The Physicality of Books Redux
November 6th, 2006 by Alan Chudnow
A short while ago I talked about Jeff VanderMeer’s poll on the Physicality of Books. Jeff posited five questions to over eighty authors and posted the answers on the fantastic metropolis website. I got a very nice note from Jeff saying he’s putting together a book with the original answers plus those from others he’s received since. He also encouraged me to answer the questions myself. It was a very interesting exercise.
Here are my answers.
- What do you most like about the book as a physical object?
I love the feel of a well made book in the hand, the weight, the tactical sensation you get when you riffle through the pages. Books that are finely crafted have the feel of a fine work of art. Excellent design also enhances the experience. A beautiful cover, printed or impressed boards, leather binding, all make the physical presence of the book unique and wonderful.
- Do you have any rituals or procedures you go through after acquiring a new (or used) book? (Some writers indicate they bite or smell books.)
I usually remove the dust jacket, hold the “naked” book in my hands and take a look at the front, back and spine, and then I flip through the pages a bit before replacing the dust jacket. I think a book without it jacket has a different sense to it. If the jacket doesn’t have a protective sleeve already I slip one on before replacing it. I don’t know, is that a ritual?
- Is it necessary for books to exist as physical objects in our increasingly electronic world? If so, why?
Absolutely. I have a hard time imagining a world without actual books. Firstly there will never be any such thing as a paperless world. That was a brave-new-world vision heralded by the introduction of the home computer and we’ve seen how well that works. Aside from the facts that only a relatively small number of people on the planet have access to electronic media, and that a great number of people who do have trouble reading long works on the screen, books are simply easier to use, completely independent and far more durable. The only thing you need to read a book is a little light. Try reading that e-book after your reader runs out of power or your three-year-old has spilled a glass of milk over it.
- What recent examples stand out for you as exemplar of well-designed, well-made books?
Older notables include the books produced by Underwood-Miller, the beautifully simple Gregg Press science fiction series and the limited, slip-covered editions from Phantasia Press. Blue Star put out a lovely run of some of Michael Moorock’s books illustrated by Bob Gould and Archival Press did the same with illustration by Michael Whelan. More recently, Arkham House, Savoy Books, Prime Books and Babbage Press.
- Do you have any memory connected to books that you would like to share?
I had occasion to visit London in the winter of 1991. It was record breaking cold and the city was covered over with ice and snow. It was late in the day, my wife and I were out sightseeing and decided to visit The Old Curiosity Shop. We rounded the corner onto Portsmouth Street at dusk and there in the half light was the old 16th century shop, covered in snow like it was plucked straight out of Dickens’ novel. The interior of the shop was just as true, dark and crowded, the rooms small with narrow staircases leading up to even more rooms filled with odd artifacts and brick-a-brac. It was truly marvelous and the only time I’ve ever felt like I actually stepped into a book.
I encourage you to answer the questions yourself. I think you’ll discover some interesting insights into the reasons you love books and book collecting.
