Overview
What formerly appeared to be an esoteric world has become an integral part of our culture: the community of rare book dealers and collectors who, by their appreciation of the delicacy and tactility of books, are assisting in the preservation of the printed word. D.W. Young's elegant and entertaining documentary, executive produced by Parker Posey, takes viewers on a lively tour of New York's book world, past and present, from the Park Avenue Armory's annual Antiquarian Book Fair, where original editions can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars, to the Strand and Argosy book stores, which have survived despite the odds, to the beautifully crammed apartments of collectors and buyers. The video features a slew of special guests, including Fran Lebowitz, Susan Orlean, Gay Talese, and a community of devoted book traders who believe passionately in the magic of the item and the enduring significance of what's inside.