Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Chronicle Books (2018), Edition: Illustrated, 224 pages
Description
"Bibliophile is the ultimate book for book lovers. The content ranges from profiles of amazing independent bookstores around the world to the painted bookshelves for which Jane Mount has become known"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member Beamis12
Another absolutely wonderful book about all things bookish. Lists of course, classified into subjects, classics, sports, fantasy etc. I did pretty well on many of the lists, except for the genres I read little of, fantasy, scyfy. This is so much more than just lists though, it also highlights some
Beautifully designed, the pages are thicker than usual, some gorgeous illustrations, the book itself is navy blue with gold accents, a red ribbon for a book mark. A book to take out again and again. What can I say? I bought a copy.
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wonderful bookstores, gorgeous libraries around the world, and the rooms some well known authors used to write their books. There are short bios or paragraphs of interest of somebody the authors preceeding the lists of the different genres.Beautifully designed, the pages are thicker than usual, some gorgeous illustrations, the book itself is navy blue with gold accents, a red ribbon for a book mark. A book to take out again and again. What can I say? I bought a copy.
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LibraryThing member Carmenere
A resounding 5 stars for Mount's compilation of everything a true book geek loves. Book porn to the max, a definite triple X.
Just gaze upon the cover, admire those sexy spines that the author herself had painted and made a career of customizing for her patrons. The colors and titles tease you with
Tenderly now, open the book. More tantalizing spines. The familiarity of those you've known, their names so easily roll off your tongue, luscious titles escape from your lips and bring back forgotten memories from a different time, a different place. The longing and desire to hold those who have escaped you, but don't despair, you can have them too. They are there for the asking. Where, you might ask? Gently separate the pages, the author has painted pictures of tantalizing book stores and striking libraries beloved by many.
More, more! Yes, there is more to satisfy your geeky needs! Jane Mount allows you to see into the creative dens of authors, their writing sanctuaries where they put pen to paper, their pets who gently caressed their ankles while they wrote.
Don't stop! You won't need to. There is so much more between the covers. Like an onion, peel away the layers of information the author offers you. You love it: Genres galore, reading recommendations and fun quizzes.
Aaaah, a most satisfying experience, indeed. You'll want to revisit this tome again and again. It will never grow old.
Just gaze upon the cover, admire those sexy spines that the author herself had painted and made a career of customizing for her patrons. The colors and titles tease you with
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familiar and unknown pleasures. Tenderly now, open the book. More tantalizing spines. The familiarity of those you've known, their names so easily roll off your tongue, luscious titles escape from your lips and bring back forgotten memories from a different time, a different place. The longing and desire to hold those who have escaped you, but don't despair, you can have them too. They are there for the asking. Where, you might ask? Gently separate the pages, the author has painted pictures of tantalizing book stores and striking libraries beloved by many.
More, more! Yes, there is more to satisfy your geeky needs! Jane Mount allows you to see into the creative dens of authors, their writing sanctuaries where they put pen to paper, their pets who gently caressed their ankles while they wrote.
Don't stop! You won't need to. There is so much more between the covers. Like an onion, peel away the layers of information the author offers you. You love it: Genres galore, reading recommendations and fun quizzes.
Aaaah, a most satisfying experience, indeed. You'll want to revisit this tome again and again. It will never grow old.
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LibraryThing member hardlyhardy
I can't say that Jane Mount's “Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany” (2018) makes particularly good reading or has much in the way of interesting information, but that's OK. It's a book about books, but it's mainly an art book about books, more a pleasure to leaf through than to read.
Mount
And that is mostly what Bibliophile amounts to — paintings of books. True, she also includes paintings of striking bookstores and libraries, writers' pets and the rooms where famous writers did their writing, but mostly it's books. She divides them into two-page groupings: choice books of short stories, choice fantasy books, cult classics, choice picture books for kids, choice cookbooks, choice graphic novels, choice mysteries, choice nature books and so on.
She tosses in a few paragraphs about some of these books and their authors and adds lists of other books in these categories that aren't pictured. You may want to read “Bibliophile” with a notepad handy to take down all those books you may want to read — or even even to acquire just to decorate your own bookshelves.
Mount
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says she kicked off her art career when, out of ideas, she started drawing the books on her own bookshelves. Then she moved on to the books on the shelves of friends, and soon she was in business. I am another of those people who love the sight of books on shelves. I spend a moment or two practically every day just admiring the spines of my own books. I can understand why readers would be willing to spend a few bucks for a Jane Mount painting of their favorite books.And that is mostly what Bibliophile amounts to — paintings of books. True, she also includes paintings of striking bookstores and libraries, writers' pets and the rooms where famous writers did their writing, but mostly it's books. She divides them into two-page groupings: choice books of short stories, choice fantasy books, cult classics, choice picture books for kids, choice cookbooks, choice graphic novels, choice mysteries, choice nature books and so on.
