Manchester Rare Books’ Josh Knight on CABS/YABS Seminars and Counterculture

Our Bright Young Booksellers series continues today with Josh Knight, proprietor of Manchester Rare Books in England:

How did you get started in rare books?
My father is a bookseller, so for as long as I can remember, he’s been taking me along to fairs and getting me to work in the shop. I showed a little interest growing up but always focused on things I already had an affinity for, music and counterculture being the main two. I remember really wanting my own copy of Sniffin’ Glue, and all the really cool punk posters we had. I desperately wanted to keep them.

However, it took me moving away to Manchester, studying music at university, and then being a full-time bartender before I realised, wait, I love doing this, why don’t I have a go at dealing in books full time?

When did you open Manchester Rare Books, and what do you specialise in?
It was two years ago this month that I decided to take the plunge. At dinner at the Harrogate Book Fair, I mentioned to a friend—Anthony Smithson from Keel Row Books—that I wanted to give it a go. He then recommended the YABS seminar, and from that point on, I decided I wanted to pursue it.

As for specialisation, one joke my old man always said was he specializes in ‘saleable books’ which I do have to agree with, I like volume and variety. That being said I seem to be drawn to counterculture materials—I like the weird side of things. But I'm actively trying to learn about everything I can. While I get the most enjoyment out of old drug zines and left-wing political pamphlets, I’m of the mindset that I want to learn about everything. It's more exciting that way.

What do you love about the book trade?
There’s really nothing better than getting a great book at a good price, digging through mountains of rubbish and then finding something brilliant, or spotting something at a fair before anyone else and knowing you’re going to make money off it. There’s a dopamine hit there that’s just fantastic.

Beyond that, the fantastic people in the trade make it so much better. I’ve made a large number of friends through this job, and fairs, even if you do poorly buying or selling, can still be a good time, hanging out with friends and chatting nonsense.

Also, handling cool items every day. I don’t know what I’m going to be dealing with from one day to the next, and getting to work with the coolest stuff in the world is fantastic.

Describe a typical day for you:
Each day is different, which I love. Usually, it’s checking emails and alerts for things at auction and online. Then, I’ll try to do a house call. If not, I’ll head out scouting. I usually have a few bits of cataloguing and general business/life admin to do. I spend a lot of time on the road doing fairs and viewing auctions. If I have a collection in that I want to do a list on, I’ll usually hole up for a few days and do nothing else until it's done. I like that every day is different—you never know what you’re going to find.

Favourite rare book (or ephemera) that you’ve handled?
I had a seriously cool collection of early transgender materials, including six issues of Female Mimics. It had some incredibly interesting and important items in it. I never thought I would be one to do lists, but I started with that and really enjoyed it. I have some more in development now. I’m also still a sucker for Modern Firsts. I’ve had signed J.G. Ballards that I just love, and the usual assortment of Agatha Christies and Ian Flemings always gives me a kick.

What do you personally collect?
I try not to get attached to things I buy for work. I’m sure I’m not the only one in the trade who tries, and fails, to do this. But I’ve been rather good at it so far. I’ve always collected records, and I still continue to do that.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I’ve been told by a few people that I need to give myself more time off work but I think I’d rather be at a fair or out buying than doing most other things. Drinks with friends, the gym, and movies would be my rather boring answer.

Thoughts on the present state and/or future of the rare book trade?
More young faces are popping up, and it’s great. I’m in a few group chats with younger members of the trade, and it’s as insightful and helpful as it is fun. I think moves to make the trade more diverse are wonderful, and the increasing focus on social issues and inclusion is great to see. It brings in new perspectives, new collectors, and helps modernise the trade in a meaningful way. There’s always going to be people who want to buy books. I think YABS and CABS are great. I’ve attended both, and they helped me massively. Most of the “established trade” are incredibly supportive of younger dealers.

Any upcoming fairs or catalogues?
I regularly do a few PBFA fairs a month. I seem to do quite a large number of fairs, so there’s a good chance you’ll find me somewhere! As for lists, I’m working on a few. One on books relating to alcohol and literature I’m calling Modern Thirst Editions which, of course, started as a joke and is now becoming real. I still plan to open up a shop in Manchester sooner rather than later but we’ll see about that!