It hasn’t gone unnoticed by this particular book addict that the producers of books out there have really stepped up to the plate lately. I suspect that this is due in no small part to the ebook revolution. I have a kindle – I am very fond of it. However it will never and could never replace actual books for me. I don’t even read that much on it really, although I find it enormously useful for when I am away from home. One of the things that is marvellous about this ebook revolution is that it seems to be encouraging people to read a lot of old books, particularly classics – all those titles which are out of copyright and so therefore available free.
Surely then, it is no coincidence that publishers are producing legions of sumptuous editions of these books that one could simply download for free. They aren’t silly are they? They know how to tempt us. We book addicts (and I am a fully paid up member of that particular group) are easily tempted into buying books which are physically beautiful. It is ridiculous isn’t it? I have a kindle; I could download at time I wish copies of whatever classic tale I might wish to read. The madness however doesn’t even stop there. I already have many many old Penguin and Oxford classics editions of these books. I bought them maybe twenty or twenty five years ago – I bought them to read, I read them (during my previous classics phase –which lasted a good number of years) and often kept them. However they are faded now, the spines slightly cracked, and I have been tempted away from my trusty old editions, and bought new pretty editions. In my defence I am only purchasing new editions of books I intend to re-read – and I like to think I have been doing my (very big) bit for the publishing industry in these difficult economic times. I feel rather sorry for my old editions, a bit guilty as if I am in some way betraying old friends ( yes that is ridiculous) – though I am certainly not just throwing them away – as a somewhat lapsed (but still very much signed up) bookcrosser I am able to pass on my old books to deserving causes. I recently gave away an old copy of Jane Eyre to a friend who decided she fancied re-reading it and didn’t have a copy. I like to think therefore that I am sharing my love of my favourite books, and my old faded copies get a new lease of life with someone else. 
The words are the same, the stories as thrilling in whatever edition one reads them in, dusty old edition bought twenty years ago, kindle edition or beautiful clothbound hardback – yet for some reason that I can’t quite explain the reading pleasure is enhanced by reading these texts in shiny new beautiful editions. That suggests that reading is partly at least a physical experience – for some of us at least – I know I am not alone in buying these new gorgeous editions. I also received some for Christmas, they do after all make wonderful gifts so I am sure I wasn’t alone in that either.
During my month of re-reading in January I have been reading a lot of old classics, only most of them have been read in pretty new editions, some I bought particularly to read during my re-reading month, some were Christmas gifts. Joining the classics club a couple of months ago – re-ignited my old love of classics, they are the kinds of books which bear re-reading, and then there are those I am discovering for the first time. I don’t seem to be alone, I am seeing many other readers and bloggers talking about classic literature just lately – another sign I think of the increased popularity of classic books. Is this because of ebooks? Or is it the piles of glorious new editions that are tempting us all back to the Brontes, Jane Austen, Dickens and co? Or have classic books always remained popular – and am I only just noticing it now?
I am determined to carry on re-reading regularly as it has been such a joy – I am certainly not going to replace every classic book in my house with a new edition, though I can’t promise I won’t acquire a few more – they are just so pretty – and I am a sucker it seems for pretty new editions. I will also be reminding myself that the contents of the books are the same – that I don’t really need the new edition – oh but they are pretty.
And what about publishers like Persephone who have been publishing their grey books now for several years?
I have recently picked up a limited edition Prachett book (of which I already had a standard hardback). Cant remember if it’s a first edition, but it’s a nice boxed hardback.
Personally I’m not buying new editions of books I already have (apart from recently picking up anothed edition of Jane Eyre in preparation for a re-read!) as I already have too many books and need to shift some before buying more of anything
absolutely, I’ll be writing a post about that particular obsession soon.
They’re absolutely lovely, Ali – particularly like the clothbound hardbacks…. I sympathise and empathise completely with you – if you’re a book obsessive the physical side is very, very important. I hadn’t thought about the connection with lovely new books vs. kindle etc but I think you are quite right here! Happy re-reading!
I’ve started collecting the Penguin clothbounds and it’s addictive. I now have 15 and I already have paperback copies of every single one, in some cases multiple copies.
Don’t even ask me how many editions of Jane Austen novels that I own. It’s embarrassing.
: ) glad it isn’t just me then : )
I replace favorite paperbacks (most of which were purchased used from the library for 50 cents each) when I find a used hardcover ($1.00). I then donate the paperback back to the library so that they can sell it again. Works for us both. I’m not likely to find any as beautiful as your new ones though!
I’m in love with those clothbound ones … thanks for sharing your “finds” with us!
I think I will be getting more Austens in the clothbound editions at least – so I have the set – the feel of the books are lovely the quality of the paper etc. I even love the little ribbon.
What a lovely post! I understand completely. I got given a rather splendid new copy of The Great Gatsby – one of my favourite novels of all time I re-red it last summer and felt a bit mean for abandoning my trusty old copy that I bought to celebrate the end of my final exams at university. It makes perfect sense to have more than one copy of classics, I think. I love beautiful editions of books and have often been tempted to join the Folio society for that reason!
Re-read, sorry…..auto correct corrected me!
I dare not go anywhere near the Folio society – it would ruin me : )
Glad I’m not the only one tempted to buy new editions.
That’s why I’m an addict of posh editions, especially Folio ones, too. The feel of the paper, the heft in the hand, the white space around the text, the design of the covers, the feel of the covers, and sometimes wonderful illustrations. All these enhance the reading experience, and make it more pleasurable.
The tendency is to just look at them though … I did once buy a Folio edition, looked at and stroked it as you do, then shelved it and read my old paperback! Silly me – I wouldn’t do that now.
I’ve looked at Folio editions online – I have never dared get into those : ) they are beautiful indeed.
I have to confess I am a bit of a completist – so the only clothbound Penguins I have are the Austens. I really get twitchy about beautiful copies of only 1 of the 4 books I love by an author being in a special edition… I know, odd, right? It’s wonderful to see just how much enthusiasm the resurgence of beautiful classics is bringing in though.
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