The Knowledge Seller

The Knowledge Seller

Last year, I used one of my posts to consider whether it is acceptable to write in books. I argued that authors, at least, are unquestionably entitled to add personal inscriptions to their own books. A copy like that automatically becomes a rarity. Knowing this, I always try to have the author sign my copy whenever I get the chance.

In early August, I learnt that Oleg Utkin, a colleague from the library world, had written a book called “Продавец знаний” (“The Knowledge Seller”).

Oleg and I met when I was working at the National Library of Russia in St Petersburg and he represented Thomson Reuters. We worked on a project together. Our collaboration continued later, when I headed the Library for Natural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences and he led Web of Science’s operations in the CIS. It was Oleg who insisted that Web of Science sponsor The Electronic Age of Science, the annual conference I organised while working at the Library for Natural Sciences.

The author conceived “Продавец знаний” as a gripping science thriller in the style of Dan Brown and Arthur Hailey, following the adventures of a representative of a major publisher in the 2010s. The book features many recognisable figures from Russia’s library community, research institutions and publishers. Naturally, I am eager to read it, as I should be able to recognise the real people behind most of the thriller’s characters.

But first, I bought my own copy directly from the publisher and asked Oleg to sign it for me. Oleg and I met last week: we reminisced about projects we had worked on together and also sketched out a couple of ideas for projects we could pursue now.

Oleg was, of course, delighted to add a personal inscription to my copy. The shelf where I keep valuable copies from my home library has therefore gained another book. As is my tradition, I have not read the inscription yet. I will do so in a few years, when Oleg’s words will feel a little different.

P.S. Happy Knowledge Day!