In 1808, when Phillipps was 16 years old, he already owned 112 books (largely Gothic chapbooks). Later in life he is recorded to have said that he wanted to own one of every book in the world.
Phillipps, aged sixteen in 1808, owned a library consisting of 112 books, mainly Gothic chapbooks. In his later years, it was noted that he aspired to have every book available on Earth.