Joseph Shaylor's 'Sixty Years a Bookman' is not a story with a plot in the traditional sense. It's a warm, personal tour through a vanished world, guided by a man who had a front-row seat.

The Story

Shaylor started as a young apprentice in a London publishing house in the 1860s and worked his way up over six decades. His 'story' is the story of the book trade itself during a period of massive change. He writes about setting type by hand, dealing with eccentric authors, and hunting down rare volumes for obsessive collectors. He shares memories of literary giants like Dickens (whom he saw give a reading) and many other now-forgotten bestselling authors of the day. The narrative follows his career through different firms and roles, giving us a clear picture of how publishing moved from a small, clubby profession to a major industry.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Shaylor's voice. He's not a stuffy historian; he's a practical man with a great memory for character and detail. You feel his genuine love for the physical book—the paper, the binding, the smell of ink. His anecdotes are priceless. He tells of a collector who only wanted books with green covers, and another who insisted his purchases be delivered in a wheelbarrow. You get the inside scoop on author feuds, publishing disasters, and the simple pride of a job well done. It’s a book that makes you appreciate the object in your hands in a whole new way. For anyone who has ever worked in a creative field, his reflections on changes in the business feel surprisingly modern.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for a quiet afternoon. It's for the dedicated bibliophile who wants to know where their books come from, for history lovers curious about everyday Victorian life, and for anyone who enjoys a good, chatty memoir. It's not fast-paced or dramatic, but it is incredibly cozy and fascinating. Think of it as a long, delightful conversation with the most interesting retiree you could ever meet. If you've ever wondered what it was like to be surrounded by books in the age of gaslight, Shaylor is your perfect guide.