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Chapter companions for The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley.

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  1. Chapter 1

    Dedication

    Christopher Morley dedicates the book to booksellers, explaining the origins of the story and acknowledging the contributions of characters who took over the narrative. He also notes the timing of a tribute to Sidney Drew and thanks The Bookman for permission to reprint certain chapters.

  2. Chapter 2

    The Haunted Bookshop

    The chapter introduces the Haunted Bookshop, a quirky and atmospheric bookstore run by Roger Mifflin, and sets the stage for the arrival of Aubrey Gilbert and Titania Chapman, whose interactions and the mysterious events surrounding the shop begin to unfold.

  3. Chapter 3

    I: The Haunted Bookshop

    A young advertising agent, Aubrey Gilbert, stumbles upon a unique secondhand bookshop called 'Parnassus at Home' in Brooklyn, owned by the eccentric Roger Mifflin. The shop is described as a warm, smoky, and hauntingly literary space. Mifflin invites Gilbert to dinner, where they discuss the philosophy of bookselling, the joy of reading, and the importance of prescribing books to meet individual needs. Gilbert is intrigued and promises to return.

  4. Chapter 4

    The Corn Cob Club

    Roger Mifflin hosts a gathering of fellow booksellers, known as the Corn Cob Club, at his Haunted Bookshop. The evening features a lively debate about the nature of bookselling, the quality of books, and the responsibilities of booksellers to their customers. Roger argues for selling only the best books and elevating public taste, while Jerry Gladfist counters that booksellers should simply supply what the public demands. Other members, including Quincy, Fruehling, Meredith, and Benson, join the discussion, touching on topics such as publisher ignorance, advertising, and the economics of the trade.

  5. Chapter 5

    III: Titania Arrives

    Titania Chapman begins her new job at the Haunted Bookshop. Roger Mifflin shows her around, introduces her to the bulletin board with a card about Thomas Hardy's The Dynasts, and prepares a selection of books for her to read. He muses on her literary education and adds volumes to her shelf, including an Archy scrapbook. Later, Titania arrives in a limousine, dismisses her chauffeur, and walks to the shop, revealing her wealthy background and independent spirit.

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  1. Chapter 6IV: The Disappearing Volume
  2. Chapter 7Aubrey Walks Part Way Home—and Rides the Rest of the Way
  3. Chapter 8VI: Titania Learns the Business
  4. Chapter 9Aubrey Takes Lodgings
  5. Chapter 10Aubrey Goes to the Movies, and Wishes He Knew More German
  6. Chapter 11IX: Again the Narrative Is Retarded
  7. Chapter 12Roger Raids the Icebox
  8. Chapter 13XI: Titania Tries Reading in Bed
  9. Chapter 14Aubrey Determines to Give Service That’s Different
  10. Chapter 15XIII: The Battle of Ludlow Street
  11. Chapter 16XIV: The Cromwell Makes Its Last Appearance
  12. Chapter 17Mr. Chapman Waves His Wand
  13. Chapter 18Endnotes