, and investment. ( )

This is a great book if you are just starting out book collection. A lot of helpful hints, places to check, and different website. He has has great stories to go along will it. ( )

Subtitled "Strategies and Perspectives for the Book Hunter in the Twenty-First Century", this is about how the book hunter or collector finds what they're looking for from specialized book sellers or the internet. It also looks at several book sellers of specialized materials, whether that's books that are hundreds of years old or daguerrotypes from the beginnings of photography. Basbanes, a former book reviewer with an enormous home library, writes of many instances in his own collecting. Often, because of his job, he was able to meet the author or illustrator of the books he coveted, which is pretty cool. ( )

A much quicker read than his seminal work, A Gentile Madness, Nicholas Basbanes creates a book that is both an enjoyable read and a handy reference on the does and don'ts of book collecting in the age of the internet. Even though it was published in 2002, it has held up remarkably well. In fact, most of the websites that he references are still going strong 13 years later. Among the Gently Mad is certainly not a comprehensive reference work. It is light on information and Basbanes loves to name-drop all the collectors he rubs elbows with. But this is part of what makes it an enjoyable read rather than a trudge. If Among the Gently Mad does nothing else, it will inspire you to add some better choices to your own collection. ( )