Elsewhere in this paper there is an article about the ineffable growth of eBook readers such as the Kindle. Over the last year these devices have gone from expensive toys to affordable tools available for the majority of people; with the release of even cheaper models there is sure to be increased sales for those buying them for Christmas presents.
I have to be honest with you here: I do not like the concept of eBooks; the idea offends my bookwormish sensibilities. This is a very traditionalistic point of view but, when it comes to books, I’ve always been snobby. The feel of a paper tome in your hands as you delve into a world or find out more about our own planet is inescapably wonderful. Books have had an hypnotic hold on me ever since I began devouring the lending boxes at my primary school and the thought of neglecting them for a screen; well I feel that some of the magic would be lost.
We already spend the vast majority of our time nowadays reading off of a screen so when it comes to the intimate act of reading a novel I think it demands a physical copy of the work – for one, it will never run out of battery or breakdown on you.
Many of you will disagree; when I think rationally I do too. Having the ability to carry hundreds of books around with you without needing Father Christmas’ magical sack should be any book lover’s dream, yet I don’t think I’ll be able to get my head around this one technological leap for a long time to come.
Elsewhere in this paper there is an article about the ineffable growth of eBook readers such as the Kindle. Over the last year these devices have gone from expensive toys to affordable tools available for the majority of people; with the release of even cheaper models there is sure to be increased sales for those buying them for Christmas presents.
I have to be honest with you here: I do not like the concept of eBooks; the idea offends my bookwormish sensibilities. This is a very traditionalistic point of view but, when it comes to books, I’ve always been snobby. The feel of a paper tome in your hands as you delve into a world or find out more about our own planet is inescapably wonderful. Books have had an hypnotic hold on me ever since I began devouring the lending boxes at my primary school and the thought of neglecting them for a screen; well I feel that some of the magic would be lost.
We already spend the vast majority of our time nowadays reading off of a screen so when it comes to the intimate act of reading a novel I think it demands a physical copy of the work – for one, it will never run out of battery or breakdown on you.
Many of you will disagree; when I think rationally I do too. Having the ability to carry hundreds of books around with you without needing Father Christmas’ magical sack should be any book lover’s dream, yet I don’t think I’ll be able to get my head around this one technological leap for a long time to come.
