Jon Speed: The Book Scout

Interview with Jon Speed of Jon Speed: The Book Scout

When did you get started in bookselling?

1995.

What drew you to bookselling?

A love of books and history. My uncle, Craig Ross, was a bookseller in Medina, NY and his house was a treasure trove, a magical place.

Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?

Craig Ross, primarily. Also the book stores in Rochester, NY.

What are your specialties as a dealer?

Theology, Americana, literature, first editions and childrens books.

What's the most amazing book you've ever sold?

A Rochester, NY imprint of Frederick Douglass' Narrative.

What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?

Meeting people and connecting them to fascinating books.

Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?

I have had two different brick and mortars: one in Narrowsburg, NY (one year) and another in Syracuse, NY (five years).

If so, do/did you have any bookstore pets?

No.

What is the funniest / strangest / scariest thing that ever happened in your store?

We went viral in January 2019 for taking a stand on a moral issue and ended up selling 500 orders in about a day. Also did a couple of appearances on national TV and national talk radio.

What is your favorite bookshop (other than your own)?

It's not around any more. With Pipe and Book in Lake Placid, NY.

What do you personally like to read? Collect?

I collect Modern Library editions of classic literature. Also Tolkien. I read theology and Biblical studies and collect that as well.

What's your favorite book you personally own? Would you sell it, if the price were right?

The Bible.

What one book would you buy if price were no object?

Gutenberg Bible.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring three books, what would they be?

The Bible. Pilgrim's Progress. A.W. Tozer's The Pursuit of God