She tosses in a few paragraphs about some of these books and their authors and adds lists of other books in these categories that aren't pictured. You may want to read “Bibliophile” with a notepad handy to take down all those books you may want to read — or even even to acquire just to decorate your own bookshelves.
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LibraryThing member jillrhudy
A gorgeous reference book for every book lover to treasure. Chock full of delightful, detailed renderings of spine-facing-out book stacks like the one on the cover (a specialty of the author/illustrator), Bibliophile features bookstores and libraries all over the world, bookstore owners, authors,
The book is contains many excellent book recommendations and short reviews. Organized mostly in two-page essays by genre or time period, with brief annotations of select books. The introduction states plainly that Jane Mount wrote the book to grow your To-Be-Read pile. If you just said "Oh NO," but felt a frisson of excitement at the same time, you need a copy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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writing rooms, and even literary quizzes. Deliciously diverse authors and perspectives. The book is contains many excellent book recommendations and short reviews. Organized mostly in two-page essays by genre or time period, with brief annotations of select books. The introduction states plainly that Jane Mount wrote the book to grow your To-Be-Read pile. If you just said "Oh NO," but felt a frisson of excitement at the same time, you need a copy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member librisalexandria
To me this book is a treasure trove of information about anything and everything pertaining to books, authors, genres, bookstores, libraries. This is the best reference book I have ever come upon and believe me, it is hard to put down. The illustrations alone would sway me, and yes, it is profusely
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illustrated.To Library Thing and Chronicle Books, thank you so much for my copy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Schmerguls
5591. Bibliophile An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount (read 31 Oct 2018) I received this book free from its publisher and am obligated to do a review of it. When it was sent I was told that "if you enjoy it" I should do a review online. However I must post an honest review. It is an artsy
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book, and lists and discusses, very briefly, lots of books. and I found it tedious to read discussion of books that had no interest for me: for instance, fantasy, sci-fi, cookbooks (pages and pages), etc. Then there are listed lots of bookstores and libraries but not much is said about them except to tell where they are and a few lines about each. Many pages are printed on colored pages which make the words hard to read, at last for me. There is limited coverage for topics which interest me, such as non-fiction on topics such as political history. All in all, the book disappointed me and I was glad to get to the last page. Show Less
LibraryThing member Copperskye
A beautiful book filled with all things bookish and starring Jane Mount’s charming book illustrations. There are book lists, beloved book stores, striking libraries, quizzes, author profiles, and more, and it’s an absolute treat for book lovers. This is probably the loveliest LT early review
Thank you LibraryThing and Chronicle Books!
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book I’ve ever won. (And there’s a ribbon. I love ribbons.) This would make a great gift for anyone who loves books - including yourself!Thank you LibraryThing and Chronicle Books!
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LibraryThing member michaelg16
A beautiful effort of book-love! Jane Mount has a great gift for exciting people about reading -perhaps especially a younger audience - and brings her passion and art to bear on the many aspects of bibliophilia she explores in this well-crafted volume. While I personally enjoyed her previous
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effort, My Ideal Bookshelf, more than this one -that is due to my own idiosyncrasies not her lovely book. I did find certain disciplines quite under-represented or absent -like the sciences and medicine -and other areas over-represented by very new and untested by time books. Still I very much enjoyed this and have passed it on to a budding reader who is lapping it up and taking notes! Brava Show Less
LibraryThing member ritaer
Entertaining book for book lovers. Many lists of books on different topcis. Profiles of authors, bookstores and libraries. Book to browsed, not read through at a sitting, an probably with notepad to write down books to look for next library trip.
LibraryThing member avanders
Review based on ARC (advanced readers copy received in exchange for an honest review).
What a stunning book. It seems weird to read a book filled with drawings of books... yet, it's the perfect thing for those of us who love books. Frankly, I'm rather impressed with Mount's ability to really evoke
What a stunning book. It seems weird to read a book filled with drawings of books... yet, it's the perfect thing for those of us who love books. Frankly, I'm rather impressed with Mount's ability to really evoke
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feeling in her drawings. In addition, there is historical information and snippets about books, organization by types, and ... have I mentioned the drawings? I love this book and think it would make the perfect gift for any book lover! Show Less
LibraryThing member Schneider
I love books and I love lists. This book is a fantastic marriage of the two. It is more then just lists of books, it is a list of book loving destinations, people, animals, and more. Great book! I Love it.
LibraryThing member SoubhiKiewiet
This is a beautiful book with whimsical bookish illustrations that I passed hours cozily browsing. I'd highly recommend this to any book lover. You'll enjoy reading about beloved authors, books, and wonderful worldwide bookstores and libraries. I added huge stacks to my TBR. Truly a lovely book!
