bibliophilia — a love for books, especially for first or fine editions. (The Free Dictionary)
There is no better word that truly describes my condition. I won't say that I suffer from it because I enjoy my books and love each of them passionately. (My family members may suffer from it, but it is because they don't UNDERSTAND.) I started collecting books when I was a very small child because I would reread stories hundreds of times. Once I loved what was in those pages, I started to pay attention to old and strange books. When I was probably eight or nine, I managed to finagle two century-old books from a great aunt. The older or neater they were, the more I wanted them. My collection is flowing off of my shelves, even after weeding through the books that are falling apart and have no real value.
One of the prizes of my collection is a first edition of Mario Puzo's The Godfather. I couldn't tell you how long I've had it, but it wasn't until about six months ago that I realized what I had. It was on my shelf for my older books, and I was weeding them out. The Godfather wasn't going to make the cut because I don't really read that kind of book, and I needed room for my signed copies. Something told me to look inside and see when it was published. Let's just say that I almost had a heart attack when I read "1969". There's no dust jacket, but it's in great condition. I don't know the value of it except for the personal one in that it's something I enjoy having close at hand.
There is nothing like finding a treasure in your own collection, and it makes me feel like maybe I have a better eye than I thought when it comes to book collecting. I don't have anything that I specifically pursue, but I know my dream book will be anything signed by Stephen King. I think I could happily do without ever owning another book.
