Bibliophile

A bibliophile is a person who loves books, especially one who collects them as a hobby or scholarly pursuit. The term derives from the Greek biblion, "book," and philos, "loving." In English usage, it emerged in the 19th century to describe enthusiasts who value books for their texts, physical form, and provenance as much as for reading.

Practices among bibliophiles vary. Some concentrate on rare or early editions, others collect by author, genre, or period. Many emphasize book arts such as typography, bindings, illustrations, and marginalia, and they may engage in careful cataloging, conservation, and restoration. The collecting impulse has often accompanied the growth of libraries and scholarship, with private collections later forming the basis of public institutions.

Historically, bibliophiles have played a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. Private libraries built by aristocrats, scholars, and merchants helped sustain access to texts through times of scarcity or censorship. In the modern era, book fairs, auctions, and dealers connect collectors with libraries, publishers, and archives.

Related terms include bibliophilia (the love of books), bibliomania (an intense, sometimes problematic, obsession with collecting books), and bibliophile as a general descriptor. The concept remains central to discussions of collecting, libraries, book culture, and the preservation of printed heritage.