Sins of a Bibliophile

[Scheherazade]

I love reading but do not collect books. If I happen to buy, I don't go for the fancy hardcover ones... I do not mind the stickers endorsing celebrity book clubs... and I don't mind being spotted reading a copy with such a sticker.

I realise that this places me right at the bottom of the bibliophile caste system but *shrugs* I don't really care. I come from very humble backgrounds and will not pretend to be something that I am not. :D

And I realise that by calling such attitudes "sins", I leave myself open to public humiliation and even alienation.

Stones are to your right and rotten tomatoes to your left. Feel free to throw them generously!

:D


You can pick more than one option.

[AuntShecky]

My biggest sin is that the vast majority of the volumes I own are second-hand: from library book sales and from garage sales.

(So much for supporting the publishing industry! On the other hand, financially speaking, the publishing industry has never supported me.)

[Homers_child]

I'd say my biggest one is buying more books when I have ones I've yet to read. I can't help it. My reading list just gets longer and longer because I buy faster than I read. But no worries, I always eventually get to them. :lol:

I do tend to avoid annoying stickers as well. Simply because I don't like the way they look. But if the version is cheaper, I will sometimes go for it.

[The Comedian]

I buy books; sometimes borrow them. It depends, really. But have no issue with the quality or "image" of the cover.

I clicked the "buy special editions" choice, however, which is true except for the "whenever I can" designation. In particular, I have one book-buying, special-edition weakness: Absolute edition comic books. They sucker me in all the time.

[papayahed]

Doh!!! I despise those stickers and the books that have the movies covers.

[Helga]

I don't want to borrow books, I want to own them and have a big library in my living room mainly because I want to be able to look into them whenever I want read a special chapter or a poem, I don't like the ones with the stickers but occasionally I buy them. I have many second hand books so I don't really care about that but I would never write in a book and I can't stand it when people have too big bookmarks or fold down the corner to remember were they are... it's like disrespecting the book and the work behind it!!!!

[Wilde woman]

I hoard books even though I have a lot I haven't read yet. In my defense though, I only buy books cheaply; I rarely shop at the pricey retail stores and can afford everything in my library, with very few exceptions.

I wouldn't say I buy special editions so much as I buy books with critical essays in them. I like Norton editions.

The movie editions are really annoying to me. I hate it when a whole new edition of books with spiffy new covers come out just because it's the movie of the week.

[Chava]

Yep, the major sin must be the accelerated growth of my collection. I have no self control in this area. I've even put my bookshopping down under the "Intelectual and academics" of my budget, becasue that is an indisputable category...

That, and I will always avoid movie covers. I love the creative, colourful and visually appealing covers (yes, i have bought books because of their covers or quirky titles such as; "Memoires de un elephant")(forgive mediocre french, its something like that)

[Nightshade]

The opening of book thing, is more my mum used to confiscate new books in exam time, or rather buy them so I had books for the last day, also although I could read the book in a couple of hours and it takes her a week, she didn't ( still doesnt actually) like me nicking her book and reading it while she is out but they ( the books) would taunt me so I developed the ability to read them and leave them looking untoucched.
It almost kills me when I lend someon a book and the first thing they do is crack the spine! :eek2:
Most of my books are second hand I cant go past a charity shop without going in and grabbing a book or twom, even if I wont read them I usually know somoen who will. So currently I have a pile of romances I piccked up for my flatmate and now shes done with them I have to get them to a differnt charity shop :rolleyes:

[Virgil]

Good thread Scher. I definitely hoard books. Big time. I have no place left to put them and I still keep buying. I'm not particular in what I buy, hard cover, soft cover, old, or used (if in not too bad shape). I buy from every where, book store, internet, stand on the street. I definitely write in my books and I keep them for life.

[Scheherazade]

I would like to thank everyone for their honesty. :)

Also for apparent lack of stones and rotten tomatoes flying in my direction.

[kilted exile]

I write on books, underline passaages, fold down corners to keep my place. Couldnt care less what is on the cover so long as the correct words are inside
Books are to be read & devoured whole.

[Nightshade]

I write on books, underline passaages, fold down corners to keep my place. Couldnt care less what is on the cover so long as the correct words are inside
Books are to be read & devoured whole.

