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Thread: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

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    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
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    Default "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    Looking for something to watch this evening, my wife had found a piece she thought I would like. She nailed it.

    "The Booksellers" is a documentary on just that: the community of men and women that have populated the niche of book selling and collecting. It was fascinating, with a lot of historical background all the way through the current changes in their world, and whether (or how long) it will survive. For *anyone* who loves books, it's a must, but there are so many moments that have reminded me of pen collecting - especially vintage - that it made me long for the social aspect of this as well.

    We pulled it up on Amazon Prime, but when looking on Youtube for the following trailer, it appears there are a couple of copies of the complete film there, too. And, man, there is one absolutely killer private library in the film. Recommended.

    Last edited by Jon Szanto; November 30th, 2020 at 10:26 PM.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    For people in England this program is available now on Sky Arts but only until December 3rd.

    Can I also suggest 84 Charing Cross Road Jon, a movie rather than a documentary but still in the world of book collecting and again worth watching.

    edit, I have now watched The Booksellers, really good and recommended.

    So good that I had to pause the playback when I made some tea. Now that doesn't happen very often.
    Last edited by RobJohnson; December 1st, 2020 at 05:18 AM.

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    It was/is a lovely documentary. I lived in NYC at the height of bookshop row on then 4th Avenue and remember books that leapt into my open arms,

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    Quote Originally Posted by RobJohnson View Post

    Can I also suggest 84 Charing Cross Road Jon, a movie rather than a documentary but still in the world of book collecting and again worth watching.
    .
    The book on which the movie was based is a terrific read.

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    Quote Originally Posted by RobJohnson View Post
    Can I also suggest 84 Charing Cross Road Jon, a movie rather than a documentary but still in the world of book collecting and again worth watching.
    Couldn't agree more. If I can't be in a nice, old bookstore, I will gladly read books about them, movies, etc, etc. It was that aspect that really came through in the film, even up to (probably staged) shots where a book closes and dust flies around! And the smell of old books...

    Well, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. I was smacked by that short bit in the Walker (private) Library, and I found this silent (except music) video inside his place. Simply remarkable:

    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    I used to make the pilgrimage to Hay-on-Wye (population 1500, bookshops 30!). Was there when Bill Clinton gave a speech in 2001. Great place for fossicking.

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    ..."The Booksellers"....
    It is also available on Kanopy, the free subscription service through local libraries and the like.

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    Jon

    Thank you very much for bringing this to my attention.....Appreciate.

    {ThumbsUpThingie}

    Fred

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    It is also available on Kanopy, the free subscription service through local libraries and the like.
    Thank you, Fred - I am now aware that my library card has expired! I'll take a trip down tomorrow and get set up, as Kanopy looks like a nice additional service.

    Quote Originally Posted by Freddie View Post
    Thank you very much for bringing this to my attention.....Appreciate.
    Two Freds in a row, I'm a lucky guy! I'm glad you enjoyed it - it was such a surprise since it was my wife that found the film. I sat there with a silly grin as it unfolded.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    84, Charring Cross Road is one of my favorite books from childhood. I remember hearing it read over NPR on Saturday evenings. The book was surprisingly slender, but still an excellent read over a series of evening. There is also a memoir called Q’s Legacy that explains how Helene Hanff came about the story. From what I recall, the bookstore no longer exists, having been replaced by a McDonald’s two or three years ago. I think that there’s a movie as well, but I’ve never seen it. This book is well worth reading as excellent pandemic material.


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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    Quote Originally Posted by Radonactionservices View Post
    84, Charring Cross Road is one of my favorite books from childhood. I remember hearing it read over NPR on Saturday evenings. The book was surprisingly slender, but still an excellent read over a series of evening. There is also a memoir called Q’s Legacy that explains how Helene Hanff came about the story. From what I recall, the bookstore no longer exists, having been replaced by a McDonald’s two or three years ago. I think that there’s a movie as well, but I’ve never seen it. This book is well worth reading as excellent pandemic material.


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    Charing Cross Road is known as the place for antiquarian book sellers. I collect early edition Jane Austens and books with fine bindings, especially quarter bound and books with edge paintings, these books shops are a treasure trove

    The full movie is on You Tube

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqFGTuyjBHI

    My browser doesn't support this video but i hope from the description that this is a good link

    Also available as an audiobook.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvGsJL8RbaQ
    Last edited by Fermata; December 3rd, 2020 at 11:31 AM.

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    I saw it a few weeks ago (Ana at The Well-Appointed Desk mentioned it). It was great.
    Lady Onogaro

    "Be yourself--everybody else is already taken." --Oscar Wilde

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    Default Re: "The Booksellers": an enjoyable documentary with parallels to pen collecting

    I have a pile of ironing and other house work to do, I am going to put the Youtube audiobook on the TV and listen and enjoy, there are two very good actors doing the reading.

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