Guarded by Dragons: Encounters with Rare Books and Rare People

by Rick Gekoski

No Customer Reviews

Select Format

Select Condition

Book Overview

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 Rankin

Rick 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:Hardcover

Language:English

ISBN:1472133854

ISBN13:9781472133854

Release Date:June 2022

Publisher:Constable & Robinson

Length:256 Pages

Weight:0.60 lbs.

Dimensions:0.9" x 5.7" x 8.7"

Related Subjects

Biographical Biographies Biographies & History Biography & History History

Customer Reviews

0 rating

Write a review

ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.

Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ^® and the ThriftBooks ^® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC

Guarded by Dragons: Encounters with Rare Books and Rare People

Select Format

Select Condition

Recommended

Book Overview

Customer Reviews

Popular Categories

Website

My Account

Partnerships

Quick Help

About Us

Follow Us