Originally Posted by Hip Priest

They certainly do. And the book world has more than it's fair share of characters.

I know a dealer who has a lovely shop that's usually empty. Why is it empty? BEcause it's in a little back alley where people don't see it, because he won't advertise and won't even be listed in the telephone dirctory or free internet listings. Why? Because he 'doesn't want customers'. Why? Because if you don't strike him as a book lover then he isn't interested, just won't do business with you (whether buying or selling) at all. Whereass if you've heard of him from a fellow customer and searched him out, then that's cool. He had about eight 1930's council posters in stock and a regular customer wanted to buy them all. 'You can't buy them all, you can buy three at the most. Then someone else can buy some too.' 'If I can't have them all then I don't want any'. 'Fine'.

I've had a few rare little items off him - if he likes you then he's the most genuine and pleasant chap you could hope to meet.

...as long as he thinks you're a 'proper' book person, he likes you. That's his criteria. It is elitist, though, yeah, it's like you have to pass an exam to shop there I suppose. But I think that's okay in a way - I judge some shops not worthy of my custom, I certainly make them pass an exam I suppose. He only sells the finest stuff, though, no cheap paperback novels and whatnot.

but I think the poster incident - although strange - shows that he's a nice guy. He didn't want some other interested customers to lose out. I bought the one from 1947 about applying for a cinema license. Or Cinematograph Entertainment License, if you prefer.