Charles Goodwin (of Rowfant)

Charles Goodwin (1832-1903) was an English clergyman, book collector, and bibliophile, best known for his association with the Rowfant Club, a private literary society founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1892. The club was named in honor of his famous library at Rowfant, his home in Worth, Sussex.

Goodwin amassed a significant collection of books, particularly those associated with poetry, literature, and fine bindings. His library became a destination for visiting bibliophiles and literary figures. He was known for his hospitality and willingness to share his collection with others.

While Goodwin himself was not a prolific writer or scholar, his contribution to the literary world lay in his patronage and cultivation of a community of book lovers. The Rowfant Club, inspired by his example and named for his home, continues to this day as a testament to his influence on book collecting and appreciation. His name is inextricably linked to the ideals of bibliophilia, literary fellowship, and the pursuit of beautiful and rare books.