The Bibliomania (novel)

"The Bibliomania" is a satirical novel by Thomas Frognall Dibdin, published in 1811, exploring the obsession with books. It humorously examines how some collectors and readers develop an intense, almost irrational passion for accumulating and owning books, often prioritizing possession over enjoyment. The novel highlights the cultural and psychological aspects of bibliomania, reflecting on the nature of obsession, the value placed on literature, and the pitfalls of excessive hoarding. Through its witty narrative, Dibdin offers a poetic critique of the extremes of bibliophilia, making it both a humorous and insightful commentary on the love of books.