Mr. FolioDeux makes money as an editor, not as a scientist, but he loves to read about science. So, naturally, I bought him a copy (from our local independent bookstore) of The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes. He enjoyed it so much that I decided I’d use it as my infusion reading at my last session. I, too, was really engaged by Holmes’ wonderful writing, and have continued to read in the volume (indeed, I’m sad to see the end is rapidly approaching). HOWEVER, I’m not so happy about the fact that the book — which has been gently used! — is already falling apart. The front cover is pulling away from the spine. Well, we didn’t buy this as an investment, but, still, it’s sad, a lovely first edition that is going to be worthless by the time I finish reading it. I won’t even feel good about loaning it out or giving it away.
This is, I hope, an anomaly. I like buying “real” books, but if they are made to decompose so quickly, I’ll soon be sticking with older books — it’s not as if there aren’t dozens of books on my “need to read this someday” list.