Have you ever wondered whether the assortment of books you have at home is a ‘collection’? Do you want to reorganize it? Expand it? Or repair some of your treasured volumes?

This quirky but practical guide covers questions book-lovers might have about looking after their books at home. With historical anecdotes and curious examples at every turn, it will delight anyone with an interest in books and their history. Written by an expert rare books librarian at the Bodleian Libraries and covering a range of subjects including collecting, arranging and keeping books in good condition, its friendly advice will guide you through all aspects of book-ownership.

Here you will find useful tips on buying from bookfairs, bookshops and dealers and identifying first editions. Help is on hand with treating accidental mishaps and a range of common problems afflicting books, whether an attack of red rot or a broken spine. There are also chapters on shelving, how to keep track of your books, how to commission a special box for a special book and how to pass books on usefully. An indispensable resource for anyone who cherishes books.