Booking in the Heartland Jack Matthews 1986 Essays Book Collecting Bibliomania

Explore the fascinating world of book collecting and literary adventures with Jack Matthews' "Booking in the Heartland." Published in 1986 by The Johns Hopkins University Press, this captivating volume delves into the author's personal and philosophical journey through the realm of old and rare books. Matthews, a renowned writer of fiction and a self-proclaimed "bibliomaniac," shares his unique insights from years of hunting for literary treasures at auctions, antique shops, and flea markets across America. This collection of essays offers a delightful blend of memoirs and meditations, providing readers with a rich perspective on the joys and challenges of acquiring historical texts. Featuring a distinctive cover illustration of stacked books, the book's content includes engaging chapters such as "Wasting Time," "The Library of Ignorance," "Collecting by Chance," and "The Courage to Be Original and the Expanding Universe of Collectibles." "Booking in the Heartland" is an essential read for anyone interested in Americana, bibliography, and the enduring allure of literary collectibles.