The Haunted Bookshop · Chapter
The Corn Cob Club explained
Roger Mifflin hosts a gathering of fellow booksellers, known as the Corn Cob Club, at his Haunted Bookshop.
What happens
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this scene, the emotional peak occurs when Roger casually reveals he sold *Philip Dru*—a book he despises—t…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Art of Bookselling as a Profession
The chapter centers on a debate among booksellers about their role, ethics, and responsibilities in the trade.
- Commerce vs. Culture
Roger Mifflin's idealism clashes with Jerry Gladfist's pragmatic commercialism, illustrating the tension between cultural mission and market demands.
Characters to notice
- Roger Mifflin
Hosts the Corn Cob Club meeting and passionately argues that booksellers should promote quality literature.
- Jerry Gladfist
A fellow bookseller who debates Roger, advocating for supplying whatever the public wants.
- Mr. Chapman
A quiet guest who toasts Mrs. Mifflin and comments on the value of trained experts.
- Helen Mifflin
Mentioned as having made the chocolate cake and minding the shop during the gathering.
Key passages
“A book's a book if you enjoy reading it”
The value of a book is subjective and based on personal enjoyment.
Meredith expresses a tolerant view on reading preferences.
“supply creates demand”
Offering good books will generate a desire for them among the public.
Roger Mifflin's idealistic business philosophy.
