An irresistible, compulsive urge to steal books, considered a psychological condition rather than ordinary theft.
From biblio- (Greek biblion 'book') + klepto- (Greek kleptes 'thief') + -mania (Greek mania 'madness, compulsion'). Coined in the 19th century when psychologists began naming specific compulsive disorders.
Bibliokleptomania emerged as a real diagnosis in Victorian times—wealthy collectors and even librarians were documented as having this specific form of compulsive behavior, suggesting it's rooted in deep psychological need.
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