LibraryThing member bell7
Jane Mount, of My Ideal Bookshelf fame, continues her illustrations of book stacks of every design. This delightful collection of book lists - including repeated features on bookstores, libraries, and recommendations from bookish people, as well as books in various genres and time periods - is an
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absolute treasure trove for any book lover. I dare you to get through this and not add to your TBR list! Show Less
LibraryThing member bostonbibliophile
Fun fun collection of lists and miscellany for the bibliophile. I love Jane Mount's illustrations. This makes a great gift for the booklover in your life.
LibraryThing member KatyBee
This is such a fun, lovely book! A joy to peruse for book lovers.
LibraryThing member alanteder
Perhaps a Bit Too Fluffy and Comfy
Review of the Chronicle Books 2018 hardcover edition
I enjoyed the front half of this miscellany tremendously and was even considering a 4 or 5-star rating at that stage. In the back half though, which is dominated by non-fiction, I was starting to get somewhat
If you are the type of person who enjoys book lists and is intrigued by glimpses of book spines on shelves, there is a lot to enjoy here. It is somewhat of a mash-up of "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die", "Footnotes from the World's Greatest Bookstores: True Tales and Lost Moments from Book Buyers, Booksellers, and Book Lovers", "Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks", "Bookstore Cats", World's Greatest Libraries, Writer's Rooms, Book Recommendations, Book Quizzes, and several other miscellaneous categories.
The paintings of books spines and covers are generally well done, some of the author ones perhaps less so (I laughed at another reviewer's comment: "the portraits of the authors started to scare me after awhile"). A few of the book spines looked all out of proportion e.g. pg. 40's Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha" (usually about 130-150 pages) does not strike me as a larger book than D.H. Lawrence's "Sons and Lovers" (usually about 600-700 pages) and pg. 77's Elena Ferrante's "My Brilliant Friend" does not strike me as a tinier book than Gail Honeyman's "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" (both about 300+ pages). Those may be minor quibbles, but are exactly the type of thing that a book obsessive will notice.
Overall, my sense was that this sticks to the popular 20th-21st century top-sellers and doesn't feature anything very much that is off the beaten path or transgressive or challenging. I didn't really spot all that much to add to my To Be Read list although admittedly I am rather set in my own quirky paths for that. I was impressed that Niviaq Korneliusen's "Crimson" aka "Homo Sapienne" aka "Last Night in Nuuk", was singled out as the example for Greenlandic literature. That at least was off the beaten path.
Review of the Chronicle Books 2018 hardcover edition
I enjoyed the front half of this miscellany tremendously and was even considering a 4 or 5-star rating at that stage. In the back half though, which is dominated by non-fiction, I was starting to get somewhat
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tired of the umpteenth page of cookbook/foodbook related lists and illustrations. So it was a mixed experience overall.If you are the type of person who enjoys book lists and is intrigued by glimpses of book spines on shelves, there is a lot to enjoy here. It is somewhat of a mash-up of "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die", "Footnotes from the World's Greatest Bookstores: True Tales and Lost Moments from Book Buyers, Booksellers, and Book Lovers", "Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks", "Bookstore Cats", World's Greatest Libraries, Writer's Rooms, Book Recommendations, Book Quizzes, and several other miscellaneous categories.
The paintings of books spines and covers are generally well done, some of the author ones perhaps less so (I laughed at another reviewer's comment: "the portraits of the authors started to scare me after awhile"). A few of the book spines looked all out of proportion e.g. pg. 40's Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha" (usually about 130-150 pages) does not strike me as a larger book than D.H. Lawrence's "Sons and Lovers" (usually about 600-700 pages) and pg. 77's Elena Ferrante's "My Brilliant Friend" does not strike me as a tinier book than Gail Honeyman's "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" (both about 300+ pages). Those may be minor quibbles, but are exactly the type of thing that a book obsessive will notice.
Overall, my sense was that this sticks to the popular 20th-21st century top-sellers and doesn't feature anything very much that is off the beaten path or transgressive or challenging. I didn't really spot all that much to add to my To Be Read list although admittedly I am rather set in my own quirky paths for that. I was impressed that Niviaq Korneliusen's "Crimson" aka "Homo Sapienne" aka "Last Night in Nuuk", was singled out as the example for Greenlandic literature. That at least was off the beaten path.
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LibraryThing member knightlight777
An entertaining book that covers a wide range of things most of us like about books including the subjects themselves. Broken into a uniquely illustrated topic listing of book themes, beloved bookstores, and varied mix of other topics.