Who was it that said that? And as a note to self , if i ever ever by somefreaky chance lend you a book Kilted, just keep it.


:lol:

Scher if you want stones you lobbed at you you can have them :brow:

I might add that if I am going to thebother of buyng a brand new book (to keep not in the read and pass it on pile), then I do hoo and ha over what edtion, what cover, paper quality, size font etc. Like at the moment I am hanging out for a nice hard cover of Gaskells North and South and Edgeworth's Belinda. beccasue I read them so often The paperbacck would just get damaged and die.

[librarius_qui]

I'm not a "bibliophilus" :crash:


(lq)

[Niamh]

I'm a total hoarder! I love books.

[Nightshade]

wait if you routineely cull and send off books to a charity shop does that mean you are NOT a horder :confused:

[PoeticPassions]

I definitely buy too many books and then have some that I haven't read yet... but I love buying books and if I go into a bookstore (esp. a used one), it is basically impossible for me to walk out empty handed.

Also, I am kind of reluctant to let people borrow books because I have had a few friends not return them or whatnot. I let my boyfriend borrow any he likes, but we live together, so that's ok.

And I can't imagine giving my books away. No, no, sorry I know it is selfish!

[Scheherazade]

if I go into a bookstore (esp. a used one), it is basically impossible for me to walk out empty handed.

I have the same problem whenever I visit a library... I often walk out with too many books... And my bedtime table is always piled up with books which might take me to read at least three months. However, the good thing with a library is that I don't have to worry about budgeting for my "purchases" and also I can very easily say "no" if someone asks me to lend them books. They are library books, after all! :D

A few months ago I bought couple of books because they were not available at the library but I donated them to the library as soon as I read them.

I am guilty of only one sin out of ten... How about you?

[Nightshade]

I have over 35 books from libraries at the moment..:D
I think really I am guily of 2 because I tend to hoard only books I reread so many times, or refernace books.

[Virgil]

I guess I'm guilty of three sins, two of which are related. Horading and not lending are fairly close to the same thing. I write in my books (and at times write extensively) and while I don't consider that a sin, many do. Should we create a Dante's hell for book sinners? :D

[Trystan]

The first one. But I will get round to them when I have time . . . . some fine day . . . .

[The Walker]

ok, I will never donate my books to a library. The mere sound of it makes me sick :lol really i LOVE my books, I cannot imagine myself giving them away, no way.
I wouldnt like to loan them but i have no choice since is my mom or my sister who reads them.
I'm afraid to write on my books.
And if I have money I always go out from a library with a book :D

[mono]

The responses that most applied to me, and strongly so:

I hoard books even though my library is full of books that I haven't read yet.
I usually purchase books, sarcastically in a "Costco"-esque sense, in bulk, and always get around to read them eventually, whether that span of time measuring a few days or a few months.

I will never write on books or underline.
A sin, indeed.

I do not let others borrow my books if I can avoid it.
I would sooner lend someone my warmest jacket before a book, as I have had too many books "misplaced" by others, including a signed copy of Selected Poems by Allen Ginsberg. That thief . . . err, person soon ended up a not-so-much friend.

I buy special edition books whenever I can.
Whether a first edition, signed, fine binding, illustrated, or critical edition, you bet. ;)






I like showing off my library (in real life or photos on the internet).
I did not mark this one, because I do not entirely relate with the statement, but only partially. I do not "like showing off my library," per se, but there exist a certain satisfaction and pride in gazing at my overflowing bookshelf that stands higher than I do, recalling passages from some of the individual books, flipping through them from time to time for reference, and having them as (and I know this sounds silly) a decorative collection - indeed, I have pictures on my walls, nice clocks, and paintings on canvas, but the heavy oak shelf with books stacked sideways and continuing onto another shelf makes an aesthetic appearance in the same way as walking by the dizzying shelves of a library can feel somewhat breathtaking. Perhaps I just seem a bit of the sentimental type. :p

[higley]

I guess I'm guilty of three sins, two of which are related. Horading and not lending are fairly close to the same thing. I write in my books (and at times write extensively) and while I don't consider that a sin, many do. Should we create a Dante's hell for book sinners? :D

It would be precisely four hundred and fifty one degrees Fahrenheit. :D

[grace86]

I have an illness...I continue to persistently buy books even though I do not have the time to read them. My library keeps growing and yet I have no money to buy another bookcase. So they're just manifesting a home anywhere!

