Founded in 1884, the Grolier Club is America’s oldest and largest society for bibliophiles and enthusiasts in the graphic arts. Named after Jean Grolier (1489/90-1565), the collector renowned for sharing his library with friends, the Club’s objective is to promote “the study, collecting, and appreciation of books and works on paper.” Through the efforts more than eight hundred members the Club pursues this mission through its library, its public exhibitions and lectures, and its long and distinguished series of publications.

I met with Bruce Crawford, the club’s current president (and a collector of Charles Dickens and other 19th-century authors) in the Thomas Phillips room of the Club’s headquarters in New York, along with Susan Flamm, who is in charge of P.R. We talk about the Club’s history and mission, book collecting, Charles Darwin, minnows, and much more.