booklore

American  

[book-lawr] / ˈbʊkˌlɔr /

Or book lore

noun

1. facts and information about books, especially about authors and circumstances of publication.

2. book learning.

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Etymology

Origin of booklore

First recorded before 1100; Middle English boke lore, Old English bōclār; see origin at book ( def. ), lore ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

If you're the friend that everyone asks for reading recommendations from, you might be skilled in booklore, or knowledge gained from or related to reading. The term booklore is sometimes used for what is also called book learning — knowledge gained from books, through formal education. But sometimes it can also refer to lore about books, rather than lore from books. This sense refers to information about the history of publishing, printing, and binding books. This type of booklore is great to know if you want to learn more about the historical side of literature, or the literature side of history.

Example Sentences

Duncan goes into fascinating detail about all this — page numbers get an entire chapter of their own — with digressions into curious byways of booklore and literature.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2022

Canada can boast of many good and even distinguished authors, and the love of books and booklore is daily increasing.

From Roughing It in the Bush by Moodie, Susanna

Ah, Wind of Time," I continued with a sigh, "we men of this age are rotten with booklore, and with a yearning for the past.

From The Last Generation A Story of the Future by Flecker, James Elroy

More than once he saw Madge's quick wit twinkle through her booklore.

From A Dozen Ways Of Love by Dougall, Lily

They must be learnt I know, but a noble needs booklore too,' said the boy.

From The Herd Boy and His Hermit by Yonge, Charlotte Mary