chapter 1
Moving image
Mercer is known for its offbeat sections, such as this
shelf of “Curious and Valuable Books.”
Conti says Mary Gaitskill once responded to his complimentary
“I love your stories” by retorting, “Which ones?”
People are very attached
to their books. The
books I consider my own
I couldn’t
sell.
—Wayne Conti
William Steig personalized this
volume of cartoons for a friend:
“From one neurotic to another.”