A maker of books talks shop, and the bypaths and interests into which it has led him, in a series of autobiographical, literary and geographical essays. Garrick Club traditions, old manuscripts, libraries, research, illustrations, writers he has known, anecdote -- all ranging from typographical dress to personalties of people and towns and the excitements of bookish searches. Old line reminiscences of cloistered appeal, happy, gentlemanly memories of hobbies expanding through a profession, which ranged from back design to manuscripts and illuminations, Red Cross and auctions.