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I am a book-collector, a proud avocationist in what Eric…

“I am a book-collector, a proud avocationist in what Eric Quayle (wrongly) asserts to be the "least vicious" of hobbies (we are quite savage). We collectors are puzzled and often piqued unpleasantly by the common, absurd notion whereby we are only a pack of myopic, semi-crazed old pedants fretting…” quote by Paul Theroux
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““I am a book-collector, a proud avocationist in what Eric Quayle (wrongly) asserts to be the "least vicious" of hobbies (we are quite savage). We collectors are puzzled and often piqued unpleasantly by the common, absurd notion whereby we are only a pack of myopic, semi-crazed old pedants fretting over a book's colophon, dull dogs full of humorless zeal and no conversation, who suck our fingers free of pounce.””

Paul Theroux

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Book collecting is often dismissed as obsessive, yet it reflects a deep, passionate engagement with literature beyond mere pedantry.

In simple terms: Collecting books shows deep literary passion.

Key Takeaway

Value the passion behind collecting.

Themes

literature collecting obsession culture

Mood

introspective affectionate

Type

philosophical personal

When to use this quote

  • library work
  • personal hobbies
  • academic research

Key Concepts

bibliophilia identity community

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do you collect?
  • What does each book mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Collecting can become isolating if overly obsessive.

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