:D And with my whole being I stay away from books that have movie covers on them. I also avoid reading a book (or at least avoid being seen in public reading a book) that has just recently been turned into a movie that hasn't had the movie edition made yet. Somehow I think people will think I'm less of a bibliophile..or that I am just reading it BECAUSE it's a movie. Guess it's my quirk. Not that anyone would care if they saw me reading it lol...

[PoeticPassions]

I guess I'm guilty of three sins, two of which are related. Horading and not lending are fairly close to the same thing. I write in my books (and at times write extensively) and while I don't consider that a sin, many do. Should we create a Dante's hell for book sinners? :D

I write in my books too, Virgil. I don't deem it a sin, but yes many see it as some kind of vandalism or destruction of something sacred.

I think it would be a great idea to create a Dante's hell for book sinners... maybe we can start a thread? :)

[Scheherazade]

I think it would be a great idea to create a Dante's hell for book sinners... maybe we can start a thread? :)Actually I have another idea, which was the reason behind starting this thread :D

I will wait for more members to confess their "sins", though, before starting what we can call the redemption process ;)


Also, reading Grace's post I could not help wondering whether we thought less of people who read books with movie covers or stickers on them... Or people who write on their books etc (depending on your sin).

So, do you think less of people who do not treat the books the way you do?

I consider buying books persistently (hoarding) or pursuing special editions a sin and I do kind of wish people did not do those things.

How about you?

[kasie]

I hoard books - guilty as charged, m'lud - but you already knew that, I've confessed to book-buying binges already.

As to the rest of the 'sins', I don't think I'm guilty, though people who want to borrow my books have to undergo a test first (they may not realise it at the time :D ) - I lend them a book I don't much care about and if it comes back fairly promptly and in good nick, they can have another some time, one I do care about its being returned. Some books never leave the house, however - I have a (very) few with a book-plate in the front with that quote from Hamlet: 'Never a borrower nor a lender be'....

I don't write in books much any more but I used to in my student days - I learned not to be too 'precious' about books as objects at that time, as entities, perhaps, but not as objects in themselves which is why I have never turned into a book collector in the Special Editions sense. But I can't quite understand why not opening a book fully should be a 'sin' - surely that's just looking after things in general? I watched a tv prog last week in which Sheila Hancock (a much loved British actress, for the info of non-British readers) talking about her favourite poetry: at one point she was asked to read a poem so she took a copy of the book - and bent it back so that the spine cracked :eek: Shock! Horror! I can't have been the only viewer who exclaimed aloud at that! (I can't even remember what the poem was, I was so overwhelmed.)

As you know, my book-buying addiction is at such a pitch that I cannot keep away from bookshops - I went to the opera last night, arrived rather early, less traffic on the motorway than expected, and wandered into the foyer bookshop - just to pass the time, you understand - and...well, who could resist a book called The Earth Hums in B Flat?

Perhaps we should start a thread for Bookbuyers Anonymous - 'My name is kasie and I buy books'.....

Edit: sorry, Scher - you posted the same thought while I was mulling over the above! Great Minds?

[Tupelo]

I don't know about sins, but in my own collection of books the most loved, most precious, are the books that are battered, corners folded, pencil marked, perhaps even torn pages, post-it notes all over the place... these are the books I've returned to again and again, re-read, adored.

For some reason, the sight of a library of perfect copies (spines unbroken, perfect pages) is a sad one to me. The beauty of a book is not in the object itself, but within the pages.

If that makes me a sinner, send me straight to hell!

I don't want redemption...

[Whifflingpin]

1. I accumulate - I do not hoard, whatever you may think from the books in the sitting room, the bathroom, the kitchen, the bedrooms, the bathroom and the loft - and just because I've had some of them for over half a century - no, definitely not a hoarder. At least I've read them all, apart from the reference books.

2. Yes, mostly hard cover, but not on any principle.

3. "3 for 2" stickers are good. Not bothered about movie versions. Celebrities don't read my kind of books.

