Edward Brooke-Hitching
The son of an antiquarian book and map dealer, he worked for a London auctioneering company before taking up writing. An unsuccessful amateur sword-swallower, in 2017 he performed the first ever televised “fox tossing” during promotion of his book of the same name about forgotten sports from history. He lives in a dusty heap of old maps, books and other antiquarian curiosities in Berkshire. (From Author's Website)
August - Melissa's Pick
(Library Assistant)
‘Anybody who loves the printed word will be bowled over by this amusing, erudite, beautiful book about books. It is in every way a triumph. a treat of the eyes; a tonic for the soul; a treasure chest of obscure, marvellous, and often hilarious information. Rarely has bibliographic scholarship been presented with such humour and such style. One of the loveliest books to have been published for many, many years. Reader beware: you will lose yourself in delight.’ Alexander McCall Smith
‘The trouble with this book, which is an absolute masterpiece, is that ‘masterpiece’ is the only word that can be used to describe this masterpiece. I mean, MASTERPIECE. It’s a masterpiece.’ Jason Hazeley, The Ladybird Books for Grown-Ups
‘A wonderful celebration of the strange and arcane, with surprises and delights on every page. Great material deftly handled, and a beautiful production.’ Stuart Kells, The Library: A Catalogue of Curiosities
‘Booklovers, get your Christmas hints in now. The Madman’s Library is so gorgeous I don’t know whether to read it, photograph it or lick it’ Jane Graham (Big Issue)
‘Delightful, disturbing, and at times, delightfully disturbing. The perfect book for bibliophiles the world over.’ Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris, The Butchering Art
