Ever run out of space in your home? Spare a thought for astrological historian Philip Graves who has converted every living space in his three-bedroom home into a massive library supporting his research.
A total of 7,500 carefully picked books and 12,000 editions of journals are sorted across almost 50 bookcases in Mr Graves’ two living rooms and reception room in his semi-detached property.
So tight for space is the situation in his South Wales home that the website developer at Bristol-based GWS Media is now considering turning an upstairs bedroom into a living room.
The collection had only 60 books 19 years ago, but has quickly expanded. Today he is still buying a “couple of hundred” books every year.
“When I started they [the books] were in the hall and part of one of the rooms of our house in Sweden,” he said.
“But when my relationship ended, I set up in a village in the countryside and I was quickly able to expand the library. Then I got a job in Bristol and needed to move the books and journals to the UK.
“I found this house where I could store it all in the downstairs rooms.
“I’m happy with how it has turned out.”
Having moved in last year, the work to provide storage for the books and journals is complete, with space still available for more.
It has, however, meant the kitchen is the only downstairs room available.
Asked what his friends and family thought of the library, he said: “It depends on the person.
“I don’t really talk about it as some people probably think it is a bit weird, but then I have made a lot of friends through the subject of astrology, and they are fine with it.”
Mr Graves’ fascination in the subject started when one of his father’s friends gave him some books on the basics of astrology. It saw him take up an interest in research alleging a correlation between planetary positions at birth and people’s lives.
In 2001, he became joint manager of an online astrology message board called Horoscopes Chat.
At the same time he began to create a library of books and journals on the subject, buying many on Amazon and eBay.
He will not reveal how much he has spent, but admits it is many thousands of pounds.
The books are from as far back as the 16th century and are written in several languages including Greek, Latin, Arabic and Hebrew. So far this year he has had visits from people as far away as India to see his library.
He said: “I allow supervised visits by members of the public with a sincere interest in studying the material. One day, I hope a university will want to create a library from what I have, but until then I can keep it together and safe.”
To find out more, visit a website on the library at www.astrolearn.com
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