In A History of Reading, by Alberto Manguel, Manguel explains the value books possessed in the 1800s. According to Manguel, books were valued by all—both the elite and the poor classes. In most cases, books were traded amongst people in exchange for treasured goods. Rare books, on the other hand, were sold at prices as high as $30,000 (239). They were regarded as precious commodities so much so that people would go to extreme lengths in order to protect their books from thieves and library raiders. Tallemant des Réaux believed that everyone sought the “pleasure of holding a rare volume in one’s hands” (241).
I experienced a sense of amusement while reading the “Stealing Books” Chapter in A History of Reading. I found the information Manguel presents in this chapter amusing because of the differing attitudes society held about books from the 1800s and the new millennium. I cannot imagine people having to worry about guarding their books in their homes over heirlooms and other prized possessions. Nevertheless, the majority the population no longer value books in today’s society. It is apparent that reading is not considered a recreational activity by many. This is demonstrated through the closing of many of the Borders Bookstore locations, nationwide. Nowadays, people rather spend money on technological resources (iPods, iPads, and touch-screen cell phones) than spend money on the latest books.
My, my, my how times have changed. I, too, succumb to the enticement of technology over reading in my leisure time. When I was younger, I used to pick up a book whenever I was bored. I loved reading about the different adventures of the American Girl Dolls in the American Girl Doll Colllection. But now, whenever I have some free time, I log into Facebook and learn about the different adventures of my friends by viewing their pictures.
Living in a society where the inhabitants do not read as much as they ought to saddens me. We, as citizens, are not only hurting ourselves, but we are hurting the future generations to come. If we, as adults, cannot find the time to pick up a book and expand our knowledge, how do we expect the children to do the same? After all, they are the future; it is up to us to set a positive example for each and every one of them.
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ReplyDeleteI slightly disagree that people are not reading as much, it may be that they are reading differently than in the past. With the invention of the web, email and text messaging communication has changed forever. If this book were written in 100 years that would be the next section. It is an evolutionary process that the publishing industry must adapt to as well.
ReplyDeleteThe issue that concerns me about technology is the creation of a whole new language. It is like Manquel writes about early in the book. There was no universal spelling or punctuation. If someone does not tackle this issue we may find ourselves stuck in the darkness of the past where reading becomes too complicated and only the super educated partake.