If only while class is in session and reading time is restricted I could somehow manage to not want books life would be so much easier. But of course, we always want most the things we can’t have.
Earlier in the week I was searching the library catalog for something a patron was looking for and came across The Book: The Life Story of a Technology by Nicole Howard and I couldn’t resist requesting it. It arrived the next day (sometimes I wish the local library consortium of private colleges my library belongs to wasn’t so darn efficient!). I started reading it on the way home and believe I am going to enjoy it very much as a sort of comfort read.
In the introduction the author explains that she approached the writing of the book as if she were writing a biography and then she says
The life in question here–the life of a book–is one that may not immediately strike a parallel with more familiar technologies. Hundreds of pages sewn together, bearing printed or handwritten material, hardly compares to supersonic jets and Pentium chips. But in fact, no other technology in human history had has the impact of this invention. Indeed, the book is the one technology that has made all the others possible, by recording and storing information and ideas indefinitely in a convenient and readily accessible place. Books represent a peak of technology, giving permanence and form to ideas and knowledge.
There’s a nice poke in the eye for people who say books are dead, useless and not important because of the internet! Okay, maybe a poke in the eye is a bit extreme, but sometimes impulse wins out and it can’t be helped.
Now I’ve got this book book going along with two books of essays, Wilkie Collins, Emerson and Carlyle, the Slaves book, and several others that I have begun but have set aside due to not having enough eyes and needing to sleep.
Today someone turned in a book I came pretty close to checking out because it looked so interesting, The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker. Pinker argues against the blank slate idea of human nature as well as several other dominant ways of thinking about humans. It’s a hefty book that is sure to be a thinker and provoke argument.
And every time I am shelving books or removing books that were requested by other libraries and see Susan Neiman’s book Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grown-Up Idealists sitting on my library’s shelf I want to check it out. I saw it there this morning and caressed its spine before turning away. I don’t think I will be able to resist much longer.
I think the book-coveting would be an occupational hazard of being a librarian!
The most dangerous thing for a bibliophile is to work in a library. The second most dangerous thing is to read this blog! ;D
I remember when I worked in the bookshop. 33.3% discount. I ate a proper meal every other day so I could save money to buy books. Ah those were the days! I also cheered loudly at the quotation you cited. Books are marvellous. It’s official.
Well it is true that many methods of modern data storage (film, tape, disc, etc.) are less stable over long periods than the good old book, or printed material in general. So I would like to poke the books are dead people in the eye. Figuratively of course.
I’m eager to hear more about Nicole Howard’s The Book. Love the idea of the book as the genesis of technology!
Thanks for telling us about this title! I’ll definately be checking it out. It’s interesting because we don’t normally think of the book as a technology because it’s been around for thousands of years. But that itself is a testament to how useful and effective books are at desseminating information! I’m also planning to read “The Case for Books: Past, Present, and Future” by Robert Darnton. It comes out later this month.
How fun to come across interesting books like that! Fun, and frustrating, of course. But they will still be there when you have more time for them! The first book you mentioned sounds really interesting — I would love to know more about the history of the book.
You always make me feel so much better Stefanie. I’m so glad I’m not the only reader who not only wants to read every good book I come across, but actually tries to do it at once! You come across the best books in your library. It’s dangerous working there, isn’t it!
Daphne, you’ve got that right, and I’m working in a law library so I don’t come across as many books as I would in an unspecialized library!
Sylvia, LOL! Always glad to share the danger
Litlove, now that is a serious book habit, skimping on food so you can afford books!
Thomas, of course, always figuratively
Jenclair, isn’t it a great approach? I hope to be able to spend some time reading it soon.
lisstudent, you’re right books aren’t often thought of as a technology but when you stop and think about all the skill and science that haas gone into the creation of the book we have today, it is really amazing. And thanks for letting me know about the Darnton title, I will keep my eyes out for it!
Dorothy, it is so much fun, but frustrating too as you say. I will be sure to share the interesting book history tidbits!
Danielle, you know you do the same thing for me! So please don’t ever change or I don’t know what I will do
As you know, libraries are dangerous places to work. Too bad this kind of danger doesn’t merit hazard pay!
I would have so much trouble working in a library. So much trouble.