4. Text books or study books can be written in - definitely not others

5. Guilty as charged. Why handle books carelessly?

6. I've lent a few, lost a few, borrowed a few and not returned them - don't lend me a book.

7. I mostly buy second-hand books

8. Like Mono, I find the appearance of shelves of books aesthetically pleasing. I'm not bothered about showing mine off, although I have listed them on Librarything - not sure why.

9. I have never considered donating books to a library. I've donated a few to charity shops, does that count?

10. If I can afford it, I buy more interesting editions or prettier bindings by preference.



Scher does not think I am going to book-hell, she is sure I come from there.

[Scheherazade]

Scher does not think there can be a "book-hell" but there might a bookless corner of the hell where "book sinners" are sent to be punished... Too many books in this world, none in the other!

;)

[Whifflingpin]

"Also, reading Grace's post I could not help wondering whether we thought less of people who read books with movie covers or stickers on them... Or people who write on their books etc (depending on your sin).

So, do you think less of people who do not treat the books the way you do?"

No, people can buy what books they want. If they happen to buy them on the recommendation of someone they admire who am I to argue?

If they own the books, they are entitled to treat them how they like - otherwise they should treat them with care - but that applies to anything.

And the treatment of books, in general, depends on what the book is intended for. To students, books are tools - and a ban on writing in study books would be as absurd as banning a carpenter from sharpening his chisels. At the other extreme, misusing or writing in a "fine binding" would be in the same category as painting glasses and a moustache on the Mona Lisa.

"Scher does not think there can be a "book-hell" but there might a corner of a bookless corner of the hell where "book sinners" are sent to be punished... Too many books in this world, none in the other!"

I wonder - would that be a punishment, or just a de-tox centre?

[Scheherazade]

I wonder - would that be a punishment, or just a de-tox centre?Well, in theory, you are supposed to walk out of the detox centre sooner or later! ;)

[Virgil]

I also avoid reading a book (or at least avoid being seen in public reading a book) that has just recently been turned into a movie that hasn't had the movie edition made yet. Somehow I think people will think I'm less of a bibliophile..or that I am just reading it BECAUSE it's a movie. Guess it's my quirk. Not that anyone would care if they saw me reading it lol...
Haven't you heard you can't judge a book by looking at the cover? :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ixaXBWtyc


Scher does not think there can be a "book-hell" but there might a bookless corner of the hell where "book sinners" are sent to be punished... Too many books in this world, none in the other!

;)
Oh no, now that would really be hell. Book cases all around me and not beoing able to take one. Aaaccckkk!!! :p

[Buh4Bee]

I don't know about sins, but in my own collection of books the most loved, most precious, are the books that are battered, corners folded, pencil marked, perhaps even torn pages, post-it notes all over the place... these are the books I've returned to again and again, re-read, adored.

For some reason, the sight of a library of perfect copies (spines unbroken, perfect pages) is a sad one to me. The beauty of a book is not in the object itself, but within the pages.

If that makes me a sinner, send me straight to hell!

I don't want redemption...

Tepelo,
I'm not a book freak, but I can relate to your love of books. You talk about them as if they were a Porsche, and I mean that as a compliment.

When I read what you wrote, I almost got emotional.

Keep reading man! Rock on!

[mono]

And the treatment of books, in general, depends on what the book is intended for. To students, books are tools - and a ban on writing in study books would be as absurd as banning a carpenter from sharpening his chisels. At the other extreme, misusing or writing in a "fine binding" would be in the same category as painting glasses and a moustache on the Mona Lisa.
Interesting, and wisely said, Whifflingpin. I suppose I get a bit obsessed with preservation, and still cringe a bit to see even a math textbook mistreated, despite it never seeming my favorite subject (and I sometimes felt, too, to toss it off a tall building), but, I agree with you, they seem more tools to a student, rather than a handbound, treasured edition of poetry, for one example. :eek:

[Scheherazade]

they seem more tools to a student, rather than a handbound, treasured edition of poetry, for one example. :eek:No doubt. However, those poems will as great if they were scribbled on paper towel.

Why do we measure the value of written words by their cover, binding or ownership?

