Seven Kinds of People You Find in Bookshops
Shaun Bythell
24 min
11 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Explore the amusing and diverse characters you encounter in bookstores, from the passionate reader to the eccentric collector, through the eyes of a seasoned bookseller.
You'll learn
1. Who hangs out at bookshops and why?2. What's it like selling books?3. Why should we shop local bookstores?4. Did eBooks kill the bookstore?5. Why are real books and bookshops so cool?6. Funny and tough moments between booksellers and customers.Key points
01The old book business
In the world of old, rare, and out-of-print books, you'll find a colorful cast of characters. This isn't your average book trade, it's the Antiquarian book trade, a niche market for those with a love for history, literature, and the value of a physical book. Let's meet some of the folks you might bump into in these bookshops. First up, the Antiquarian. This customer knows their stuff when it comes to old books and is always on the prowl for a rare gem. They've got a sharp eye and high standards, making them a bit of a challenge for the booksellers. Then there's the Erotica Browser. This customer is a bit more on the quiet side, often found discreetly perusing books with erotic themes. They keep to themselves, but their interest is clear. Don't forget about the Student Hugo. This is the young, eager shop assistant you'll often find in these bookshops. They might not know everything about the book trade yet, but they're always ready to help and learn. You'll also meet the Sci-Fi Fan. This customer loves everything about science fiction literature. They're enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and a joy to chat with about their favorite genre. The Railway Collector is another character you might come across. They're all about books on railways, and their dedication to the subject is impressive. They're meticulous and deeply interested in their chosen topic. Last but not least, there's the Perfect Customer. This rare find is polite, knowledgeable, and truly appreciates the value of books. They're the dream customer for any bookseller, making the job a joy. So, there you have it. The Antiquarian book trade is a lively mix of individuals, all united by their love for books. Each one brings their own unique touch to the bookshop, making it a fascinating place to explore.
02The know-it-all
"Peritus" is a fancy term for those self-proclaimed experts you often find in bookshops. They come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own quirks and habits. Let's break them down into five types, shall we? 1. The Specialist, or Doctus, is the customer who knows a lot about a specific topic. They love to share their knowledge, often schooling the bookseller in their chosen field. Picture someone who's a whiz at ancient Greek literature, explaining the ins and outs of Homer's epics to a bookseller who's more of a generalist. Sometimes they can come off as a bit snooty, but other times they can spark some really interesting chats. 2. The Bore, or Homo Odiosus, is the know-it-all who thinks they're an expert on everything. They're the ones who butt into conversations to share their two cents, whether it's wanted or not. Imagine someone interrupting a chat about modern art to rant about why they think it's rubbish compared to classical art. The best way to deal with a Bore? Nod, smile, and avoid getting sucked into a debate. 3. The Helpful Person, or Homo Utilis, is the customer who shares their knowledge in a way that's actually useful. They're the ones who drop cool facts into conversations, giving the bookseller some great tidbits to impress other customers. Picture someone casually mentioning a little-known fact about a popular author, which the bookseller can then use to recommend that author's books. 4. The Antiquarian Book Collector, or Homo Qui Libris Antiques Colligit, is more into books as objects than for the words inside. They know how to spot specific editions and can tell you the tiniest details that set one edition apart from another. But they're also the ones who'll grumble about prices, claiming they've seen the same book cheaper somewhere else. 5. The Home Mechanic, or Mechanics in Domo Sua, is the practical reader. They're usually after manuals, especially car-related ones. Even if the shop doesn't have the exact manual they need, they might still buy one for a different car model, maybe one a mate is working on. They're all about using books for practical knowledge. So there you have it, the five types of "Peritus" you'll find in a bookshop. Understanding these types can help booksellers make their shop a more enjoyable place for everyone.
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03The young family
04The occult fan
05The browser
06The eccentric loner
07The chatty traveler
08The family historian
09The staff
10The dream customer
11Conclusion
About Shaun Bythell
Shaun Bythell is a Scottish author and owner of The Bookshop, the largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland. He gained fame with his witty and sarcastic writing style in his memoirs, detailing his experiences in the bookselling industry.
