Hitler and the churches

[tomarin]

I rarely use the internet for research (though I will, to jog my memory). I prefer books.

 

[kalt]

Just commenting on mine, myself. Stop by and help me count them some day.

GKC

No, commenting in general in that post. It’s really not all about you.

 

[kalt]

I suspect I am one of the oldest members, as suggested by my 45 years of collecting and studying Chesterton (and Belloc and Lewis and Tolkien and others of that ilk). But the hobby started 10 years earlier, when I was in the 6th grade, and bought Dekker’s DEFEAT AT SEA, GERMAN RAIDER “ATLANTIS” (author forgotten, packed away) Ruppelt’s THE REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS and Carr and Doyle’s collection of pastiches, THE EXPLOITS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES. In each of these areas I’ve continued to collect and read for those 55 years or so. And added many other areas along the way. And I have no expectation of living long enough to read all I own, but I’ll give it a shot. The others are ready reference, until then. I rarely use the internet for research (though I will, to jog my memory). I prefer books. On another RC board a question was raised recenty about a point related to Mary, Queen of Scots’ excecution at Fotheringhay. I found the point in two of my books on her, one of which I had read, one of which awaits reading. Owning both, I could reference both, by page, if needed. I like that.

In short, I love books. Buying books, reading books, collecting books, using books, living with books. And, like Scrooge McDuck and his money, I like tossing them up in the air and letting them hit me on the head (See " Only a Poor Old Man", UNCLE SCROOGE COMICS, 1952).

GKC

OT - I’ve looked at the Kindle and the other brand (Sony?), but I also like the feel of books. Books (and we) are quickly becoming fossils. Even the library here (which is not cutting edge) offers book downloads now.

I like sitting on the front steps with one of a series of kids books in hand. The wamth of the concrete and the page–Kindle just can’t compare.

Then again, you could carry a lot of your library around with you. In a few years, I bet they’ll have a version that will hold most of it. But could you ever give up the paper and ink versions? I don’t think I will - not willingly.

 

[kalt]

We’re all of a mind.

I wrote about the Kindle in another post. I wouldn’t like to read from one (for pleasure), but now that I’m thinking about it, imagine having the Bible, the CCC, and several other volumes to reference in one, compact unit.

Hmm, maybe I am ready for a Kindle. I’m still not giving up the books, though.

 

[GKC]

No, commenting in general in that post. It’s really not all about you.

Making sure it’s not taken as being about me, in any sense.

GKC

 

[GKC]

GKC, I hope the climate where you live is not too damp (for the sake of your books in the attic and garage).

No problem with that, though years ago, I lost about 2 boxes of my father’s books to the depredations of cockroaches. The only other problem I’ve ever had was an infestation of rats, which destroyed about 25 books in storage. Naturally, 3-4 of them were of some collectible interest. But moisture is not an issue. So far. I’ll have a separate heating and A/C system for the new library. Eventually.

GKC

 

[GKC]

OT - I’ve looked at the Kindle and the other brand (Sony?), but I also like the feel of books. Books (and we) are quickly becoming fossils. Even the library here (which is not cutting edge) offers book downloads now.

I like sitting on the front steps with one of a series of kids books in hand. The wamth of the concrete and the page–Kindle just can’t compare.

Then again, you could carry a lot of your library around with you. In a few years, I bet they’ll have a version that will hold most of it. But could you ever give up the paper and ink versions? I don’t think I will - not willingly.

I have trouble using a screen based presentation. There is something in the tactile sensation of books that I need. Recently I reviewed a proposed talk on Chesterton, for a member of another board. Though it was only 3 pages of notes, I printed it off, and later stuck it in a Chesterton book for reference. I just don’t like pages that glow. I do use technology to tote around my other main hobby: mp3s of old radio shows.

Your image of sitting on the steps, with a book in hand, is spot on. That was precisely my childhood, and frequently the books were the Winston SF series for juveniles. Which I now own, in original editions, save for 1 title.

Paper rules.

GKC