[papayahed]

No doubt. However, those poems will as great if they were scribbled on paper towel.

Why do we measure the value of written words by their cover, binding or ownership?

Exactly. I've seen some of the best stuff written on bathroom walls.

[Scheherazade]

Exactly. I've seen some of the best stuff written on bathroom walls.Maybe those were leather bound, 1st edition walls without any movie stickers on them?

:p

[Virgil]

Exactly. I've seen some of the best stuff written on bathroom walls.

I'm willing to bet you've been the author of some of those writings. :D

"For a good time, call Papayahed at 829-838-2200." :p

[grace86]

Haha Virg I don't judge a book by a cover...lol I just purchase the same book without that cover! I'm just playing!

Considering I don't like paperbacks with movie covers, I have a few of them myself. But as mentioned before, it's just some self esteem issue attributed with that one! ;)

You know, in regards to Scher's question on whether or not we think differently of people who say, would like movie covers or do enjoy writing in their books...I don't judge them. I've known too many people who can't stand reading that I'm almost down with anything...as long as people are reading...write in your books, dog ear the ends of the pages, or curl the book up in your pocket for all I care, as long as you're reading....................

...............of course..............this is within reason lol. :D

[Scheherazade]

I'm willing to bet you've been the author of some of those writings. :D

"For a good time, call Papayahed at 829-838-2200." :pNow, now, Virgil... Just because you leave such messages, please don't assume that others do too!

:p


I've known too many people who can't stand reading that I'm almost down with anything...as long as people are reading...write in your books, dog ear the ends of the pages, or curl the book up in your pocket for all I care, as long as you're reading....................I agree...

Going a few posts back, I think for me all books are tools... Some are study aids, some for entertainment...

[Virgil]

Oh, I see Papaya hasn't responded. I hope she wasn't offended.

I was only kidding around Papaya. Don't take that serious. :blush:

[papayahed]

Oh, I see Papaya hasn't responded. I hope she wasn't offended.

I was only kidding around Papaya. Don't take that serious. :blush:

Oh virgie, I've been busy - they just put in a new stalls in at the mall.:alien::idea:

[Virgil]

Thanks. :)

[Whifflingpin]

"Why do we measure the value of written words by their cover, binding or ownership?"

I guess that is meant as a rhetorical question, but I'll answer it anyway.

The cover, binding and ownership do not affect the value of the words, but a book is not just words - it is words contained in an artefact. Even though the value of the words remains the same, the value or interest of the artefact will vary.

So, for example, I have a fairly ordinary biography of a character who was famous in his day, but is now largely forgotten - the words hardly justify their place on my bookshelf. However, the book contains the signature of the subject's friend, who happened to be one of the foremost women in British theatre for fifty years, and it also contains, pasted into it, a letter written by the subject and sent by balloon from besieged Paris in 1870.

The words are no more valuable, but the book is a little bit of history that, in some way, connects me to great people and events of the past in a way that a paperback reprint would not.

That, of course, is an unusual example, but, purely as objects, leather bound books tend to be more pleasing than cloth or paperback books. (My grand-daughter loves the appearance, smell and feel of my old books. She is only just learning to read, so the words mean nothing to her, but the books speak to her in many other ways.) The sort of people who like antiques find that old books are more satisfying than new ones. Indeed, books are probably the most affordable antiques.

So, maybe you should not judge a work of literature by its cover, but it is certainly fair to judge a book by its cover, if you happen to like books, rather than merely literature.

[TurquoiseSunset]

I'm mostly guilty of hoarding books. I have a lot that I haven't read yet! I'm running out of space now :( and I'm not sure where I'll put my next books, but I know I wont stop buying. So it's definitely going to become a problem soon. But I do give some of my books to the library (our's really needs it), but those are the ones that I've read and didn't like or wont read again.

I don't mind stickers, but I mostly take them off anyway because they can become ugly when handled too much. I don't like movie covers though, but only because they don't look as nice, and I don't think less of people who read them or sticker books...what's wrong with being curious about a book because it popular or a movie now? And if it turns out to be a good book, great!

I definitely buy used books, if they are in a nice condition.

