DELVE INTO THE DOCUMENTARY UNRAVELING THE NARRATIVE OF THE RARE BOOK TRADE IN NEW YORK CITY WITH THE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES ON COLLECTING, THE HISTORY AND DEFINITION OF ‘RARE’ IN PRINTED MATERIALS, AND THE UNIQUE STORIES OF EACH BOOK
TEXT: SIRAPHOP SUPAVITA
PHOTO COURTESY OF GREENWICH ENTERTAINMENT
(For Thai, press here)
‘The Booksellers’ is a captivating 95-minute documentary by D.W. Young that unravels the intriguing narrative of the rare book trade in the bustling city of New York. The film delves into the accounts of influential book collectors, including A.S.W. Rosenbach, the force behind the auction of incredibly rare books dating back to the 1920s. It features the compelling story of the prominent rare book dealer duo, Rostenberg and Stern, who journeyed across Europe in search of the forgotten thrillers penned by Louisa May Alcott, the renowned author of ‘Little Women.’ Young provides viewers with insightful dialogues and interviews featuring a spectrum of bookstore owners, from seasoned veterans entrenched in the scene since the steadfast presence of longstanding bookshops lining the streets, reminiscent of an era when bookstores were abundant, with emerging faces playing pivotal roles in the industry.
The film immerses viewers in the passion of collectors such as Jay Walker, whose passion for the documentation and imaginative stories left behind by people from different times which led him to establish his own library to house his expanding collection. There are also other artists and rare book lovers who contribute to the film’s storytelling, which weaves a rich tapestry that takes viewers into the world of rare books. Seamlessly blending the tales of rare book enthusiasts, the film showcases the more personal side of their lives and their diverse perspectives on different historical periods, the history and definition of ‘rare’ in printed materials, and the societal aspects concealed within this enchanting realm.
Beyond acquainting viewers with the wonders of rare books, ‘The Booksellers’ beckons everyone to contemplate and engage in discussions about the evolving landscape of print media. This includes the transformative impact of the Internet, which has turned the laborious quest for rare books into a much more convenient pursuit, simultaneously serving as both a support and a disruption to the profession. The documentary also looks into the rise of franchise bookstores and the adaptation of traditional brick-and-mortar bookshops in the digital age, coinciding with the world’s transition from analog to digital formats. Additionally, it explores the contemporary cultural shift in people’s reading habits, a notable departure from the past.
Another intriguing aspect, equally fascinating to the individuals featured in this documentary, is the incredible stories of the rare books themselves. The documentary introduces viewers to some of the most commercially valuable books in the world, ranging from a book intricately stitched and bound with gemstones to the unexpected, such as a book with a cover made of human skin. The stories span collections intentionally curated by collectors who meticulously compile publications created to document and shape the specific histories of human knowledge and passions. Examples include magazines chronicling the origins of African Americans’ hip-hop culture or movements in feminism aiming to resurrect the identities of female writers and underscore their places in history. Each of these publications illustrates that a book is not merely composed of ink, paper, and thread but embodies a piece of history through its very existence.
Not only does the documentary immerse viewers in a sub-culture of people whose commonality is the love for what they do, but it also ignites insightful conversations that unveil the intricate connections of passion, life, and people within the dynamic context of New York City. A thought-provoking question arises during the interviews with collectors: In the hypothetical scenario of departing this world, how would they handle their cherished book collections? The responses varied, from a desire to reintroduce them to the market for subsequent collectors to discover, to giving them to the people they trust, creating online copies for future generations to experience, or simply leaving the decision-making process to unfold over time. Each story interestingly conveys an individual’s attitude and view of the future.
In its culmination, ‘The Booksellers’ provides its audience with an enhanced perspective of the print world, fostering keen observation and appreciation for the impressions, narratives, and diverse viewpoints that books convey. The experiences extend beyond the realm of rare books to encompass the entire spectrum of literary works. Undoubtedly, for anyone with a love for and interest in books and printed materials, ‘The Booksellers’ is an essential viewing experience that will likely deepen one’s connection with their personal book collection.