For anyone who loves books a certain feast of ideas and
Many books to remember and avenues to explore for future reading. The type of book to return to again and again for the pure pleasure of what reading gives us.
For anyone who loves books a certain feast of ideas and
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reintroduction to what draws us to bibliophile. The illustrations are exquisite and add to the celebration.Many books to remember and avenues to explore for future reading. The type of book to return to again and again for the pure pleasure of what reading gives us.
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LibraryThing member Fliss88
Now here's something a little different - pages of favourite bookstores, genre listings, books made into movies, quizzes, cult classics, recommendations by bookish people and lots more! Believe it or not, there's not a photograph anywhere between the pages of all this interesting trivia. All the
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pictures are illustrations created by the author come artist, all of them, it’s amazing! Such an engaging way to draw any dedicated bibliophile right in and hold them fast. Show Less
LibraryThing member quondame
A fun and colorful book about books that probably will, if not triple your TBR pile, at least fill in any corners. I advise against reading through it in a single day, which I have just shown to be possible, but it's a do as I say, not as I did thing. Of course I disagree with the F&SF sections,
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full of procrastinating males at the expense of productive women. Mercedes Lackey and C.J. Cherryh are completely un-visible. There is no comedy section, no swashbuckler section, no art books, and except for multiple food sections, no craft sections. Nothing much about series. Has the world forgotten all those interminable family series of the 20th century? I'm sure any avid bibliophore will have a similar list of differences and desires. Show Less
LibraryThing member etxgardener
Do you love books and are always looking for the next book to read? Or do you love books and like feeling smug because you've read so many? Are you looking for a great book store? Or do you just like literary trivia? If you answer yea to any of these questions, this is the book for you.
Artist and
Artist and
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writer, Jane Mount has assembled lists of books by category that are all artistically displayed by their cover art. Interspersed among the lists are profiles of famous book stores, cats that live in bookstores, writers' rooms, food featured in novels and authors' pets. This is the perfect book just to browse through while sitting on your couch on a rainy day with a hot mug of tea at your side. You will certainly come away with some books to add to your "to read" list. Show Less
LibraryThing member Fluffyblue
Fabulous book. Honestly, it has rekindled my love of books and now I'm feeling frustrated that I can't read 50 books at once.
LibraryThing member jnmegan
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany by Jane Mount is a beautifully crafted and charming tribute to the printed book as both a physical object and an enduring cultural contribution. Mount’s delightful illustrations fill every page and are inspired by her prior experience as an artist painting
Thanks to Library Thing and Chronicle Books for my copy through the Early Reviewer Program!
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clients’ “Ideal Bookshelves.” This book provides informative and entertaining descriptions of a wide variety of titles, with chapters organized by familiar genres or quirky subjects (e.g.: “Unhappy Families Each in Their Own Way”). Bibliophile focuses primarily on fiction, but some popular nonfiction categories are also presented. Interspersed throughout the book are profiles on bookstores and libraries throughout the world known for their interesting origins, architecture or collections. Author profiles and depictions of their writing spaces give insight into the creative surroundings and inspirations of well-loved classics. Mount steps aside to give plenty of space to include recommendations by other book experts such as librarians, booksellers, editors, and artists. Packed with the advertised “miscellany,” fun trivia and quizzes, this homage would make a wonderful addition to any book aficionado’s shelves, and a great gift for those who still revere the look and feel of this timeless media.Thanks to Library Thing and Chronicle Books for my copy through the Early Reviewer Program!
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LibraryThing member deckla
Essentially this author paints pictures ofbooks. This pastime has led her deep into the book world, and she describes and illustrates such bookish concerns as "beloved bookstores" "striking libraries" mysteries, books made into movies, songs about books, book club darlings, novels of the
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millennium, southern lit, writing rooms, writers pets, and so forth. Many many titles are cited, a good portion of them recent. Full of factoids, this is perfect browsing for a rainy afternoon. Show Less
LibraryThing member mstrust
What a delight! Mount wrote and illustrated this beautiful and heavy ode to books and reading. There are recommendations organized by genre. There are drawings and bios of independent bookstores around the world, and many of the author's drawings of stacks of books. You'll have a page about
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Virginia Woolf's writing shed and her process, and then illustrated pages about writer-owned bookstores. If you love getting trusted recommendations or you love books on books (one of my favorite genres), you'll want this. I know, I'm gushing. Show Less
LibraryThing member out-and-about
I really enjoyed the interspersed descriptions of the world's most interesting bookstores, made me want to jump on a plane/train/auto to visit them all. Also very much enjoyed seeing writer's rooms, pets, and bookstore people's recommendations. Also appreciated the world map of books by country.
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Fun book about books. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018
Physical description
224 p.; 7.75 inches
ISBN
9781452167237