Based loosely on a successful radio series, this title discusses twenty great works of modern literature as both texts and objects. It includes essays that give a publishing biography of each book, together with comments about the author's involvement with first editions of the works. It is suitable for those who love books. ? 'You will enjoy Tolkien's Gown... at Warwick University [Gekoski] discovered that he had an eye for books and manuscripts and began to deal in them. That is how he has made a successful living for many years. He is also a very good storyteller.' Sunday Telegraph ? Rick Gekoski has been described as the Bill Bryson of the book world. Rare book dealer, academic, publisher, critic, bibliographer, and broadcaster, his BBC Radio series Rare Books, Rare People was acclaimed by The Daily Telegraph as 'one of the gems of Radio 4'.