# The Corn Cob Club explained — The Haunted Bookshop

> Chapter companion for The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley.

## What happens

Roger Mifflin hosts a gathering of fellow booksellers, known as the Corn Cob Club, at his Haunted Bookshop. The evening features a lively debate about the nature of bookselling, the quality of books, and the responsibilities of booksellers to their customers. Roger argues for selling only the best books and elevating public taste, while Jerry Gladfist counters that booksellers should simply supply what the public demands. Other members, including Quincy, Fruehling, Meredith, and Benson, join the discussion, touching on topics such as publisher ignorance, advertising, and the economics of the trade.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Art of Bookselling as a Profession

The chapter centers on a debate among booksellers about their role, ethics, and responsibilities in the trade.

### Commerce vs. Culture

Roger Mifflin's idealism clashes with Jerry Gladfist's pragmatic commercialism, illustrating the tension between cultural mission and market demands.

## Character check-ins

### Roger Mifflin

Hosts the Corn Cob Club meeting and passionately argues that booksellers should promote quality literature.

### Jerry Gladfist

A fellow bookseller who debates Roger, advocating for supplying whatever the public wants.

### Mr. Chapman

A quiet guest who toasts Mrs. Mifflin and comments on the value of trained experts.

### Helen Mifflin

Mentioned as having made the chocolate cake and minding the shop during the gathering.

## Key lines

> A book's a book if you enjoy reading it

The value of a book is subjective and based on personal enjoyment.

_Meredith expresses a tolerant view on reading preferences._

> supply creates demand

Offering good books will generate a desire for them among the public.

_Roger Mifflin's idealistic business philosophy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_bookshop_se/chapters/ii-the-corn-cob-club
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_bookshop_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_bookshop_se/chapters