- Definition: Bibliomania refers to an excessive or obsessive enthusiasm for collecting and possessing books. It often implies a passionate or even compulsive hoarding of books, surpassing practical or financial considerations. Bibliomania can involve a deep fascination with rare or unique editions, historical works, or specific subjects.
- Etymology and Origin: “Bibliomania” is derived from the Greek words “biblion,” meaning “book,” and “mania,” meaning “madness” or “frenzy.” The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe the craze for book collecting, which became particularly prevalent among the wealthy and literate during this period.
Bibliomania: The Passion for Book Collecting – Definition and History
