Few
collectors have ridden the book collecting hobby harder or with more enthusiasm
than A[lfred]. Edward Newton (1864-1940).
Indeed, none have been able to infuse into others a virulent contagion
for the grand sport like Newton did through his writings. Even now, almost 100 years later, his
wide-ranging biblio-essays continue to provide inspiration and entertainment. His first and most famous contribution to
bibliophilic literature was The Amenities
of Book-Collecting and Kindred Affections (1918). This diverse collection of essays reflects
Newton as a man and as a collector. The
book would go through eight printings in his lifetime and be honored with a
separate edition in the Modern Library series.
