Such a treasure trove

Such a treasure trove
The Hindu

Bookworm has books you may never find elsewhere

There is a significant collection on World War I and II besides a picture dictionary of the two World Wars. Some of the books, though close to being 100 years old, are in excellent condition

MULTIPLE CHOICE Bookworm has a collection of over 10,000 books

It appears like any other old bookshop stacking books at throwaway prices. You cannot be blamed if you went past even without sparing a second glance. But when you enter, you are overwhelmed by the amazing collection of old books, some of which date back to as early as 1879.

Just over a year old, Bookworm is home to a fascinating collection that includes fiction, both classic and contemporary, science as well as fantasy, history, psychology, biographies, besides children's books that range from Enid Blyton to Archies comics.

"We have a collection of over 10,000 books," says the proprietor, Krishna. He recalls how during his graduation days he used to sell old books on the pavements along with his partner. "I was fascinated by books since I was a kid. I was introduced to it by my teacher back in the village."

After graduation, he pursued his love full time and ended up collecting over 3,000 books. "I continued to sell them on pavements for nine-and-a half years." Though his profession is to sell old books, Krishna makes it a point to understand the background of every book that he sells and has a sound knowledge of all the books in his store.

The books are sold at half the original price. "We also have a swapping system where you purchase a book, finish reading it and exchange it for another. While exchanging, 30 per cent of the cost of the original book is deducted and the rest 70 per cent is credited against the one exchanged."

The outlet is a virtual treasure trove for booklovers. There is a significant collection on World War I and II besides a picture dictionary of the two World Wars. Some of the books, though close to being 100 years old, are in excellent condition. Like the 1927 edition of The Complete Sherlock Holmes, 1928 edition of The Works of Leo Tolstoy, and the 1936 edition of The Complete Works of O. Henry.

"Some of these books are very old and out of print," he says. Biographies of Churchill, Mountbatten, Rudyard Kipling, Richard Burton find their special place here. "We don't keep any academic or technical books," says Krishna clarifies. Incidentally, the source of his extraordinary collection is not restricted to Bangalore but "comes from Bombay and Chennai too. But our main source is here with a large part coming from our own customers. They spread the word among friends, who in turn sell us the old books they have."

Naina, who is a student and a regular visitor to the store, says: "He has a fantastic collection for a second-hand dealer. Some are not available at other bookstores. Most of them are in good condition and it makes sense to pick them up from here as you pay just half the price."

Chips in Mithali, another customer: "I'm absolutely fascinated by his collection. Though you don't always get what you want, still you don't expect this variety and quality in a second-hand bookshop. Normally such shops sell mainly trashy fiction."

Bookworm, which was earlier on M. G. Road, has moved to 32, Basement, Near Select Bookshop, Brigade Road. Call 98450-76757 for details.

You can also log on to www.bookwormindia.com.