LIKE a Saturday morning trawl through your favourite bookshops, this charming documentary takes you on a trip through New York’s antiquarian book trade and the eccentric characters behind it.
Beginning at the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, The Booksellers introduces us to the varied and diverse book dealers who flock to this annual event with their latest finds of rare books and literary memorabilia.
With an enormous amount of passion and a self-aware sense of humour, these book lovers take us through their collections from enormous warehouses packed to the brim to a fantastical custom-made library.
The film does not shy away from the less positive side of the industry, one interviewee noting that that in the 1950s there were 368 bookstores in New York and, after counting them, now there are 79.
For many book dealers, it is the hunt that they enjoy even more than owning the book itself and with most things searchable at the click of a button, it has changed the way in which a book is considered rare.
Rather than first editions or signed copies, for some dealing and collecting has become about a connection to the past, often specialising in parts of history not otherwise well documented.
The Booksellers is an undeniable joy for any book lover and will make you want to take an immediate trip to your favourite independent bookshop.
The Booksellers (PG)
Director: D.W. Young
Four stars
Showing at Luna Leederville, Windsor Cinema and Palace Raine Square from July 2
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