paper poetry
Poets need paper. The underlying reason is haptics, the deep embedded prompts that the codex provides. The paradox of conveying conceptual works via a physical object is not wasted on poets. (see
poetbloggs)
John Szirmai, avatar of the future of the book
“On the occasion of his 80th birthday on March 18, 2005 I wish to recognize him as the tireless champion he has become of bookbindings–past and present. I am certain that many
colleagues will join me in gratitude by congratulating him and
wishing him only the best.” Gerd Brinkhus
I recall standing and cheering at the end of one of his lectures. What a clear understanding and artful appreciation of the
meanings of surviving early books! What a great planet we would have if we would act on the enlightenment of such scholarly book advocates.
definition of a book
Books transmit conceptual works across time and cultures.
Surprisingly, there is not that much hand ringing over the persistence of electronic resources. It is frequently mentioned that the computer can ìstoreî vastly greater quantities of documentary materials. But for how long? And for how long without modification?
The fourth century codices found in a jar at Nag Hammadi were immediately readable after 16 centuries. In a few decades they have enriched the understanding of pre-cursive sources of New Testament scripture and have enriched the understanding of sectarian philosophy of the period. Just as miraculous, we know that they were unmodified during that long time.
book wave of the future
Electronic reading device advocates frequently mention that younger readers are more likely to adopt e-books. But younger people are more likely to adopt audio devices, such as the Walkman or iPod, rather than reading devices. For the future of books the enthusiasms of older readers should be observed.
politically correct
Michael Gorman has an excellent statement on the political position of the American Library Association in the June/July American Libraries.
“The current discourse delights in calling people who express disagreement “leftists”, “traitors”, and “radicals”, but the truth is that principled people of all political persuasions are rightly worried about the safety of the Consitution and its guarantees in the hands of those who pursue the illusion of security by repressing liberty.”
About two years ago Richard Minsky posted his
comments on the dictum illustrated above. Ever since this image made by Richard has leaked to the web and generated immense traffic as discussions of the Patriot Act churn. Although corrupted beyond recognition, the basic admonition remains a guidepost from the 18th century Enlightenment. Check the Wikipedia
entry.