The Haunted Bookshop · Chapter
IV: The Disappearing Volume explained
After supper, Roger Mifflin proposes reading aloud to Titania, who eagerly agrees.
What happens
After supper, Roger Mifflin proposes reading aloud to Titania, who eagerly agrees. While Roger and Helen wash dishes, Titania finds a lost-and-found ad for a copy of Carlyle's 'Oliver Cromwell' that had been in the shop. Roger becomes excited, seeing the theft as proof that people care for good books. The volume has mysteriously come and gone, and the chapter ends with Roger beginning to read Dickens' Christmas Stories.
Themes in this chapter
The Power of Books and Reading
Roger's passion for reading aloud and his delight that someone would steal a serious book like Carlyle's 'Oliver Cromwell' underscores the transformative power of literature.
The Art of Bookselling as a Profession
Roger's reaction to the missing book and his philosophical musings on book theft highlight the unique perspective of a dedicated bookseller.
Mystery and Adventure
The mysterious disappearance and reappearance of the Cromwell volume, along with the cryptic lost ad, introduces an element of intrigue.
Characters to notice
- Roger Mifflin
Hosts the reading session, discovers the lost ad, and expresses delight that someone would steal a good book.
- Titania Chapman
New employee who finds the lost-and-found advertisement and shows it to Roger.
- Helen Mifflin
Teases Roger about his reading habits and helps with dishes while minding the shop.
- Aubrey Gilbert
Visits briefly in the beginning, joins the reading, and awkwardly conveys Mr. Chapman's regards to Titania.
- Bock
The dog follows Roger to the cellar and enjoys the smells.
Key passages
“I think this is grand news. Here’s a man, in a humble walk of life, so keen about good books that he even pickets a bookstore on the chance of swiping some. It’s the most encouraging thing I’ve ever heard of.”
Roger is thrilled that a working-class man would go so far as to steal a good book, seeing it as a hopeful sign for society.
Roger's eccentric view of book theft as a positive indicator of cultural interest.
“If an assistant chef is so fond of good books that he has to steal them, the world is safe for democracy.”
Roger believes that a love of serious literature among ordinary people bodes well for the future of democratic society.
Reflects Roger's idealistic belief in the power of books to uplift humanity.