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📚 Book lovers ignite our passion for reading, fostering imagination and knowledge! 🌟 Let’s celebrate their enthusiasm and dedication to literature! ❤️ #BookLovers #ReadingCommunity #LiteraryPassion https://wp.me/p3JLEZ-9o9
Book Lovers Day is celebrated on 9 August every year. This is an unofficial holiday observed to encourage bibliophiles to celebrate reading and literature. People are advised to put away their smartphones and every possible technological distraction and pick up a book to read. Book Lovers Day is widely recognized on global scale.
Every year on August 9th, bibliophiles worldwide mark their calendars for Book Lovers Day, a 24-hour global tribute to the printed word. While the exact origins of this celebration remain somewhat mysterious, it has been widely observed since at least August 9, 2017. Books are overwhelmingly honored on this day through digital channels, with hashtags like #bookloversday, #díamundialamantesdeloslibros, and #BuchlieberTag flooding social media platforms.
The Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the association representing the German book trade, focuses its attention on UNESCO’s World Book Day: April 23. However, Börsenverein spokesman Thomas Koch says they welcome any occasion “where people can share their enthusiasm for books.”
Regardless of the specific date or the method of celebration, one thing remains clear: the enduring love affair between humans and books is a timeless phenomenon, celebrated in countless remarkable ways around the globe.
Bibliophile: an admirer or collector of books
The term “bibliophile” itself, derived from the Greek words “biblion” (book) and “philia” (love). It perfectly encapsulates this deep appreciation. However, it’s not merely about possessing books for their content. True bibliophiles often seek out elaborately produced, unusual editions, valuing the physical object as much as the words within. This enduring passion for books has a rich history, stretching back to ancient times. The Roman politician and philosopher Cicero, a prolific writer and collector, famously declared, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with book lovers even today. Evidence of this ancient enthusiasm was unearthed in Cologne, Germany, where archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient library: a two-story building, probably about seven to nine meters tall (23 to 30 feet). They also suspected that this place once housed in the apse of the building, a semicircular domed room, a statue of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and guardian of knowledge. She is a fitting sentinel for such a treasure trove of information.
Artivist Books: Creating Change Through Storytelling
Artivist books are powerful tools that blend creativity and activism, aiming to inspire positive social change while addressing fundamental human rights issues. These works are often born from the personal experiences of their authors, who bravely share their stories to uplift their communities and advocate for justice. By framing their narratives within the context of art, these authors engage their audiences on a deeper level, fostering empathy and understanding.
XIX. Solar Sphinx: The Journey of Vamp Iris Atma Ra
In her memoir, XIX. Solar Sphinx, Vamp Iris Atma Ra navigates the harrowing realities of harassment and sexual violence. The narrative delves into the protagonist’s struggle as she faces these traumatic experiences, highlighting the resilience necessary to reclaim her power. Throughout her journey, she discovers essential tools such as meditation and mental fortitude, which become her allies in overcoming adversity.
This memoir is not merely a personal account; it serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. By sharing her experiences, Atma Ra engages readers in a conversation about mental and physical health, advocating for self-care and resilience as vital components in the journey toward healing. The memoir emphasizes that recovery is possible, ultimately encouraging a collective dialogue around the societal issues of gender-based violence.
VIII. Aikya: Standing Tall Amidst Oppression
VIII. Aikya, memories of Iris Mexico, presents a compelling narrative centered on the fight against state censorship and political persecution. In a landscape rife with corruption and violence, the protagonist stands up for dignity, freedom of speech, and inclusion. Through her struggles, she embodies the courageous spirit of artists who refuse to be silenced despite facing symbolic violence and systemic oppression.
This memoir serves not only as a testament to personal resilience but also as an urgent call to action. By sharing her story, Iris sheds light on the larger issues confronting women artists in her country, inspiring readers to reflect critically on the state of human rights. Her narrative emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collective action in the pursuit of justice, empowering others to use their voice as a form of positive social transformation.
The Power of Resilience in Artivism
Both XIX. Solar Sphinx and VIII. Aikya exemplify the artivist’s quest to transform pain into purpose. Through their deeply personal narratives, these voices offer invaluable insights into resilience and the myriad ways individuals can combat oppression. Their work not only seeks to educate readers about the harsh realities many face but also provides practical tools for navigating trauma and advocating for fundamental rights.
Artivist books like these are crucial in today’s world, as they foster a culture of awareness and understanding. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, they contribute to a more equitable society where everyone can thrive. Through the act of storytelling, these authors create a communal space for healing and activism, ensuring that their messages resonate far beyond the pages of their books.
From Ancient Scribes to Modern-Day Collectors: A Timeless Devotion
Fast forward over a millennium, and the veneration of books continued to flourish. In approximately 1344, the English bishop and author Richard Aungerville penned the Philobiblon, a foundational text for book appreciation, in which he asserted, “A library of wisdom, then, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it.” This profound statement continues to ring true for many contemporary book enthusiasts.
Consider John Q. Benham of Avoca, Indiana, who, according to the Guinness Book of Records, boasts the world’s largest private book collection, housing over 1.5 million volumes in his two-floor garage and under tarpaulins in his garden.
Californian pastor Richard Warren, holds the record for the largest collection of signed books, with an astounding 2,381 editions autographed by their respective authors. These colossal collections underscore the immense dedication and passion some individuals pour into their literary pursuits.
But the world of book collecting isn’t always about grand displays. Some bibliophiles, like Count Raoul Leonor Lignerolles from 19th-century France, preferred a more clandestine approach. After the 1848 February revolution, Lignerolles retreated from social life, dedicating himself to his hidden book collection. One of his Parisian apartments served solely as a library, and he famously denied owning certain works when asked. He even allegedly turned down an offer of two million francs for his printed treasures, highlighting the intensely personal and sometimes secretive nature of his passion. After his death in 1893, his collection was ultimately sold for 1.1 million francs, revealing the true extent of his dedication.
The late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, who passed away in 2019, was a legendary bibliophile known for buying 30 to 40 books a day. Throughout his lifetime, the head designer for Chanel reportedly amassed an astonishing 300,000 books, spread across seven apartments.
References:
- Carw Hazlitt, William. (2009) The Book-Collector. Project Gutemberg.
- Carter, John, Barker, Nicolas. (2006) ABC for Book Collectors. Oak Knoll Press and The British Library.
- Newton, A. Edward. (1918) The amenities of book-collecting and kindred affections. The Atlantic Monthly Press.
- Töniges, Sven (2020) DW
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