No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy

1. Books as a lifeline: From working-class roots to bibliophile

"I had no idea that 3,500 books (and ever rising) was an especially large number. The same as I thought having one book in my childhood home wasn't particularly unusual either."

Early exposure: Growing up in a working-class home in Manchester in the 1960s, Mark Hodkinson's childhood was nearly devoid of books. His parents, an electrician and a sewing machinist, valued practicality over literacy. The family owned only one book, "Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain," which young Mark treasured.

Discovering literature: As a teenager, Hodkinson discovered the transformative power of books. He began collecting and reading voraciously, finding solace and inspiration in literature. This passion for reading became a lifeline, helping him transcend his working-class background and shape his identity.

Building a collection: Over the years, Hodkinson amassed a personal library of over 3,500 books. This collection became a source of pride and a reflection of his journey from a book-poor childhood to a life rich in literature.

2. The power of reading in shaping identity and worldview

"I had embraced the role of an iconoclast for the first time. I didn't care how lonely my island and noisy or sure of themselves my adversaries, any book beginning 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit' could play no part in my life."

Formative experiences: Hodkinson's early reading experiences profoundly shaped his identity and worldview. Books like J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" and Barry Hines' "A Kestrel for a Knave" resonated deeply with his working-class background and sense of alienation.

Developing critical thinking: As he read more widely, Hodkinson developed a critical eye for literature. He learned to challenge popular opinions and form his own judgments about books, even if it meant going against the grain.

Cultural touchstones: Certain books and authors became cultural touchstones for Hodkinson, influencing not just his reading habits but his entire outlook on life. The works of writers like Alan Sillitoe and Stan Barstow provided a lens through which he could understand and articulate his own experiences.

3. The impact of education and social class on literary exposure

"I had been forced, for those few seconds, to imagine life without all those books. I had collected them from first learning to read and they had travelled with me through my growing-up years, several relationships and numerous house moves."

Educational disparities: Hodkinson's experiences highlight the stark differences in literary exposure based on social class and education. His comprehensive school education provided limited access to literature, in contrast to the rich literary backgrounds of more privileged students.

Self-education through reading: Recognizing the gaps in his formal education, Hodkinson embarked on a journey of self-education through reading. He sought out books that challenged him and expanded his horizons, compensating for what he perceived as educational shortcomings.

Breaking barriers: Through his voracious reading and eventual career in journalism and publishing, Hodkinson broke through class barriers. His story illustrates how books can serve as a bridge between social classes, providing access to knowledge and cultural capital traditionally associated with more privileged backgrounds.

4. Collecting vs. hoarding: The fine line in book ownership

"I am a bibliophile and not a bibliomaniac. There is a world of difference."

Defining the difference: Hodkinson draws a clear distinction between being a bibliophile (a lover of books) and a bibliomaniac (someone obsessed with collecting books). He sees his large collection as a reflection of his passion for reading rather than a compulsive need to hoard.

Psychological aspects: The author explores the psychological aspects of book collecting, discussing how it can be a healthy pursuit or veer into problematic territory. He considers the motivations behind his own collecting habits and those of others.

Cultural significance: Hodkinson reflects on the cultural significance of personal libraries, arguing that they represent more than just a collection of objects. To him, each book is a portal to a different world or perspective, and the collection as a whole is a testament to a life of intellectual curiosity.

5. The enduring appeal of physical books in the digital age

"A book is genuinely organic – it was made from trees! The sensory greeting will always be the same and with that comes familiarity, reassurance."

Sensory experience: Hodkinson emphasizes the tactile and sensory pleasures of physical books. The smell of ink, the texture of paper, and the weight of a book in hand all contribute to the reading experience in ways that digital formats cannot replicate.

Emotional connection: The author argues that physical books foster a deeper emotional connection with the reader. They become objects of memory, associated with specific times, places, and feelings in a way that e-books struggle to match.

Resistance to technology: Despite the rise of e-readers and digital books, Hodkinson remains committed to physical books. He sees them as a refuge from the constant connectivity and distractions of the digital world, offering a more focused and immersive reading experience.

6. Writing and publishing: Challenges and triumphs

"I would never ever again, from here to eternity, write by committee or to order, amen. I would do what I wanted and leave all other views over there, out of harm's way."

Early struggles: Hodkinson recounts his early struggles as a writer, facing rejection and self-doubt. He describes the challenges of breaking into the publishing industry, particularly coming from a working-class background.

Finding his voice: Through persistence and a commitment to authenticity, Hodkinson eventually found success as a writer. He learned to trust his own instincts and write from his unique perspective, rather than trying to conform to others' expectations.

Establishing a publishing company: Frustrated with the limitations of traditional publishing, Hodkinson founded his own independent publishing company, Pomona. This allowed him to champion books and authors he believed in, even if they didn't fit conventional market expectations.

7. The therapeutic value of books in navigating life's challenges

"Books don't mind. They are patient. They await your return."

Emotional support: Hodkinson describes how books have provided emotional support throughout his life. During times of personal crisis or difficulty, he has turned to literature for comfort, insight, and perspective.

Intellectual growth: Reading has been a constant source of intellectual growth for the author. Even when life circumstances made sustained reading difficult, he found that books were always there, ready to challenge and expand his thinking.

Coping mechanism: The author explores how his book collection has served as a coping mechanism, providing a sense of stability and continuity amidst life's changes and challenges. The presence of books in his home creates a comforting environment, a personal sanctuary of sorts.

8. The evolution of the publishing industry and its gatekeepers

"The industry is principally based in London, so staff members live in the capital or Home Counties. They are university educated, often from the Russell Group, and have names seldom heard at my old school: Allegra, Antoinette, Aurelia and Arabella – and that's just the As."

Industry critique: Hodkinson offers a critical view of the traditional publishing industry, highlighting its London-centric nature and the class biases that often influence decision-making.

Changing landscape: The author discusses how the industry has evolved over time, particularly with the rise of independent publishing and digital platforms. He notes both the opportunities and challenges these changes present for writers and readers.

Gatekeeping and access: Through his experiences as both an author and publisher, Hodkinson explores the role of gatekeepers in the literary world. He questions who gets to decide what is published and read, and how these decisions shape our cultural landscape.

9. The personal journey of becoming an author and publisher

"I had arrived here – 3,500 books – by stealth. It's easily done if you acquire books on a regular basis, seldom discard any and are lucky enough to live into your mid-fifties."

Lifelong passion: Hodkinson's journey from avid reader to author and publisher is a testament to his lifelong passion for books. He describes how his early love of reading naturally evolved into a desire to write and share stories.

Learning the craft: The author recounts his experiences learning the craft of writing, from his early attempts at fiction to his work as a journalist. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and continuous learning in developing as a writer.

Creating opportunities: Frustrated with the limitations he encountered in traditional publishing, Hodkinson created his own opportunities. By founding Pomona, he not only published his own work but also provided a platform for other writers he believed in.

Last updated: August 1, 2024