I don't like lending my books, but I will to a select few, because they follow the rules :D. I have made a mistake in the past of talking about books that I own and then people immediately ask if they can borrow some...ugh...I hate that. So now I avoid mentioning that I own the book I'm 'currently' reading.

I also get people who roll their eyes at me because I would rather pay a liiiittle bit more for a nicer cover. I don't so much like to show off my books as much I like to look at them though. I just love looking at all the colourful covers; remembering the stories; referring to passages, and re-reading favourite chapters.

[qimissung]

I love books, and I have a number of them. Most of them are paperback and they are old and pretty ratty looking. My absolute favorite bookstore is HalfPrice Books in Dallas. They sell them for half price (:D) and they have a remarkable selection. When I can I go and allow myself the luxury of a couple of hours of just looking and deciding and choosing.

[Scheherazade]

So, maybe you should not judge a work of literature by its cover, but it is certainly fair to judge a book by its cover, if you happen to like books, rather than merely literature.I think this is a different issue... When they are judged based on their cover, binding, paper quality, print like this, books are mere collectors' items, collectible objects (regardless of what is written in them).

I do not view books like this.

[Whifflingpin]

"I think this is a different issue... When they are judged based on their cover, binding, paper quality, print like this, books are mere collectors' items, collectible objects (regardless of what is written in them)."

Change the word "mere" to "also" and that is just what I was trying to say.

Non sequitur: My afore-mentioned grand-daughter was visiting a few days ago. She had been enjoying "the appearance, smell and feel of [one of] my old books." After she'd been turning the pages for a few moments, she said "I'm going to try to read all the words I can." So she was encouraged to read by a bit of gilding. Is that worse than being encouraged to read by Oprah Thingy, or by a film?

[Scheherazade]

Non sequitur: My afore-mentioned grand-daughter was visiting a few days ago. She had been enjoying "the appearance, smell and feel of [one of] my old books." After she'd been turning the pages for a few moments, she said "I'm going to try to read all the words I can." So she was encouraged to read by a bit of gilding. Is that worse than being encouraged to read by Oprah Thingy, or by a film?I remember taking two three-year-olds and one six-year-old to a big library about six years ago... on their first ever visit to a "proper" library. They were amazed, lost words and giddy with happiness. One of the three-year-olds said she never thought there would be so many books in the world and how long did I think it would take to read them all. As far as I know they are still working -very hard- to complete the mission of reading all of those books in the library.

[bazarov]

Forgive me God, I am a great sinner. BUT I AM PROUD OF IT!

[Niamh]

I had to cul some of my books a few months back... but i'm making good progress of taking over the new place with books! still loads to move here! :blush:

[YesNo]

The only sin on the list that I realize that I commit is that I don't write in books. Since many of the books I read are library books that would not really be a sin, but I also don't write in the books I own. Maybe out of habit. Maybe because I don't want to be embarrassed later with what I've written.

[TheFifthElement]

I am a self-confessed book hoarder. I love having shelves filled with books. I have 4 book cases at the moment, and when my kids are grown and moved out (aka probably never) I intend to convert my dining room into a library, line the walls with shelves, put a comfy chair in there and some bean bags and a small table with a lamp and space for my tea cup and then fill the room full of books. I buy all sorts of books - new, used, cheap paperbacks and hardbacks. I've got a signed first edition which I got entirely by accident. Recently I've found myself much more drawn to some pretty bound hardback books - I like either picking up quite old ones, like the old Reader's Digest type books, or some of the new ranges of stylized hardback books like this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Enchanted-April-Elizabeth-von-Arnim/dp/1844087611/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319055440&sr=8-2) or this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jane-Penguin-Classics-Charlotte-Bront%C3%AB/dp/0141040386/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319055483&sr=1-5) which are books I've already read and love and which I've needed to replace (the dangers of lending to a friend, grr) or which, like this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Peace-Leo-Tolstoy/dp/0099512238/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319055556&sr=1-8), would benefit from a sturdier design and which I know I'll want to keep long term.

I also covet all books by Persephone Books (http://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/index.asp) which aside from being beautiful are fallen out of favour classics which are well worth a look. And they look very pretty on the shelf and the bindings really, really are incredibly sturdy and beautiful.

I am a bibliophile. Sigh.