For fans worldwide, the release of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum marked a thrilling new chapter in the saga of the legendary assassin. But beyond the high-octane action and breathtaking stunts, John Wick 3 offered a surprising glimpse into a lesser-known facet of John Wick’s character: his profound connection to books and libraries, specifically, The New York Public Library.
While John Wick, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is renowned for his lethal skills and multilingual abilities, the films have always been careful to reveal his personal life in carefully measured doses. However, Chapter 3 unveils that Wick is not just a man of action; he is also a man of intellect and culture, a detail hinted at in earlier scripts. As Keanu Reeves himself mentioned in an interview with Uproxx, initial scripts described John Wick’s environment as involving “old leather-bound books and book restoration,” suggesting a deep-seated appreciation for the written word.
This appreciation takes center stage when John Wick seeks refuge and resources within the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Main Branch of The New York Public Library. This isn’t just a random location; it’s a deliberate choice that speaks volumes about the character. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of NYPL’s prestigious Research Libraries, housing an array of specialized divisions, including the General Research Division, the Arts, Prints & Photographs Division, the Local History & Genealogy Division, the Map Library, and the esteemed Rare Books, Manuscripts and Archives Divisions. For a man on the run and in need of specific, perhaps obscure, information, NYPL’s Research Library is not just a hideout, but a treasure trove.
During his visit, John Wick makes a remarkably precise request: “Russian Folk Tale, Aleksandr Afanasyev, 1864.” This specific book choice immediately sparks curiosity. What is the significance of this particular edition and author? Aleksandr Nikolaevich Afanas’ev (1826-1871) was a prominent Russian scholar who dedicated his life to collecting and publishing Russian fairy and folk tales. His seminal work, Narodnyia russkīia skazki, initially published in eight volumes between 1855 and 1863, comprises nearly 600 tales gathered from across the vast Russian Empire. While John Wick requests an 1864 edition, it’s worth noting that no edition of Narodnyia russkīia skazki was published in that specific year. However, during 1864-1865, Afanas’ev did publish articles on mythology, including Skazka i mif (1864), which might be connected to Wick’s research interests. The various editions of Afanas’ev’s work, including the second edition in 1873, the third in 1897, and the fourth between 1913-1914, and numerous English translations, underscore the enduring importance of his collection in understanding Russian folklore and cultural narratives.
John Wick’s deliberate choice of the New York Public Library and his specific literary pursuit adds layers to his character. It suggests a depth that transcends his assassin persona, hinting at a rich inner life and a quest for knowledge, even amidst chaos. This “new” dimension revealed in John Wick 3 makes him an even more compelling and intriguing figure.
Inspired by John Wick’s visit? You too can explore the vast resources of The New York Public Library. Just like John Wick, obtaining an NYPL card is your first step to unlocking a world of knowledge and discovery.
