whatsapp logo
Image of Guarded by Dragons

Guarded by Dragons

Rick Gekoski

From Shelf: Bookish Elsewhats

Guarded by Dragons follows rare book dealer Rick Gekoski as he uncovers the mysteries behind the most unusual manuscripts and archives, where stories are weaved within stories.

The Times Best Literary Non-fiction Books 2021 - 'a super yarn''Rick Gekoski's encyclopaedic knowledge of rare books is matched only by the enthusiasm and brio with which he writes about them' Ian RankinRick Gekoski has been traversing the rocky terrain of the rare book trade for over fifty years. The treasure he seeks is scarce, carefully buried and often jealously guarded, knowledge of its hiding place shared through word of mouth like the myths of old.In Guarded by Dragons, Gekoski invites readers into this enchanted world as he reflects on the gems he has unearthed throughout his career. He takes us back to where his love of collecting began - perusing D.H. Lawrence first editions in a slightly suspect Birmingham carpark. What follows are dizzying encounters with literary giants as Gekoski publishes William Golding, plays ping-pong with Salman Rushdie and lunches with Graham Greene. A brilliant stroke of luck sees Sylvia Plath's personal copy of The Great Gatsby fall into Gekoski's lap, only for him to discover the perils of upsetting a Poet Laureate when Ted Hughes demands its return.Hunting for literary treasure is not without its battles and Gekoski boldly breaks the cardinal rule never to engage in a lawsuit with someone much richer than yourself, while also guarding his bookshop from the most unlikely of thieves. The result is an unparalleled insight into an almost mythical world where priceless first editions of Ulysses can vanish, and billionaires will spend as much gold as it takes to own the manuscript of J.K. Rowling's Tales of Beedle the Bard.Engaging, funny and shrewd, Guarded by Dragons is a fascinating discussion on value and worth. At the same time, Gekoski artfully reveals how a manuscript can tell a thousand stories.

Format:
Hardback
Pages:
256
Publisher:
Little, Brown Book Group
ISBN:
9781472133854
Published Date:
8/7/2021
Dimensions:
218mm x 140mm x 28mm
Weight:
360g
Category:
Literature: history & criticism

RRP: £18.99

Format: Hardback

ISBN: 9781472133854

Avatar
Harris and Harris Books is selling this book
£18.99 (New)

Shelves containing this book