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Guarded by Dragons by R. A. Gekoski (Hardback)
£18.99
Available
Product Ref. (e.g. ISBN, SKU)
9781472133854
Published:
08 Jul 2021
Format:
Hardback
Number of pages:
304 pages
Dimensions:
218x140x28mm
Weight:
0.360kgs
Author:
'Guarded by Dragons' follows rare book dealer Rick Gekoski as he uncovers the mysteries behind the most unusual manuscripts and archives he has handled, where stories are weaved within stories. From the original memoir of Dr Watson and his discovery of DNA to how Jeff Bezos improbably paid 2 million for a manuscript of J.K. Rowling's 'Beadle the Bard', Gekoski explores a world full of legacy and billionaires where priceless copies of Ulysses can vanish without a trace. In the world of literary dealership, a manuscript can tell a thousand stories.
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.
About the Author: Rick Gekoski came from his native America to do a DPhil at Oxford, and went on to teach English at the University of Warwick. In 1982, he decided to become a full-time rare book dealer, specialising in important twentieth-century first editions and manuscripts. He lives in Salisbury and spends time each year in New Zealand.
| Number of pages | 304 |
|---|
We will despatch your order as quickly as we can. If, for whatever reason, a product is out of stock we will contact you to discuss the likely delivery time or an alternative product.
| First Item | 2 Items & Over | |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £3.75 | £5.00 |
| EU | £15.00 | £30.00 |
| USA & Canada | £30.00 | £50.00 |
| Rest of the World | £45.00 | £60.00 |
| Collect in Store | free | free |
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UK Delivery
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Shipments to the USA & Canada:
First Item @ £30.00
2 Items & over @ £50.00 in total
Shipments to the Rest of the World:
First Item @ £45.00
2 Items & over @ £60.00 in total
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